Actives
Ingredients used for positioning, such as niacinamide, peptides, vitamin C direction, ceramides or exfoliating acids.
Ingredient glossary
Understand common formula language before choosing samples
A buyer-friendly glossary for active ingredients, texture words and common skincare positioning used in private label projects.
Ingredient glossary
Understand common formula language before choosing samples
A buyer-friendly glossary for active ingredients, texture words and common skincare positioning used in private label projects.
Base texture
The product feel and format, such as gel cream, lotion, serum, oil, balm, mist or wash.
Support ingredients
Humectants, emollients, botanical extracts and fragrance systems that shape product feel.
Positioning words
Terms such as barrier repair, hydrating, brightening, soothing, firming or oil-control.
Practical checklist
Ingredient glossary planning points
These cards help buyers understand what to prepare, request or confirm before moving forward.
Texture
Texture terms
Gel cream, serum, lotion, balm, oil and mist describe product form and sensory feel.
Useful for sample request
Benefit
Benefit words
Hydrating, soothing, glow, barrier, oil-control and scalp care help guide sample direction.
Use cosmetic language
Ingredient
Ingredient families
Humectants, emollients, extracts, oils, conditioners and acids each shape formula direction.
Use with formula fit
Packaging
Format words
Airless, pump, tube, jar, dropper and sachet help define packaging path.
Use for quote planningRecommended workflow
How to use this resource
Follow these steps to turn the resource into a clearer inquiry and production plan.
Start with consumer benefit
Describe what the buyer should feel or understand.
Choose formula language
Pick texture, ingredient family and usage direction.
Match category and packaging
Formula words should connect to the packaging and routine.
Refine with AFCARE
Use sample feedback to adjust language and formula direction.
Buyer reference
Ingredient glossary matrix
Use this table as a simple buyer-facing reference. It can be edited for your exact process later.
Topic
What it means
Buyer action
Humectant
Water-attracting ingredient family used for hydration stories.
Useful for serum, mist, gel cream and lotion.
Emollient
Ingredient family that improves softness, slip and richer feel.
Useful for cream, body lotion, balm and hair care.
Occlusive
Helps reduce moisture loss and creates a protective sensory layer.
Useful for richer creams, balms and body care.
Surfactant
Cleansing or foaming ingredient family.
Useful for cleanser, shampoo and body wash.
Conditioner
Hair or skin feel modifier for softness and manageability.
Useful for conditioner, mask and treatment products.
Exfoliant
Ingredient direction for smoothing or renewal-positioned formulas.
Requires careful concentration and claim control.
More resources
Continue planning your project
Move between practical planning pages before sending your sample or quote request.
Guide
Onboarding
What to prepare before starting a sample, private label or ODM project.
View resource
Planning
Pricing Guide
Understand what affects quote direction, MOQ, packaging and lead time.
View resource
Reference
Ingredient Lists
Build product stories around actives, botanicals and clean-positioned concepts.
View resourceNext step
Ready to discuss your beauty project?
Send your category, target market, sample interest, packaging direction and expected quantity. AFCARE will recommend a practical route.