Your beauty. In plain language.

Ingredient Guide

Meet the ingredients behind the feel, color and finish of makeup and skincare. Get to know their roles, one ingredient at a time.

An educational look at ingredients, followed by the glossary for our current formulas. Ingredients vary by product and shade; check your chosen product and its packaging for the complete list.

11 ingredient highlights

Small ingredients. Big roles.

Some highlights appear in our current formulas; others introduce ingredients used across makeup and skincare. These pictures are a guide, not a product ingredient list.

  • In current formulas

    Vitamin E

    Helps condition lips and keep skin feeling soft.

  • In current formulas

    Shea butter

    A rich emollient that helps skin and lips retain moisture.

  • In current formulas

    Avocado oil

    An emollient oil that helps soften skin and condition lips.

  • In current formulas

    Jojoba oil

    Helps retain moisture and keep lips feeling smooth.

  • In current formulas

    Grape seed oil

    A lightweight oil that helps moisturize and soften skin.

  • Ingredient education

    Aloe vera

    Helps hydrate skin and keep it feeling comfortable.

  • Ingredient education

    Coconut oil

    Helps seal in moisture and soften the skin and lips.

  • Ingredient education

    Multi-peptide complex

    A blend of peptides used to support hydrated, supple-looking skin.

  • Ingredient education

    Sugar crystals

    Granules that buff away dry flakes for a smoother feel.

  • Ingredient education

    Botanical extracts

    Plant-derived ingredients used to condition skin; their roles vary by extract.

  • Ingredient education

    Vitamin C

    An antioxidant ingredient used for a brighter-looking complexion.

Our current formula glossary

Explore 66 ingredient names from our current product lists, with common names grouped together. Filter by purpose or search for the name printed on your product.

Avocado oil

On the label: Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil

A plant oil used to condition the lips and contribute to a soft, comfortable feel.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Beeswax

On the label: Cera Alba (Beeswax)

A bee-derived wax that forms a film and helps soften the lips. It also contributes to the body of a lip formula.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lip pencils, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

BHT

On the label: BHT

An antioxidant that helps protect formula ingredients from changes caused by oxygen.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation, lip balm, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Blue 1

On the label: Blue 1 (CI 42090:1)

A blue colorant used to adjust the shade of makeup. The CI number identifies the color ingredient on the label.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip pencils. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Blue 1 Lake

On the label: Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090)

A blue lake colorant that contributes to a makeup shade. Lake colors are pigment forms of dyes.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Butylene glycol

On the label: Butylene Glycol

Helps retain moisture and dissolve other ingredients so they can be incorporated into the formula.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Candelilla wax

On the label: Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelila) Wax

A plant wax that helps build consistency, stabilize the formula and form a film.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Carmine

On the label: Carmine (CI 75470)

An insect-derived red pigment used in some shades. It is not a vegan ingredient; a may-contain list does not tell you which individual shades use it.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Carnauba wax

On the label: Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax

A plant wax that helps form a film and contributes to the structure and feel of lip products.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lip pencils, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Castor seed oil

On the label: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil

A plant oil used to condition the lips and contribute to the feel and spread of a lip formula.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Cetyl acetate

On the label: Cetyl Acetate

An emollient that contributes to a soft, smooth feel during application.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Cetyl alcohol

On the label: Cetyl Alcohol

A fatty alcohol that helps soften the lips and control the formula's consistency. It is different from ethanol, the alcohol used in alcoholic drinks.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Chamomile flower extract

On the label: Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract

A botanical extract used to condition the skin.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Cyclohexasiloxane

On the label: Cyclohexasiloxane

A silicone used as a solvent and skin-conditioning ingredient, helping the formula spread smoothly.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation, liquid lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Cyclopentasiloxane

On the label: Cyclopentasiloxane

A silicone used to dissolve or carry other ingredients and give the formula a smooth, easy-spreading feel.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Dimethicone crosspolymer

On the label: Dimethicone Crosspolymer

A silicone polymer that helps control thickness and stabilize the mixture, contributing to an even texture.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Disodium EDTA

On the label: Disodium EDTA

Binds trace metal ions that could otherwise affect the formula's stability or appearance.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Disteardimonium hectorite

On the label: Disteardimonium Hectorite

Helps control the formula's thickness and consistency. It can also help protect the formula from changes caused by light.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation, liquid lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Ethylhexyl palmitate

On the label: Ethylhexyl Palmitate

An emollient that helps make the product feel smooth and soft as it glides across the lips.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip pencils. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Film-forming silicone

On the label: C24-28 Alkyldimethylsiloxy Trimethylsiloxysilicate

Forms a thin, continuous layer after application, helping the formula stay together on the lips.

Appears in listed formulas for: liquid lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Flavor

On the label: Aroma (Flavor)

Adds flavor or scent to a lip formula. This label describes a flavor blend rather than one specific ingredient.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Glycerin

On the label: Glycerin

A humectant: an ingredient that attracts and holds water, helping the formula support a moisturized feel.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Glyceryl behenate

On the label: Glyceryl Behenate

Helps soften the lips and supports the blending of ingredients that would otherwise be difficult to mix.

Appears in listed formulas for: liquid lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Glyceryl laurate

On the label: Glyceryl Laurate

Helps blend ingredients together and contributes to a soft feel. It is an emulsifier and emollient.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation, lip balm, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Grape seed oil

On the label: Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil

A plant oil used to condition the lips and help them feel softer and smoother.

Appears in listed formulas for: liquid lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Green tea extract

On the label: Camellia Sinensis Extract

A botanical used for skin conditioning and antioxidant support within the formula.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Hydrogenated coconut oil

On the label: Hydrogenated Coconut Oil

A processed form of coconut oil used to condition and soften the lips.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Iron oxides

On the label: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)

Red, yellow and black pigments used in different combinations to create shades and undertones.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation, lip balm, lip pencils, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Isododecane

On the label: Isododecane

A lightweight solvent that helps carry and dissolve other ingredients in a liquid lip formula.

Appears in listed formulas for: liquid lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Isopropyl lanolate

On the label: Isopropyl Lanolate

A lanolin-derived emollient that helps the formula glide and makes the lips feel softer.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Isopropyl myristate

On the label: Isopropyl Myristate

An emollient that adds slip and helps a formula spread smoothly.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Jojoba seed oil

On the label: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil

A plant-derived conditioning ingredient that helps the lips feel softer and smoother.

Appears in listed formulas for: liquid lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Kaolin clay

On the label: Kaolin

A fine clay that absorbs materials within the formula and contributes body and opacity to the finish.

Appears in listed formulas for: liquid lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Lanolin

On the label: Lanolin

A wool-derived material that softens the lips and helps reduce moisture loss. It is not a vegan ingredient.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Lanolin-derived conditioner

On the label: Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol

Helps soften the lips and slow moisture loss. This ingredient is derived from lanolin, a material obtained from sheep's wool.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Lauroyl lysine

On the label: Lauroyl Lysine

An ingredient used for skin conditioning and to help control the formula's consistency.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Manganese violet

On the label: Manganese Violet (CI 77742)

A violet pigment used to contribute purple tones and adjust a makeup shade.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Mica

On the label: Mica

A mineral ingredient that contributes to color and opacity. Depending on its form, it can also give a pearly or luminous appearance.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation, lip balm, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Octyldodecanol

On the label: Octyldodecanol

An emollient and solvent that helps soften the lips and dissolve other formula ingredients.

Appears in listed formulas for: liquid lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Ozokerite wax

On the label: Ozokerite

A wax that helps hold ingredients together and control the structure and consistency of a lip product.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lip pencils, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

PEG-10 dimethicone

On the label: PEG-10 Dimethicone

A silicone emulsifier that helps water and silicone-based ingredients mix into an even formula.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Phenoxyethanol

On the label: Phenoxyethanol

A preservative that helps protect the product from microbial spoilage during storage and use.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation, lip balm, lip pencils, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Phenyl trimethicone

On the label: Phenyl Trimethicone

A silicone used for skin conditioning and to reduce unwanted foaming while a formula is made or applied.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Polyisobutene

On the label: Polyisobutene

Helps bind ingredients, form a film and adjust the thickness of a lip formula.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Polymethylsilsesquioxane

On the label: Polymethylsilsesquioxane

A silicone polymer used to make the formula less transparent, contributing to its opaque appearance.

Appears in listed formulas for: liquid lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Propylene carbonate

On the label: Propylene Carbonate

A solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and adjust the consistency of the mixture.

Appears in listed formulas for: liquid lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Red 21

On the label: Red 21 (CI 45380)

A colorant used to contribute red or pink tones to a makeup shade.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Red 28 Lake

On the label: Red 28 Lake (CI 45410)

A red lake colorant used to help create the shade. Lake colors are pigment forms of dyes.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Red 33 Lake

On the label: Red 33 Lake (CI 17200)

A red lake colorant used to adjust the shade of a lip product.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Red 40 Lake

On the label: Red 40 Lake (CI 16035:1)

A red lake colorant used in some pencil shades to contribute color.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip pencils. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Red 7 Lake

On the label: Red 7 Lake (CI 15850)

A red lake colorant used to build the final lip shade alongside other pigments.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lip pencils, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Shea butter

On the label: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)

A plant butter used to condition the lips and contribute to the formula's creamy consistency.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Silica

On the label: Silica

Helps absorb materials within the formula, reduce clumping and adjust texture and opacity.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Sodium chloride

On the label: Sodium Chloride

Also known as salt. In cosmetics, it can help adjust the thickness and consistency of the formula.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Sodium hyaluronate

On the label: Sodium Hyaluronate

The sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. It binds water and helps support a moisturized feel.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Sorbic acid

On the label: Sorbic Acid

A preservative that helps protect the product against microbial spoilage.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip pencils. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Sorbitan sesquioleate

On the label: Sorbitan Sesquioleate

An emulsifier that helps ingredients such as oil and water form an even mixture.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation, lip balm, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Stearyl alcohol

On the label: Stearyl Alcohol

A fatty alcohol that helps soften the lips and gives a formula body and stability. It is different from ethanol.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Sweet almond oil

On the label: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil

An almond-derived oil used to condition the lips and contribute a softer feel.

Appears in listed formulas for: liquid lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Synthetic beeswax

On the label: Synthetic Beeswax

A manufactured wax used to bind ingredients, stabilize mixtures and control consistency. Its name alone does not establish whether the complete product is vegan.

Appears in listed formulas for: liquid lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Titanium dioxide

On the label: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)

A white pigment used to add opacity and adjust a shade. Its presence in makeup does not by itself establish an SPF rating.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation, lip balm, lip pencils, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Tribehenin

On the label: Tribehenin

An emollient that helps condition the skin and contributes to a soft, smooth feel.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Triethoxycaprylylsilane

On the label: Triethoxycaprylylsilane

A binding ingredient that helps powder components hold together within the formula.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Vitamin E

On the label: Tocopheryl Acetate

A vitamin E derivative used for skin conditioning and antioxidant support within the formula.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation, lip balm, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Water

On the label: Water/ Aqua/ Eau

The base and solvent for the liquid foundation. Aqua and Eau are other label names for water.

Appears in listed formulas for: foundation. Ingredients can vary by shade.

Yellow 5 Lake

On the label: Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140)

A yellow lake colorant used to adjust the warmth and overall tone of a makeup shade.

Appears in listed formulas for: lip balm, lip pencils, lipstick, liquid lipstick, matte lipstick, satin lipstick. Ingredients can vary by shade.

A little label know-how

What does “may contain” mean?

Color cosmetics can share a base formula while using different pigments for each shade. A “may contain” or “+/-” list names possible color ingredients across that range. It does not mean every shade contains every pigment listed.

Does every product contain all of these ingredients?

No. This guide brings together the ingredient names in our current foundation, pencil and lip-product ingredient lists. Use the ingredient list for your chosen product and shade, and check its packaging for the formula supplied with your order.

What do the formula badges tell me?

Paraben-free and Gluten-free apply across our current collection. Vegan and Oil-free are features of Bare It All Liquid Foundation; Talc-free is a feature of Razor Sharp Lip Pencils. Cruelty-free describes our collection and is different from Vegan: some lip formulas contain beeswax, lanolin or may contain carmine.

How should I use this guide?

These explanations describe common cosmetic roles, not a promise that one ingredient produces a particular result in every finished product. The complete formula and the amounts used matter. If you avoid a particular ingredient, check the full product and shade list before choosing.

Ingredient roles are explained using COSMILE Europe and CosmeticsInfo, with technical ingredient references where needed. Product ingredient lists reviewed September 2026.

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