Functions of various ingredients in cosmetics

*Functions shown in red must be declared every time a Thai FDA cosmetic notification is submitted.*

Function	Description
ABRASIVE	Abrasive agent for cleansing the body
ABSORBENT	Solubilizing agent for water and oil
ANTICAKING	Anti-caking agent
ANTICORROSIVE	Packaging corrosion inhibitor
ANTIDANDRUFF	Anti-dandruff agent
ANTIFOAMING	Antifoaming agent
ANTIMICROBIAL (Antifungal)	Antimicrobial agent that inhibits fungal growth (disinfectant)
ANTIOXIDANT	Antioxidant
ANTIPERSPIRANT	Antiperspirant (drug)
ANTIPLAQUE	Anti-plaque agent
ANTISEBORRHOEIC	Helps control sebum production
ANTISTATIC	Antistatic agent
ASTRINGENT	Astringent that makes the skin feel tighter
BINDING	Provides cohesion in cosmetics
BLEACHING	Bleaching agent (helps add shine to hair or skin)
BUFFERING (pH Adjusting agent)	pH adjuster Acidic (acidity) , Alkalinity
BULKING	Density-reducing agents for cosmetics
CHELATING	Reacts and forms complexes with metal ions which could affect the stability and/or appearance of cosmetics
CLEANSING	Facial cleansing agents
COLORANT (Coloring Agents)	Cosmetic colorants
DENATURANT	Renders cosmetics unpalatable. Mostly added to cosmetics containing ethyl alcohol
DEODORANT	Deodorizing agents
DEPILATORY	Removes unwanted body hair
DETANGLING	Hair detangling agents
EMOLLIENT	Moisturizing and skin-softening agents
EMULSIFIER	Emulsifiers that help water and oil blend together
EMULSION STABILISING	Helps the process of emulsification and improves emulsion stability and shelf-life
FILM FORMING	Produces, upon application, a continuous film on skin, hair or nails
FLAVOURING	Gives flavour to the cosmetic product
FOAM BOOSTING	Surfactants that increase lather when mixed with water
FOAMING	Foaming agents
GEL FORMING	Foaming gel-forming agents
HAIR CONDITIONING	Hair conditioning agents
HAIR DYEING	Hair colorants
HAIR FIXING	Hair styling and hold agents
HAIR WAVING OR STRAIGHTENING	Hair straightening or perming agents
HUMECTANT	Humectants that retain moisture in the skin, often paired with Emollients In moisturizer
HYDROTROPE	Solubilizers used in laundry detergents
KERATOLYTIC (Exfoliant)	Exfoliating agents
MASKING	Mask-forming agents
MOISTURISING	Skin moisturizers
NAIL CONDITIONING	Improves the cosmetic characteristics of the nail
NOT REPORTED	NOT REPORTED
OPACIFYING	Opacifying agents
ORAL CARE	Oral care agents
OXIDISING	Changes the chemical nature of another substance by adding oxygen or removing hydrogen
PEARLESCENT	Pearlescent agents
PERFUMING	Used for perfume and aromatic raw materials (Section II)
PLASTICISER	Softens and makes supple another substance that otherwise could not be easily deformed, spread or worked out
PRESERVATIVE	Preservatives
PROPELLANT	Generates pressure in an aerosol pack, expelling contents when the valve is opened. Some liquefied propellants can act as solvents
REDUCING	Changes the chemical nature of another substance by adding hydrogen or removing oxygen
REFATTING	Lipid-based agents that coat the skin or hair
REFRESHING	Skin-refreshing agents
SKIN CONDITIONING	Skin-nourishing and conditioning agents
SKIN PROTECTING	Skin-protecting agents
SMOOTHING	Skin-smoothing agents
SOLVENT	Water-soluble solvents
SOOTHING	Anti-irritant agents
STABILISING	Helps stabilize cosmetic creams and extend shelf life
SURFACTANT	A surfactant that helps oils bind with water
TANNING	Darkens the skin with or without exposure to UV
TONIC	Produces a feeling of well-being on skin and hair
UV ABSORBER	Helps filter UV rays and protect the skin
UV FILTER (Sunscreen agent)	Helps filter UV rays and protect the skin
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING (Thickeners)	Helps control viscosity in cosmetics and create a gel texture