Acetyl L-Carnitine
A naturally occurring compound that helps cells produce energy and is sold as a cognitive and energy supplement.
otherDepends on context
Ingredient glossary
What ingredients are, one at a time — A to Z.
Look up a single ingredient and get the short version: what it is, what it does in the product, how it is regulated, who actually needs to care, and what a lower-concern alternative looks like. Every entry is written from public records and names its sources. Educational information, not medical advice.
Showing all 84 ingredients
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Preservatives 12Additives 10Colours 8Thickeners 7Fats and oils 6Emulsifiers 5Proteins 5Sweeteners 5Vitamins and minerals 5Other ingredients 4Skincare actives 4UV filters 4Humectants 3Flours and starches 2Surfactants 2Fragrance 1Stimulants 1
Each group has its own page useful when you want to compare every sweetener or every preservative at once.
A
Annatto
A natural orange-yellow food dye extracted from the seeds of the achiote tree, used to colour dairy and snack foods.
colourAvoid if sensitive
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)
Ascorbic acid is vitamin C — a natural nutrient used in food both for nutrition and to slow spoilage.
vitamin or mineralLow concern
Aspartame
A calorie-free synthetic sweetener about 200 times sweeter than sugar, widely used in diet and reduced-sugar foods.
sweetenerDepends on context
Avobenzone
A synthetic UVA-absorbing filter used in sunscreens to protect skin from long-wave ultraviolet radiation.
uv filterDepends on context
B
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
BHA is a synthetic antioxidant preservative that slows fat from going rancid in packaged foods.
preservativeDepends on context
BHT
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant preservative that slows fat and oil from going rancid in food and cosmetics.
preservativeDepends on context
Benzoyl Peroxide
A chemical bleaching agent used to whiten flour and, separately, an OTC acne treatment — two very different uses.
additiveDepends on context
Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)
A synthetic blue dye derived from petroleum, used to give foods and drinks a vivid blue or blue-green colour.
colourDepends on context
Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF)
A synthetic blue dye made from petroleum-derived compounds, approved to colour food and drinks in the US.
colourLow concern
C
Caffeine
A naturally occurring stimulant that temporarily blocks adenosine receptors in the brain, reducing perceived tiredness.
stimulantDepends on context
Calcium Propionate
A mold-inhibiting salt added to baked goods to extend shelf life by slowing fungal and bacterial growth.
preservativeDepends on context
Canola Oil
A neutral-flavored vegetable oil pressed from a specially bred variety of rapeseed, widely used in cooking and processed foods.
fat or oilLow concern
Caramel Color
A brown food dye made by heat-treating sugars, used to give drinks and sauces their characteristic dark colour.
colourDepends on context
Carmine (Cochineal Extract)
A vivid red pigment extracted from dried cochineal insects, used to colour foods and cosmetics.
colourAvoid if sensitive
Carnauba Wax
A plant-derived wax from Brazilian palm leaves, used to add shine and prevent sticking or moisture loss.
additiveLow concern
Carrageenan
A seaweed-derived thickener and stabiliser used to improve texture and prevent separation in food and drinks.
thickenerDepends on context
Casein
Casein is the dominant milk protein, used in foods to build texture, retain moisture, and deliver a slow-digesting protein source.
proteinAvoid if sensitive
Cellulose Gum
A modified plant-fiber derivative used to thicken, stabilize, and add body to foods and other products.
thickenerLow concern
Cetyl Alcohol
A waxy fatty alcohol derived from plant or animal fats that thickens, softens, and stabilises cosmetic formulas.
thickenerAvoid if sensitive
Citric Acid
A naturally occurring organic acid used to add tartness, preserve freshness, and stabilise pH in food and cosmetics.
preservativeLow concern
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
A coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant that gently cleanses, boosts lather, and reduces irritation from harsher cleansing agents.
surfactantAvoid if sensitive
Creatine Monohydrate
A naturally occurring compound stored in muscle that, as a supplement, helps replenish energy during short, intense exercise.
otherLow concern
Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic, shelf-stable form of vitamin B12 added to foods to support nerve and red blood cell health.
vitamin or mineralLow concern
D
Dimethicone
A synthetic silicone polymer that forms a smooth, protective film on skin and hair.
skincare activeLow concern
Dipotassium Phosphate
A potassium salt of phosphoric acid used to stabilise, buffer pH, and prevent clumping in processed foods.
additiveDepends on context
Disodium EDTA
A synthetic chelating agent that binds metal ions to prevent rancidity, discolouration, and microbial growth in foods and cosmetics.
preservativeLow concern
E
F
Folic Acid
The synthetic form of vitamin B9, added to foods to support cell growth and help prevent neural tube defects.
vitamin or mineralDepends on context
Fragrance (Parfum)
A catch-all label term covering any blend of scent chemicals a manufacturer uses to give a product its smell.
fragranceDepends on context
Fumaric Acid
A naturally occurring organic acid used to add tartness and preserve freshness in many packaged foods.
additiveLow concern
G
Glycerin
A clear, sweet-tasting liquid that pulls moisture from the air to keep foods, cosmetics, and medicines soft and hydrated.
humectantLow concern
Guar Gum
A natural seed-derived powder that thickens and stabilises food products, listed as E412 in the EU.
thickenerLow concern
Gum Arabic
A natural tree-derived gum used to thicken, emulsify, and stabilise foods and beverages.
thickenerLow concern
H
High-Fructose Corn Syrup
A liquid sweetener made from corn starch, with fructose levels raised by an enzymatic process.
sweetenerModerate concern
Hyaluronic Acid
A naturally occurring sugar chain that pulls moisture into skin and joints, widely used in skincare and medical products.
humectantLow concern
I
Interesterified Fat
A processed fat whose fatty-acid arrangement has been reshuffled to create a solid, stable fat without trans fats.
fat or oilDepends on context
Inulin (Chicory Root Fiber)
A plant-based prebiotic fiber extracted from chicory root that adds bulk and feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
otherDepends on context
L
M
Magnesium Stearate
A powdery compound made from magnesium and stearic acid, used to stop ingredients clumping in tablets and capsules.
additiveLow concern
Maltodextrin
A mildly sweet white powder made from partially broken-down starch, used to bulk, thicken, or carry flavours in processed foods.
additiveDepends on context
Modified Corn Starch
Corn starch that has been chemically or physically altered to thicken, stabilize, or bind food more reliably than plain starch.
flour or starchLow concern
Mono- and Diglycerides
Emulsifiers made from glycerol and fatty acids that help water and fat blend smoothly in processed foods.
emulsifierDepends on context
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
A sodium salt of glutamic acid used to intensify savoury, umami flavour in processed foods.
additiveLow concern
N
Natural Flavors
A catch-all term for flavor compounds derived from plant, animal, or fermentation sources and added to food products.
additiveDepends on context
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a vegetable oil pressed from the seeds of the neem tree, used for its conditioning and pest-deterrent properties.
fat or oilDepends on context
Niacinamide
The amide form of vitamin B3, used both as a skin-active ingredient and a nutritional supplement.
vitamin or mineralLow concern
O
P
Palm Oil
A semi-solid tropical vegetable oil pressed from the fruit of oil palm trees, widely used for its stability and neutral taste.
fat or oilDepends on context
Parabens
Parabens are synthetic preservatives that stop mould and bacteria from growing in cosmetics and some foods.
preservativeDepends on context
Pea Protein
A concentrated plant protein extracted from yellow split peas, widely used to boost protein content in food and drink.
proteinLow concern
Pectin
A natural plant fibre extracted from fruit peel that gels, thickens, and stabilises food products.
thickenerLow concern
Phenoxyethanol
A synthetic preservative that stops bacteria and fungi from growing in cosmetics and skincare products.
preservativeDepends on context
Polysorbate 80
A synthetic emulsifier made from sorbitol and oleic acid that keeps oil and water blended in food and medicine.
emulsifierDepends on context
Potassium Bromate
A flour-maturing agent once widely used in bread-making that is now banned in many countries due to carcinogenicity concerns.
additiveAvoid if sensitive
Potassium Sorbate
A widely used synthetic preservative that stops mould and yeast from growing in food and personal-care products.
preservativeLow concern
Propylene Glycol
A synthetic alcohol used as a humectant, solvent, and carrier that keeps foods and cosmetics moist.
humectantDepends on context
R
Red 40 (Allura Red)
Red 40 is a synthetic petroleum-derived dye that gives foods and drinks a bright red or orange-red colour.
colourAvoid if sensitive
Retinol
Retinol is the pure alcohol form of Vitamin A, widely used in skincare to accelerate cell turnover and reduce visible signs of ageing.
skincare activeDepends on context
S
Salicylic Acid
A beta-hydroxy acid derived from willow bark that unclogs pores and exfoliates skin at low concentrations.
skincare activeDepends on context
Shea Butter
A solid plant fat pressed from the nut of the African shea tree, widely used to soften and protect skin.
fat or oilLow concern
Sodium Benzoate
A widely used preservative that stops mould and bacteria from growing in acidic foods and beverages.
preservativeDepends on context
Sodium Fluoride
A mineral salt that delivers fluoride ions to tooth enamel, helping prevent cavities.
vitamin or mineralDepends on context
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
A synthetic surfactant that lowers surface tension, allowing water to lift oil and dirt away from skin, hair, or teeth.
surfactantDepends on context
Sodium Nitrite
A curing salt added to processed meats to block bacterial growth, fix a pink colour, and extend shelf life.
preservativeDepends on context
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
A food emulsifier made from stearic acid and lactic acid that improves texture and extends shelf life in baked goods.
emulsifierLow concern
Soy Lecithin
A fatty substance extracted from soybeans that keeps oil and water mixed smoothly in processed foods.
emulsifierAvoid if sensitive
Soy Protein Isolate
A highly refined soy-derived powder, roughly 90% protein by weight, used to boost protein content in processed foods.
proteinDepends on context
Soybean Oil
A vegetable oil pressed from soybeans, widely used in processed foods as a cooking fat and carrier.
fat or oilDepends on context
Squalane
A stable, saturated hydrocarbon oil used in skincare to soften skin and reduce moisture loss.
skincare activeLow concern
Stevia (Steviol Glycosides)
A plant-derived zero-calorie sweetener extracted from the leaves of Stevia rebaudiana.
sweetenerLow concern
Sucralose
A zero-calorie artificial sweetener made by chemically modifying sugar, roughly 600 times sweeter than sucrose.
sweetenerDepends on context
T
Taurine
A sulfur-containing amino acid found naturally in the body and added to energy drinks and supplements.
otherLow concern
Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)
A synthetic antioxidant preservative that stops fats and oils in packaged food from going rancid.
preservativeModerate concern
Titanium Dioxide
A white mineral pigment that makes foods, cosmetics, and sunscreens bright white or opaque.
colourDepends on context
Tocopherols (Vitamin E)
A family of fat-soluble antioxidants derived from plant oils that prevent fats in food from going rancid.
preservativeLow concern
Triclosan
A synthetic antimicrobial agent once common in consumer soaps, now banned from most US rinse-off products.
additiveAvoid if sensitive
V
W
X
Y
Z
84 ingredient entries and growing — new ones are added daily.
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