Cosmetic Ingredients Reference Guide & Dictionary
Understanding Labels, Descriptions, Warnings, and Safety
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Name Information
K
Kaolin (China Clay) Used in manufacturing high-grade porcelain, paper, paint, cloth, soaps, and many powdered and covering cosmetics. It's also used for its dehydrating and astringent effect, inhibit skin function by blocking pores, chronic inhalation can affect lungs and cause fibrosis.
Kathon CG
methylisothiazolinone
methylchloroisothiazolinone
A preservative used in shampoo, cosmetics, leather preservation. Contact dermatitis, potent sensitiser, bacterial mutagen, skin cancer. Compound descriptor: Mutagen
Keratin As a film former, additive in permanent wave, shampoo, hair rinse, conditioner. Considered safe for most people when used in cosmetics. This insoluble albumoid (fibre protein) can be found in horny tissues like the hair and nails. High in sulphur, it's quite strong, but it is subject to chemical penetration.
Ketones These are odorous substances, used in nail polish removers, are toxic.
Kojic Acid skin lightener; touted as a bleaching agent for ethnic skin.

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