Cosmetic Ingredients: A Guide to Common Terms and Their Functions - Dermatology

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Understanding cosmetic ingredients can be quite overwhelming, especially with the vast array of products available on the market today. To effectively navigate this landscape, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with common terms and their functions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand cosmetic ingredients, their translations, and their roles in various products like cosmetics, body washes, and shampoos.


Common Cosmetic Ingredients and Their Functions
1. Water (水): Often the primary ingredient in many cosmetics, water acts as a solvent, helping to dissolve other ingredients and facilitating their application on the skin.

2. Emollients (潤膚劑): Ingredients like Mineral Oil (礦物油), Petrolatum (石蠟), and Dimethicone (聚二甲基矽氧烷) are used to soften and smooth the skin by forming a barrier that locks in moisture.

3. Surfactants (表面活性劑): Found in shampoos and body washes, surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (月桂基硫酸鈉) help to cleanse by breaking down oils and dirt, allowing them to be rinsed away.

4. Preservatives (防腐劑): Ingredients such as Parabens (對羥基苯甲酸酯) and Phenoxyethanol (苯氧乙醇) are included to prevent microbial growth and extend the shelf life of products.

5. Fragrance (香料): This term refers to a mixture of various scent compounds that enhance the sensory experience of using a product. However, it can sometimes cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

6. Colorants (色素): Used to give products their color, these can be synthetic or derived from natural sources. Common examples include Titanium Dioxide (二氧化鈦) for white pigment and Iron Oxides (氧化鐵) for reds and browns.

7. Active Ingredients (活性成分): These are the components that provide specific benefits, such as Salicylic Acid (水楊酸) for acne treatment or Hyaluronic Acid (透明質酸) for hydration.

8. Thickeners (增稠劑): Ingredients like Xanthan Gum (黃原膠) or Carbomer (卡波姆) are used to adjust the viscosity of products, making them easier to apply.


Where to Find Ingredient Information
To understand the ingredients in your cosmetics better, consider the following resources:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR): This organization assesses the safety of cosmetic ingredients and provides detailed reports that are accessible online.

- Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep Database: This database allows you to search for specific products and their ingredients, providing safety ratings and potential health concerns.

- INCI Decoder: This online tool helps decode the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names, translating them into more understandable terms and explaining their functions.

- Manufacturer Websites: Many cosmetic brands provide detailed information about their products, including ingredient lists and their functions.
- Mobile Apps: There are several apps available that allow you to scan product barcodes to get ingredient information and safety ratings.


Conclusion
Understanding cosmetic ingredients is crucial for making informed choices about the products you use on your skin and hair. By familiarizing yourself with common terms and their functions, you can better assess the products you choose and their potential effects on your health. Always remember to check ingredient lists and consult reliable resources for more information. If you have specific concerns about certain ingredients or products, consider consulting a dermatologist or a healthcare professional for personalized advice.