Ingredient Glossary

Extracted from a small tree, Gum Arabic is commonly used in mascaras to improve their texture.

Bio-based ingredient derived from citric acid, used as a plasticizer in nail products.

Binding and film-forming polymer.

Polymer used to thicken and texturize formulations.

Film-forming ingredient used in nail products.

Antimicrobial agent used to prevent bacteria growth.

Solvent that evaporates quickly once the product is applied.

A natural ingredient, rich in B vitamins and amino acids that strengthen the skin barrier, keeping it smooth and elastic. A key ingredient to minimize visible pores, pigmentation and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, has similar properties to retinol without the unwanted side effects. It comes from a “Medicine Lake” surrounded by Volcanoes in the USA.

Marine origin polysaccharide, with hydrating properties.

Absorbs oil or water.

White mineral powder used as an opacifying agent / colour pigment.

Used to adjust or stabilize the pH in cosmetic products.

Used to adjust or stabilize the pH in cosmetic products.

Polymer used to thicken and texturize formulations.

Functions as a pH adjuster in cosmetic products.

Readily biodegradable hair-conditioning ingredient.

Anti-static agent that helps reduce frizz and condition hair.

Preservative that can be naturally found in many fruit such as apples, cherries and plums.

Caring substance from sugar beet, repairs and strenghtens hair, protects and counteracts scalp dryness and irritation.

Vitamin that helps strengthen brittle nails, found in all the nail polishes.

Broad-spectrum organic UV filter.

Skin conditioning ingredient that blurs imperfections, adds a creamy feel to products and acts as a mattifying agent.

A colourless and odourless gas used as a propellant in sprayable products - used in the Refreshing Dry Shampoo.

Used as a solvent in nail products: nail polishes, base coat, top coats and nail hardener.

Organic UV filter that provides protection across the entire UVA range

Humectant that helps skin retain moisture.

Shea butter is an emollient that softens and smoothens the skin, forming a long-lasting protective barrier that reduces water loss and keeps skin moisturized.

A plant-derived ingredient made from fatty acids, improves the texture of formulas in pens and pencils.

Emulsifier used in mascaras for an even application of the formula.

Ester with emollient properties, gives the product a nice feeling when applied.

Silicone used to prime the skin and create an even film.

Red coloured cosmetic pigment used in our nailpolish.

Red coloured cosmetic pigment.

Red coloured cosmetic pigment used in nail products.

Yellow coloured cosmetic pigment.

Blue coloured cosmetic pigment.

Purple coloured cosmetic pigment.

Red coloured cosmetic pigment.

Blue coloured cosmetic pigment.

Silver-white powder, used in the nail polishes to give a pearl-like effect.

Plant-derived mild cleanser from coconut oil and glucose.

Preservative used to ensure cosmetic products remain safe during use.

Emollient derived from caprylic acid that gives a dry feel after using the product.

Vegetable-derived emollient, usually found in lipsticks.

Straight-chain silicon that improves the texture and feel of skincare products and helps blur pores and imperfections in the primer.

A water retaining emollient with stabilizing potential in water-in-oil emulsions.

Alcohol used to improve the texture and stability of formulas.

Emollient used in nail produts.

A chelating agent that prevents ingredients from biding with trace elements that might be present in the water, helps to prolong the shelf-life of the formula.

White crystalline solid used to reduce or inhibit odor.

An amino acid salt used to blend oil and water in formulas and condition the skin.

An organic derivative of hectorite clay (a soft, white mineral clay) used to thicken up formulations.

Solvent used in nailpolishes with a sweet odor, readily biodegradable and non bioaccumulative.

Vegetable derived ester that softens and smoothens skin.

Organic UV-filter that protects against UVB rays.

Ester with a light feel found in skincare products.

Humectant that helps to preserve formulations.

UV-absorber that protects the product from being damaged by light.

Oil expressed from açaí berries, rich in oleic acid and antioxidants.

Vitamin B9 contains antioxidants and helps to maintain the skin’s hydration.

A natural polymer with film-forming properties, extracted from Larch trees (conifers).

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA), used in our peeling to remove dead skin cells and keep the skin smooth and soft.

Vegetable-derived cleansing agent that helps create a foamy consistency.

Vegetable-derived surfactant that helps make shampoos foamy and conditions hair, found in Balance & Care Shampoo.

Glycerin is found naturally in the skin and keeps the skin hydrated. It is part of the skin's NMF (natural moisturizing factor). It is a humectant which means that it can draw moisture into the skin.

Vegetable-derived emollient, keeps the skin moisturized.

Derived from vegetable oils, this ingredient helps water and oil mix together and leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.

Vegetable-derived opacifier and pearling agent used in shampoos.

Antistatic agent derived from the Guar plant, found in haircare products. A cationic ingredient (positively charged) that neutralizes the negative charges on hair strands that cause hair to become frizzy or static.

Hectorite is a mineral clay-like material functioning as a viscosity controlling and absorbent agent in cosmetics.

The oil derived from the seeds of a hybrid strain of sunflower, moisturizes the skin.

A hard wax extracted from sunflower seeds that gives a nice feel and texture to the product.

Sunflower extract repairs damaged hair and protects it from external damage such as sun, wind and cleansing.

Sunflower Seed Oil is extracted from the seeds of the sunflower, with a high content of vitamin E.

A skin conditioning botanical ingredient derived from from the Magnolia tree.

A stabilized version of Castor Seed Oil, which is a vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of the castor bean plant, functions primarily as a skin-conditioning agent.

A skin conditioning and emollient plant-derived ingredient, derived from the oil extracted from cotton seeds.

Vegetable origin emolient and skin conditioning agent derived from olive oil.

Natural ingredient derived from the seeds of Jojoba with skin conditioning properties, leaves the skin soft and moisturized.

Vegetable derived emollient extracted from the fruit of the olive tree.

Hydrocarbon, skin conditioning emollient that leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.

A synthetic oil used to enhace the thickness of the formula and add shine in lip gloss formulas.

A stabilized version of Sunflower Seed Oil, extracted from the seeds of the sunflower, with skin-conditioning properties.

Stabilized vegetable oil that functions as a skin-conditioning ingredient.

Low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that provides many skin care benefits: it rejuvenates the skin by improving its elasticity, fills wrinkles from inside and reduces deep wrinkles significantly.

Vegan protein with amino acids that bind to the hair, giving volume, moisture and softness.

Hydroxyacetophenone naturally occurs in cloudberry, coffee and mango and is used as an antioxidant.

Polymer used to stabilize and emulsify oils into water based formulas.

Hydroxyethycellulose is a binding agent of vegetable origin, derived from highly purified cellulose pulp which is made from soft wood and/or cotton linters.

A skin conditioning, naturally derived oily liquid that adds great sensorial properties to formulas: velvety, silky and non-sticky.

Colourless, odourless gas used as an aerosol propellant in products, found in IDUN Refreshing Dry Shampoo.

Clear liquid that functions as an emollient, giving the formula a nice, light, non-oily feeling on the skin.

Used to improve the texture of formulas and leave the skin feeling soft and smooth.

A skin conditioning and emollient agent that helps make the formula rich and creamy without leaving the skin feeling oily.

Solvent used to incorporate some ingredients more easily into the formula.

Solvent used to incorporate some ingredients more easily into the formula.

Ester that works as an emollient to keep the skin hydrated.

Skin conditioning agent of vegetable origin, derived from jojoba oil, that strengthens and hydrates the lashes from the inside and adds volume.

Multifunctional ingredient that works as an emollient and as a surfactant, derived from jojoba oil.

Naturally occurring type of clay of mineral origin, used as a colourant and absorbent agent to mattify the skin.

Lactic acid is a part of the skin's NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) and can also be used to adjust the pH of the product.

Emulsifying agent used in shampoos to create a soft foam.

Fatty acid used as emulsifier in mascaras.

Natural amino-acid derivative that gives a silky feeling when applied on the skin

Natural-derived mild cleansing agent that makes the product foamy.

Multifunctional skincare ingredient that works as an emollient and emulsifying agent.

A scent ingredient naturally occurring in the rind of citrus fruit such as oranges, lemons, mandarins, limes, and grapefruit.

Naturally occurring white mineral, functions as an absorbent.

Essential mineral combined with PCA which is naturally found in the skin's NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) to revitalize the skin and boost hydration.

A clay-like mineral ingredient that functions as an opacifier and viscosity-increasing agent.

Vegetable origin ingredient, functions as a moisturizing agent and emulsion controlling agent.

Small colourless crystals that function as bulking and viscosity-controlling agents.

Used as a humectant and buffering agent to control the pH of the formula, contributes towards a mild peeling effect and can be naturally found in apples.

Apple stem cell extract contains important minerals, prevents and counteracts aging of the skin.

Essential mineral combined with PCA which is naturally found in the skin's NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) to revitalize the skin and boost hydration.

Straight-chain silicone used in nail polishes to speed up drying.

Solubilizer that helps blend water-soluble ingredients with oils.

Mineral used to provide smooth and luminous result.

Fatty acid used as emulsifier in mascaras.

Niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3) strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pigmentation and redness and regulates sebum. It improves the appearance of the skin and works for all skin types, including sensitive skins.

Film-former used in nail polishes adding a durable and protective film on the nails.

Organic UV-filter that offers protection against both UVA and UVB.

Emollient that helps the product spread easily on the skin, making it easy to apply.

Ester commonly used as an emollient in sunscreen emulsions, that has been shown to increase the "SPF" in high SPF products.

Plant-derived ester with skin-conditioning and viscosity increasing properties.

Plant-derived emulsifier and emollient, helps to stabilize water-in-oil emulsions.

Olive oil is used in skincare products to keep the skin soft and silky and prevent dryness.

Fatty acid used as an emulsifier in mascaras.

Skincare ingredient rich in oleic and stearic acids, gives the formula a soft and silky finish and helps the skin retain moisture.

Babassu Oil, rich in fatty acids.

Rice oil, rich in natural antioxidants that promote protection against free radicals.

Rice wax, extracted from rice oil, provides a soft and creamy texture.

Rice starch leaves the hair fresh and clean by absorbing excess oil.

Wax that increases the viscosity of the product and helps to stabilize emulsions.

Fatty acid used as an emulsifier in mascaras.

Panthenol, or provitamin B5, is a humectant that helps retain moisture. In haircare products, it protects hair and improves shine.

Wax that provides hardness and gloss to formulas.

Fragrances are used to give cosmetic products a pleasant scent. IDUN Minerals does not use fragrances in its products as they might can skin allergies and irritation, except in the rinse-off haircare products and the new body cream. These products contain a hypoallergenic fragrance, designed to reduce the risk of allergic reaction and that does not contain any of the most common fragrance allergens.

Oil obtained from the seeds of passion fruit, rich in antioxidants.

Emulsifier used to blend oil and water phases, commonly used in skincare products.

Emulsifier used to blend oil and water phases.

Emulsifier used to blend oil and water phases and provide a homegenous application.

Silicone glycol copolymer that improves formula's softness.

Antioxidant used in products that contain oils and waxes, to prevent degradation of products sensitive to oxidation.

Emollient that also helps disperse pigments in colour cosmetics for a homogeneous pay-off.

Aids in the preservation of products and enhance the performance of ingredients.

Aids in the preservation of products.

Well-documented preservative, used in cosmetics to prevent contamination by microorganisms and make sure that the product stays safe over time. Phenoxyethanol is allowed in cosmetics up to 1%.

Film-former used in nail products.

Liquid polymer used to adjust the viscosity of the formula.

Used to create a film on lashes in mascaras or on the skin in the eyeliner.

Skin-conditioning ingredient that helps the skin to retain moisture.

Used to solubilize ingredients in water-based formulas.

Skin-conditioning ingredient that helps the skin stay hydrated.

Emulsifier for water-in-oil emulsions, used to create lightweight textures.

Natural-derived emulsifier that helps blend water and oil.

Emulsifier that helps create oil-in-water emulsions.

Emulsifier that helps create water-in-oil emulsions and gives a silky finish to the product.

Emollient that also helps to solubilize other ingredients.

Excellent make-up cleansing agent, also used to incorporate oil in formulas.

Emulsifier that helps to incorporate oils in water-based formulas.

Vegetable-derived emulsifier that helps the formula tspread evenly when applied on the skin.

Prevents pigments discolouration when exposed to light, for products in transparent packagings.

Emollient that also helps to increase the thickness of formulas.

Natural fibers that provide hold and structure.

Emulsifying agent, used to create oil-in-water emulsions.

Film-former used in mascaras that provide a great volumizing effect.

Preservative used in cosmetics to prevent contamination by microorganisms and make sure that the product stays safe over time.

Film-former used in mascaras, with a glossy finish.

A colourless and odourless gas used as a propellant in sprayable products - used in the Refreshing Dry Shampoo.

Helps to preserve the formula.

Humectant that helps keep the skin hydrated and enhance skin permeability of active ingredients.

Almond seed oil is used for its softening and moisturizing properties in all nail polishes.

Natural polysaccharide that gives a smoother texture to products and contributes to film-forming properties in mascaras.

Polymer with film-forming properties.

Oil extracted from apple seeds, rich in fatty acids and antioxidants.

Vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of the castor bean plant, functions primarily as a skin-conditioning agent.

Rosemary leaf extract, added to the lingonberry seed oil to help preserve it.

Nourishing oil extracted from the seeds of cloudberry, with moisturizing properties.

Marula oil is a nourishing and moisturizing oil which naturally contains antioxidants.

Shea butter ester, or shea oil, is a multifunctional, lightweight oil that provides a soft finish in skincare and haircare products.

Shea butter ester, or shea oil, is a multifunctional, lightweight oil that provides a soft finish in skincare products.

Naturally occuring white powder that gives powder products a smooth texture and provides a soft-focus effect.

Type of silica that provides a thickening effect and improves pay-off in lipsticks.

Skin conditioning agent derived from jojoba seeds, moisturizes the skin and provides a velvety finish.

Used to adjust the pH of the product.

A stabilized variant of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) with antioxidant properties.

Preservative used in cosmetics to prevent contamination by microorganisms and make sure that the product stays safe over time.

Surfactant that provides a mild and effective cleansing and a creamy foam in cleansing products such as shampoos.

Used to adjust the viscosity of products.

Cleansing agent derived from fatty acids, improves the foam quality and provides a mild cleansing effect.

Preservative with good antimicrobial properties, used in cosmetics to prevent contamination by microorganisms and make sure that the product stays safe over time.

Type of silica that provides a thickening effect and improves pay-off in lipsticks.

The salt version of hyaluronic acid, with a small molecular size that allows a deeper penetration in the skin to keep skin hydrated.

Used to adjust the pH of the product.

Cleansing agent with excellent foaming and emulsifying properties.

Cleansing agent with excellent foaming and emulsifying properties.

Cleansing agent that improves the quality of the foam.

Mild cleansing agent that leaves the skin soft.

Mild cleansing agent that helps create rich foam and keep the skin moisturized.

Cleansing agent with excellent foaming and emulsifying properties.

Provide a soothing effect to formulas when applied on the skin.

Essential mineral combined with PCA which is naturally found in the skin's NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) to revitalize the skin and boost hydration.

Used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products.

Emulsifier used to create oil-in-water emulsions.

Preservative used in cosmetics to prevent contamination by microorganisms and make sure that the product stays safe over time.

Mild multifunctional surfactant, used to create emulsions and homogenize formulas.

Emulsifying agent used to create lightweight water-in-oil emulsions with a smooth feel.

Emulsifying agent used to create water-in-oil emulsions.

Emulsifying agent derived from sorbitol and stearic acid to create water-in-oil emulsions.

Alcohol derived from sugar that helps retain moisture.

Plant-based emollient, naturally present in the skin, that keeps it soft and supple.

Ingredient derived from clay, used to increase the viscosity of the formulas and homogeneously disperse pigments.

A dispersing agent and oil-in-water emulsifier that helps blend ingredients together and create homogenous formulas.

Emulsifier that helps blend ingredients together and create homogenous formulas.

Natural fatty acid used to stablize emulsions.

Oil that improves pigment dispersion and provides a silky finish.

Film-former commonly used in mascaras, with great water-resistance and volumizing properties.

Film-former commonly used in mascaras, improves water resistance of the product.

Emollient made from coconut fatty acids with moisturizing properties, improves the creaminess of the product.

Emulsifier derived from sucrose and vegetable fatty acids, provides a great sensorial texture and helps the skin retain moisture.

Emulsifier derived from sucrose and vegetable fatty acids, improves the feel of oils and butters when applied on the skin.

Vegan alternative to natural beeswax, improves the texture of the product.

Synthetic pigment with similar properties to mica, with light-reflecting and smoothing effects on the skin.

Wax that helps stabilize formulas and improve texture.

A fine white powder that improves shine, only used in nail polishes.

Chelating agent that protects the formula from undesirable metal ions.

Cocoa butter, provides a smooth and creamy texture, moisturizes and softens the skin.

White pigment used to adjust the colour of the formula.

Is used in cosmetics as a white pigment and UV-filter.

An antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage caused by pollution, sun and stress.

An antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage caused by pollution, sun and stress.

pH-adjuster used to stabilize emulsions.

Improves spreadability of the formula when applied on the skin and prolongs lastiness of the pigments.

Improves water-resistance of the formula.

Adjusts the pH of the formula.

Helps to preserve the formula.

A natural oil that moisturizes, protects and gives skin a natural glow, extracted from arctic lingonberry seeds that are rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

Film-former that provides water resistance, used in mascaras.

Film-former that provides water resistance.

Natural-derived gum, used as a stabilizer and thickener in cosmetic products.

Corn oil provides moisturizing and nourishing properties.

Powder that provides coverage and a soft feel on the skin, helps to absorb odours and impurities.

White powder that provides coverage and a natural sun protection factor.

Essential mineral combined with PCA which is naturally found in the skin's NMF (Natural Moisturizing Factor) to revitalize the skin and boost hydration.

Ensures the fluidity of solid particles and limits their agglomeration in powder products.

Humectant that also helps to preserve the product.