Cosmetic Dictionary | Beauty & Skincare Ingredient Glossary | Lori G Ashley®

Cosmetic Dictionary

Learn the Language of Beauty

Welcome to the Lori G Ashley® Cosmetic Dictionary.

Whether you're shopping for skincare, comparing makeup products, or reading ingredient labels, cosmetic terminology can sometimes feel overwhelming. Our Cosmetic Dictionary is designed to make those terms easier to understand.

Inside this growing library, you'll find straightforward explanations of ingredients, product types, application techniques, and common beauty terminology. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions by explaining how terms are commonly used in the cosmetics industry.

As our product collections continue to grow, so will this dictionary. We regularly add new entries to help customers learn more about cosmetics, skincare, grooming products, and beauty ingredients.

Browse by Letter

A

• Airbrush Makeup

• Alcohol (Cosmetic)

• Aloe Vera

• Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)

• Amino Acids

• Antioxidants

• Argan Oil

• Ascorbic Acid

• Avocado Oil

B

• Bakuchiol

• Barrier Cream

• Beeswax

• Bentonite Clay

• Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)

• Biotin

• Botanical Extract

• Botanical Oils

• Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

C

• Carrier Oil

• Ceramides

• Charcoal

• Chelating Agent

• Coenzyme Q10

• Collagen

• Color Corrector

• Comedogenic

• Cosmetic Preservative

• Coverage

• Cruelty-Free

D

• Dimethicone

• Double Cleansing

• Dry Oil

E

• Emollient

• Emulsifier

• Essential Oil

• Exfoliation

F

• Facial Oil

• Foundation

• Fragrance

• Free Radicals

G

• Glycerin

• Grapeseed Oil

• Green Tea Extract

H

• Humectant

• Hyaluronic Acid

I

• INCI Name

• Iron Oxides

J

• Jojoba Oil

K

• Kaolin Clay

• Keratin

L

• Lavender Oil

• Lipid Barrier

M

• Mica

• Mineral Makeup

• Moisturizer

N

• Non-Comedogenic

• Niacinamide

O

• Occlusive

• Oil Cleanser

P

• Peptides

• pH

• Pigments

• Primer

• Pumpkin Seed Oil

Q

• Quaternium Compounds

R

• Retinol

• Rosehip Oil

S

• Salicylic Acid

• Shea Butter

• Silicone

• Sodium Hyaluronate

• SPF

• Sunflower Oil

T

• Tea Tree Oil

• Titanium Dioxide

• Toner

U

• Urea

V

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin E

W

• Water-Based Makeup

X

(New terms will be added.)

Y

(New terms will be added.)

Z

• Zinc Oxide

Why Learn Cosmetic Ingredients?

Understanding cosmetic terminology helps you:

• Read ingredient labels with confidence.

• Compare products more effectively.

• Build a skincare routine that suits your needs.

• Understand the role different ingredients play in a formulation.

• Learn the differences between product types and finishes.

Our dictionary focuses on education rather than hype, providing explanations in clear language without making unrealistic claims about what cosmetic products can do.

A Growing Educational Resource

The Lori G Ashley® Cosmetic Dictionary is part of our commitment to helping customers understand the products they use. As new ingredients and cosmetic technologies become more common, we'll continue expanding this resource with new terms, updated definitions, and links to related guides throughout our Cosmetic Learning Center.

Bridgewater Joy Residence

Co-designed by the world-renowned architect James Smith, our Bridgewater Joy residences offer top views of the nearby lake Michigan. Perfect for a small family, a professional couple, or anyone looking to set up a home office.

Pleasantview Gem Inn

Not just pleasant on the outside, our Pleasantview Gem Inn properties are especially popular among families. With underground parking and floor-to-ceiling windows, there's no shortage of natural light or space.