Cosmetic Ingredients Reference Guide & Dictionary - Understanding labels, descriptions, warnings, and safety.

Cosmetic Ingredients Reference Guide & Dictionary
Understanding Labels, Descriptions, Warnings, and Safety
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Name	Information
O
Oatmeal	Ground oat kernels (after husks have been removed). A natural, mild exfoliant. Soothing to the skin. Found in Oatmeal-Lavender Cleanser and Oatmeal-Mint Cleanser.
Octyl dimethyl PABA	A UV absorber in sunscreen, makeup. May cause sensitisation; increase breast cell cancer division; estrogenic; endocrine disruption; carcinogenic.
Octyl dodecanol	A solvent, surfactant in hair conditioners, lipsticks. Generally considered safe.
Octyl Methoxycinnamate	Chemical sunscreen with photosensitivity contact dermatitis potential in some individuals; endocrine disruption. Related to Balsam of Peru with cross reactions possible for those with contact dermatitis to either agent.
Octyl Palmitate	Allows hydration and works as a solvent without giving skin a greasy texture. Generally regarded as safe.
Octyl Salicylate	Commonly incorporated into sunscreens for its antibacterial abilities and helps prevent product from turning rancid.
Oil-based	A product in which oil soluble solutions are the major part.
Oil Glands	Oil/Sebaceous glands produce a waxy-fatty substance called sebum which lubricates the skin and protects it from moisture loss.
Oleamide DEA	A viscosity control in shampoo, bubble bath, lipstick, soap. Urticaria; can cause carcinogenic nitrosamine formation. See Diethanolamine
Oleic Acid	Fatty acid that is a common constituent of many animals and vegetables. It is a common cosmetic ingredient as an emollient or defoaming agent; used in cigarettes.
Oleoyl sarcosine	An antistatic agent, surfactant in soaps, cosmetics, lubricants, hair conditioners, polishing compounds. Can cause mild skin irritation; sarcosine can enhance absorption of other ingredients through the skin and can cause nitrosamine contamination.
Olestra More info	An artificial fat substitute used as a low fat spread, french fries, ready to eat savoury snacks. Abdominal cramps; nausea; flatulence; muscular degeneration; inhibits absorption of nutrients. In Procter & Gamble's two eight-week clinical studies, the lowest level tested -- 8 gm/day (equivalent to 16 olestra-containing potato chips) — caused dramatic depletion of fat-soluble vitamins within two weeks. Got sick from Olestra? follow this link.
Oleth-2 to Oleth-50	These polyethylene glycol ethers of oleic alcohol are used as surfactants, emulsifier in a range of cosmetics and personal care.
Oleyl Alcohol	Fatty alcohol. Oily, unsaturated liquid found in fish oils. Is used to make surface-active agents.
Olive oil	A n emollient, emulsifier in shampoo, lipstick, soap, hair oil, massage oil. Generally safe; may cause allergic reactions and acne.
Orange oil	A fragrance, flavouring in perfumes, soap, colognes, cigarettes, pesticides. Allergic reactions if hypersensitive; severe reactions to concentrated oil of orange.
Organic	Natural chemical compounds found in nature, void of synthetic substances. Also known as all-natural.
Orris absolute	A fragrance in perfumes. Generally safe; can cause allergic reactions
Orthophenylphenol O-phenylphenol	An anti-microbial in cosmetics and disinfectant sprays. Very toxic; mutagenic; skin irritation; carcinogenic. MSDS: Eyes: Corrosive. Will cause corneal damage. Skin: Strong irritant. Repeated contact may cause dermatitis. Inhalation: Overexposure can cause liver and kidney injury. Dizziness, headache and nausea may be symptomatic. Swallowing: Stomach pain, dizziness, headache and nausea may be symptomatic. Ingestion of excessive amounts may result in central nervous system depression and death may occur. If vomiting, aspiration into the lungs may result in aspiration pneumonitis.
Oxybenzone	Sun screening UVA absorbing agent derived from isopropanol. Photosensitivity; chronic actinic dermatitis; contact allergy.
Oxyquinoline sulphate	See Phenol. MSDS: Caution! May be harmful if inhaled. May be harmful if swallowed. May cause eye and skin irritation. May cause respiratory tract irritation. The toxicological properties of this material have not been fully investigated. Potential Health Effects Eye: May cause eye irritation. Skin: May cause skin irritation. Ingestion: May cause irritation of the digestive tract. The toxicological properties of this substance have not been fully investigated. May be harmful if swallowed. Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation. The toxicological properties of this substance have not been fully investigated. May be harmful if inhaled.
Ozokerite	Naturally occurring waxlike mineral. An emulsifier and thickening agent used in lipstick and cream rouge.

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