Skincare Products
This collection of skin and lip care products, including moisturisers, gels, toners, oils, exfoliants, and petroleum jelly, serves key functions such as hydration, softening, nourishment, and barrier protection. Each product type is formulated with specific ingredients: humectants and emollients for moisturisers, acids for exfoliants, and occlusives for barrier repair.
Formulation considerations include skin compatibility, pH balance, stability, and preservation, ensuring both efficacy and safety in cosmetic applications.
Skincare Products in Cosmetic Science
In this article about skincare products in cosmetic science you will learn about the skin’s epidermal structure (outermost layer of the skin), the different types of skincare preparations,
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Oils, waxes and fats | 90 |
Humectants | 50 |
Aqua | 50 |
Film forming agents | 30 |
Silicones | 20 |
Thickeners | 15 |
UV filters | 15 |
Bulking agents | 10 |
Emulsifying agents | 5 |
Cosmetic colourants | 5 |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 5 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Parfum | 2 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1 |
Flavouring agents | 1 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Ethanol, isopropanol (alcohol, alcohol denat, isopropyl alcohol) | 70 |
Emollients, humectants | 20 |
Additional ingredients | 10 |
Emulsifying agents, anionic, amphoteric, non-ionic surfactants | 6 |
Thickeners | 5 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 3.5 |
Colourants | 1 |
Parfum | 1 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 90 |
Silicones | 30 |
Humectants | 20 |
Plant extracts | 10 |
Emulsifying agents, anionic / amphoteric / non-ionic surfactants | 10 |
Thickeners | 5 |
Parfum | 5 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1.5 |
Colourants | 1 |
Oils | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Emollients, humectants | 40 |
Oils | 30 |
Emulsifying agents, anionic, amphoteric, non-ionic surfactants | 25 |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 25 |
Silicones including volatile silicones | 20 |
Chemical exfoliating agents | 10 |
Additional ingredients | 10 |
Thickeners | 5 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1 |
Parfum | 1 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Humectants | 50 |
Oils, waxes and fats | 40 |
Silicones including volatile silicones | 20 |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 20 |
Emulsifying agents, anionic / amphoteric / non-ionic surfactants | 10 |
Bulking agents | 10 |
Film forming polymers | 5 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Thickeners | 5 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 2 |
Colourants | 2 |
Parfum | 1 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 70 |
Humectants | 25 |
Plant extracts | 10 |
Oils Examples: vegetable, mineral | 5 |
Silicones including volatile silicones | 5 |
Emulsifying agents, anionic, amphoteric, non-ionic surfactants | 5 |
Thickeners | 2 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 2 |
Parfum | 1.5 |
Colourants | 1 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 90 |
Silicones | 30 |
Humectants | 20 |
Plant extracts | 10 |
Emulsifying agents, anionic / amphoteric / non-ionic surfactants | 10 |
Thickeners | 5 |
Parfum | 5 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1.5 |
Colourants | 1 |
Oils | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Petrolatum | 100 |
Parfum | 0.5 |
Fragrance Products
This category includes various fragrance-based cosmetic products such as liquid perfumes, solid perfumes, perfumed powders, oils, and highly fragranced creams or gels. These products are mainly perceived by scent, through different formats like sprays, pastes, or emollient bases.
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Formulation focuses on fragrance concentration, volatility, base compatibility, and stability. Key considerations include selecting appropriate solvents (e.g., ethanol or oils), ensuring fragrance longevity, avoiding skin irritation, and balancing fragrance with the product’s physical form and delivery method.
Fragrance Products in Cosmetic Science
In this article about fragrance products, Â you will learn everything you need to know about fragrances in the cosmetics industry. You’ll find information about how fragrances actually work,
Ingredient | Maximum Concentration (% w/w) |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 98 |
Parfum | 30 |
Emollients & Humectants | 10 |
Emulsifying Agents | 2 |
UV Filters | 2 |
Thickeners | 2 |
Colourants | 1 |
Chelating Agents | 1 |
Antioxidants | 0.5 |
Aqua | To 100 |
Ingredients | Maximum Concentration (% w/w) |
Mineral Bulking Agents | 99 |
Other Bulking Agents | 50 |
Colourants | 40 |
Opacifying Agents | 40 |
Parfum | 25 |
Binding Agents | 10 |
UV Filters | 5 |
Antioxidants | 5 |
Preservatives | 1 |
Ingredients | Maximum Concentration (% w/w) |
Oils, Waxes & Fats | 90 |
Colourants | 50 |
Opacifying Agents | 50 |
Silicones | 30 |
Humectants | 30 |
Parfum | 25 |
Bulking Agents | 20 |
Thickeners | 10 |
Film Forming Polymers | 5 |
Antioxidants | 5 |
Preservatives | 1 |
Ingredients | Maximum Concentration |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 80 |
Colourants | 40 |
Opacifying Agents | 40 |
Silicones | 30 |
Parfum | 25 |
Bulking Agents | 15 |
Humectants | 10 |
Emulsifying Agents | 5 |
Thickeners | 5 |
Antioxidants | 5 |
Additional ingredients (botanicals) | 5 |
UV Filters | 2 |
Oils | To 100 |
Ingredients | Maximum Concentration (% w/w) |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 80 |
Oils, Waxes & Fats | 60 |
Parfum | 25 |
Emulsifying Agents | 25 |
Silicones | 20 |
Humectants | 20 |
Colourants | 20 |
Thickeners | 15 |
Bulking Agents | 10 |
UV Filters | 5 |
Antioxidants | 5 |
Additional ingredients (botanicals) | 5 |
Preservatives | 2 |
Water | To 100 |
Oral Care Products
Oral care products include toothpastes, mouthwash, and breath spray. They are designed to support oral hygiene, freshen breath, and improve the appearance of teeth. These products should improve oral aesthetics and sensory experience without making medicinal claims.
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Formulation focuses on mild abrasives for polishing, flavouring agents for freshness, foaming agents for cleansing feel, and humectants for texture and stability. Key considerations include taste, mouthfeel, pH compatibility, and ensuring safety for daily use.
Oral Care Products in Cosmetic Science
Oral care products make up a large part of the cosmetic industry and help keep our oral cavities in good condition. In this article, you will learn about tooth anatomy,
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Sorbitol | 70 |
Abrasives | 55 |
Glycerin | 40 |
Insoluble metaphosphate (IMP) | 35 |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 30 |
Sodium pyrophosphate, potassium pyrophosphate | 15 |
PEG, PPG | 10 |
Oral care-protecting agents | 10 |
Anionic surfactants | 6 |
Thickeners | 5 |
pH stabilisers, vitamins, chelating agents | 5 |
Flavour | 3 |
Colourants | 2 |
Preservatives | 1 |
Antiplaque agents | 2 |
Sweetening agents | 0.5 |
Calcium glycerophosphate | 0.5 |
Fluoride compounds (calculated as fluorine) | 0.15 |
Water | To 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum Concentration (% w/w) |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 25 |
Humectants | 20 |
pH stabilisers, vitamins, chelating agents | 4 |
Emulsifying agents & surfactants | 4 |
Flavour | 3 |
Colourants | 3 |
Preservatives | 1 |
Deodorant | 0.5 |
Thickeners | 0.5 |
Sweetening agents | 0.2 |
Fluoride compounds (calculated as fluorine) | 0.1 |
Water | To 100 |
Ingredients | Maximum Concentration (% w/w) |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 99 |
Humectants | 30 |
Flavour | 2 |
Deodorant | 0.5 |
Preservatives | 0.2 |
Sweetening agents | 0.2 |
Water | To 100 |
Nail Care Products
Nail products include nail varnish, water-based nail varnish, nail conditioner, and nail glue. These cosmetic products are designed to enhance the appearance, colour, and finish of nails.
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Formulations vary by product type but typically involve film-forming agents, plasticisers for flexibility, solvents for application ease, and colourants for aesthetic appeal. Durability and user safety are often considered when formulating nail products to avoid dryness and irritation.
Nail Care Products in Cosmetic Science
In this article about nail care products, you will learn about the nail structure, various types of nail care products, their formulation, common ingredients, and how they work. Additionally, the
Ingredient | Maximum Concentration (% w/w) |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat., isopropyl alcohol) | 90 |
Solvents | 90 |
Resins, polymers | 50 |
Plasticisers | 15 |
Colourants | 15 |
Thickeners | 5 |
UV filters | 2 |
Ingredient | Maximum Concentration (% w/w) |
Resins, polymers | 90 |
Plasticisers | 20 |
Colourants | 15 |
Thickeners | 15 |
Additional ingredients | 10 |
Preservatives | 1 |
Water | To 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum Concentration (% w/w) |
Unsaturated fatty acids, proteins, vitamins | 10 |
Colourants | 1 |
Parfum | 1 |
Antioxidants | 0.5 |
Preservatives | 0.5 |
Oils | To 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum Concentration |
Adhesive (acrylates) | To 100 |
Hair Care Products
Hair care products include shampoos, conditioners, dry shampoos, and soap-based shampoos or shampoo bars. They are designed to cleanse, condition, style, and improve the appearance of hair.
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The key formulation goal is to ensure scalp compatibility (pH and ingredients), foam quality (adult or baby shampoos), conditioning performance, and sensory appeal tailored for different hair types and user preferences through the use of appropriate surfactants, conditioning agents and absorbants.
Hair Care Products In Cosmetic Science
In this article about hair care products, you will learn about the hair structure, the different product types in the haircare industry, the common ingredients used and what they do,
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Anionic surfactant | 30 |
Amphoteric surfactants | 20 |
Non-ionic surfactants | 15 |
Hair conditioning agents | 15 |
Additional ingredients (UV filters, pearlescent agents, opacifying agents) | 10 |
Thickeners | 10 |
Cationic surfactants | 5 |
Parfum | 2 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1.5 |
Chelating agents | 0.5 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Oils, waxes and fats | 20 |
Silicones | 20 |
Ethanol, isopropanol (alcohol, alcohol denat., isopropyl alcohol) | 15 |
Amphoteric surfactants | 15 |
Emulsifying agents | 10 |
Emollients, humectants | 10 |
Thickeners | 10 |
Additional ingredients (proteins, chelating agents, pearlescent agents) | 10 |
Cationic surfactants | 5 |
Polymers, resins | 11 |
Parfum | 3 |
UV filters | 2 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1.5 |
Colourants | 1 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Propellants | 95 |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 30 |
Absorbents | 15 |
Silicones | 5 |
Emollients | 3 |
Anticaking agents | 2 |
Thickeners | 2 |
Hair conditioning agents | 2 |
Additional ingredients | 2 |
Parfum | 1 |
Colourants | 0.2 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Soap base | 70 |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 30 |
Plant extracts | 10 |
Parfum | 2 |
Essential oils | 1 |
Hair Dye Products
Hair dyes exist as temporary, semi-permanent, demi-permanent, and permanent hair dyes as well as bleach and dye removers. Temporary and semi-permanent dyes deposit colour onto the hair shaft, while permanent dyes use oxidative chemistry (e.g., hydrogen peroxide or ammonia) to alter the natural hair colour for long-lasting results. Parts A and B start an oxidation reaction when mixed.
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Dye removers help reverse artificial colour. Bleaching removes the natural pigment in hair using persulfates and peroxide.
Hair Dye Products in Cosmetic Science
In this article about hair dye products, you will learn everything there is to know about hair dyes, including: how they work, the ingredients which make it all work, the
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Persulfates | 70 |
Oils | 60 |
Bulking agents | 50 |
Alkaline agents | 45 |
Emulsifying agents | 15 |
Thickeners | 10 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Acid | 13 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Reducing agent | 20 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Alkaline agents | 22 |
Solvents | 20 |
Hair dyeing agent: primary intermediates | 10 |
Hair dyeing agent: couplers | 10 |
Directs (Colourants) | 10 |
Ethanol, isopropanol (alcohol, alcohol denat., isopropyl alcohol)Â | 16 |
Thickeners | 10 |
Cationic surfactants | 5 |
Cationic polymers | 5 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Antioxidants, reducing agents | 3 |
Parfum | 2 |
Chelating agents | 1 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Emulsifying agents | 20 |
Anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, non-ionic surfactants | 20 |
Emollients, humectants | 20 |
Thickeners | 20 |
Cationic surfactants | 5 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Parfum | 2 |
Chelating agents | 1 |
Oils | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Ethanol, isopropanol | 50 |
Oils, waxes and fats | 20 |
Emulsifying agents | 11 |
Silicones | 10 |
Anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants | 10 |
Hair dyeing agent: direct dyes | 10 |
Solvents | 10 |
Cationic surfactants | 5 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Hair conditioning agents | 5 |
Resins | 3 |
Thickeners | 2 |
Parfum | 1 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1 |
pH adjuster, alkaline | Â Â 10 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Surfactants | 40 |
Hair conditioning agents | 15 |
Thickeners | 10 |
Additional ingredients | 10 |
Cationic surfactants | 5 |
Hair dyeing agents: directs dyes | 3 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1 |
Parfum | 1 |
Chelating agents | 0.5 |
Aqua | up to 100 |
Colour Cosmetic Products
Colour cosmetics come in various formats (liquid, cream, foam, solid, powder). Formulation considerations include pigment selection and dispersion for colour intensity and uniformity, film-formers for wear and smudge resistance (e.g., in mascara, pencils), emollients, waxes, and oils for texture, spreadability, and comfort, preservation and stability, especially in emulsions or anhydrous systems, sensory feel, skin compatibility, and ease of application and removal.
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Product form, sensory expectations, and desired finish drive both formulation considerations and ingredient choice.
Colour Cosmetic Products in Cosmetic Science
In this article about colour cosmetic products you will learn all about how colour is analysed in the cosmetics industry, the different types of colour cosmetics, the ingredients commonly found
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Liquid paraffin and isoparaffin | 60 |
Oils | 40 |
Emollients | 30 |
Silicones including volatile silicones | 30 |
Bulking agents | 30 |
Colourants, colour additives | 30 |
Humectants | 25 |
Thickeners, emulsifying agents | 20 |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 15 |
UV filters | 10 |
Anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, non-ionic surfactants | 5 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Parfum | 1 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Oils, waxes and fats | 55 |
Emollients | 50 |
Opacifying agents | 40 |
Colourants, colour additives | 40 |
Aqua | 10 |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 15 |
Bulking agents | 15 |
Thickeners | 10 |
UV filters | 10 |
Emulsifying agents | 6 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 2 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Mineral bulking agents | 95 |
Other bulking agents | 50 |
Binding agents | 45 |
Silicones including volatile silicones | 45 |
Colourants, colour additives | 30 |
Anticaking agents | 15 |
UV Filters | 10 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, non-ionic surfactants | 3 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1.5 |
Parfum | 1.5 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Oils, waxes and fats | 90 |
Film forming polymers | 80 |
Emollients | 50 |
Silicones including volatile silicones | 50 |
Liquid paraffin and isoparaffin | 40 |
Aqua | 40 |
Colourants, colour additives | 30 |
Bulking agents | 20 |
Photoprotective products containing UV filters | 10 |
Thickeners | 10 |
Emulsifying agents | 5 |
Ethanol, isopropanol (alcohol, alcohol denat., isopropyl alcohol) | 5 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Parfum | 2 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1 |
Flavouring agents | 1 |
Oral care-sweetening agents | 0.02 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Oils, waxes and fats | 90 |
Silicones including volatile silicones | 50 |
Colourants, colour additives | 50 |
Liquid paraffin and isoparaffin | 40 |
Bulking agents | 30 |
Polymers | 20 |
Thickeners | 10 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Emulsifying agents | 5 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1 |
Parfum | 0.5 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Colourants, colour additives | 80 |
Binding agents, oils, waxes and fats | 20 |
Silicones including volatile silicones | 20 |
Anticaking agents | 10 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Parfum | 1 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1 |
Bulking agents | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Oils and waxes | 70 |
Colourants, colour additives | 50 |
Bulking agents | 20 |
Emulsifying agents | 10 |
Silicones including volatile silicones | 10 |
Thickeners | 5 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Parfum | 1 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Oils, waxes and fats | 70 |
Liquid paraffin and isoparaffin | 50 |
Colourants, colour additives | 50 |
Silicones including volatile silicones | 50 |
Bulking agents | 30 |
Polymers, resins | 20 |
Anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, non-ionic surfactants | 5 |
UV filters | 5 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1 |
Parfum | 0.3 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Film forming polymers | 45 |
Oils, waxes and fats | 30 |
Colourants, colour additives | 25 |
Emulsifying agents | 20 |
Silicones including volatile silicones | 20 |
Humectants | 15 |
Thickeners | 15 |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 11 |
Fibres | 10 |
Emollients | 5 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 2.5 |
Parfum | 1 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Cleansing Products
These products use various types of surfactants: Anionic surfactants (e.g., SLS, SLES) for effective cleansing and foaming. Amphoteric surfactants (e.g., cocamidopropyl betaine) to reduce irritation and improve foam quality. Non-ionic surfactants (e.g., alkyl polyglucosides) for mild cleansing, especially in sensitive skin formulas.
Formulation considerations include mildness, pH balance, foaming properties, skin feel, and preservative efficacy, tailored to skin type, target audience, and use frequency.
Cleansing Products in Cosmetic Science
In this article about cleansing products in cosmetic science you will learn about how cleansers work, the different product types and the ingredients which cleanse the skin. You will also
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Anionic surfactants | 40 |
Oils, waxes and fats | 30 |
Amphoteric surfactants, non-ionic surfactants | 20 |
Humectants | 20 |
Abrasives | 10 |
Silicones including volatile silicones | 5 |
Thickeners | 5 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Parfum | 3 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 2 |
Colourants | 1 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Silicones | 50 |
Humectants | 20 |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 10 |
Emulsifying agents, anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, non-ionic surfactants | 10 |
Additional ingredients | 10 |
Thickeners | 5 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1.5 |
Parfum | 1 |
Colourants | 1 |
Oils | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Oils,waxes and fats | 95 |
Humectants | 25 |
Anionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, non-ionic surfactants | 25 |
Ethanol (alcohol, alcohol denat.) | 25 |
Silicones | 20 |
Thickeners | 12 |
Bulking agents | 10 |
Additional ingredients | 10 |
Cationic polymers | 5 |
Parfum | 5 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 2 |
Colourants | 1 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Anionic, amphoteric surfactants | 40 |
Non-ionic surfactants | 40 |
Soaps (sodium, potassium or triethanolamine) | 20 |
Emollients | 20 |
Humectants | 20 |
Thickeners | 5 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Pearlescent agents | 5 |
Skin conditioning agents | 5 |
Parfum | 5 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 2 |
Colourants | 1 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Oils,waxes and fats | 30 |
Humectants | 30 |
Anionic surfactants | 25 |
Non-ionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants | 20 |
Foam boosting agents | 10 |
Emulsifying agents | 10 |
Thickeners | 10 |
Additional ingredients | 10 |
Parfum | 6 |
Cationic polymers | 3 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 1.5 |
Colourants | 1 |
Aqua | to 100 |
Ingredient | Maximum concentration (% w/w) |
Soaps (vegetable and tallow base: palm oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil, tallow and their fatty acids) | 85 |
Anionic surfactants | 50 |
Emollients, humectants | 20 |
Amphoteric surfactants, non-ionic surfactants | 5 |
Additional ingredients | 5 |
Skin conditioning agents | 5 |
Parfum | 3 |
Preservatives, antimicrobials | 2 |
Colourants | 2 |
Opacifier | 2 |
Aqua | to 100 |
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