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Ingredient functions

Ingredient functions describe what an ingredient is doing in the cosmetic formulation. We tried to come up with a list that is both user-friendly and describes the most important functions. You can read a much more complete, official function list at the EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng).

Have fun getting to know all the different things ingredients can do in a cosmetic product! :)

abrasive/scrub absorbent/mattifier anti-acne antimicrobial/antibacterial antioxidant astringent buffering cell-communicating ingredient chelating colorant deodorant emollient emulsifying emulsion stabilising exfoliant moisturizer/humectant perfuming preservative skin brightening skin-identical ingredient solvent soothing sunscreen surfactant/cleansing viscosity controlling
We do a Best of INCIDecoder email once a month with the most interesting products and ingredients we bump into.
*INCI is a list of the standardized and internationally accepted names used in the declaration of ingredients on cosmetic and personal care products. It is published by the Personal Care Product Council.
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