Matt Paste

All hair and skin types.

Almost always the first ingredient listed in water-based products.

People looking for smoother, more manageable hair or richer, creamier product textures.

Despite the name, fatty alcohols are moisturising and conditioning rather than drying. They also help stabilise and thicken many haircare formulas.

Those with very dry, fragile or textured hair that benefits from strong moisture retention.

It is highly refined for cosmetic use and is valued for its ability to reduce moisture loss. Because it is heavy, it is usually used in small amounts or in targeted treatments.

Anyone looking for longer-lasting hold, enhanced definition or improved style memory.

It is widely used in gels, mousses and sprays because it creates a flexible film on the hair shaft. Its performance can vary with humidity, so it is often blended with other polymers for stability.

Those with very dry, coarse or textured hair that benefits from richer conditioning.

Lanolin is derived from wool wax and is valued for its ability to boost softness and shine. It can feel rich, so it is typically used in small amounts in modern formulas.

Those who prefer products with a creamy, uniform texture.

It is commonly used in conditioners and styling products to keep formulas consistent and easy to apply. It also supports even distribution of other ingredients through the hair.

Those who prefer styling or conditioning products with a richer, more structured feel.

It helps products maintain shape and consistency, particularly in waxes, balms and pomades. It can also support hold in styling formulas without feeling overly greasy.

People looking to reduce moisture loss, add slip, or tame frizz.

Mineral oil is a highly refined cosmetic-grade ingredient valued for its stability and ability to lock in moisture. It is commonly used in hair treatments and styling products for added softness and shine.

Those with oily scalps or those using styling products that benefit from a matte, volumising effect.

Kaolin is a naturally occurring clay that can help improve product texture while offering mild cleansing without stripping. It is commonly used in scalp treatments, masks and texturising products.

People looking for longer-lasting hold or improved definition in styling products.

It is widely used in gels, mousses and sprays because it creates flexible, brushable hold. It can also help reduce frizz by forming a lightweight coating on the hair.

Those who prefer products with a light, uniform texture that spread easily.

It is commonly used to improve the consistency and stability of creams, conditioners and styling products. It also assists in solubilising fragrance or oil components into water‑based bases.

People looking for products that add gentle control, smoothness or texture.

Beeswax can help lock in moisture and give hair a soft, pliable finish. It is commonly used in balms, pomades and creams for shape and definition.

Useful for those who prefer haircare products with clear, consistent textures or evenly dispersed fragrance and oils.

It is widely used in shampoos, conditioners and styling products to keep formulations stable and smooth. It also offers mild surfactant properties that support product rinse-off.

Dry or dehydrated hair, and many curl and moisture routines.

A very common, well-tolerated humectant used across countless products.

Those looking for mild cleansing with a smoother, less stripped feel.

It is often included to make cleansing formulas feel more conditioning and to help solubilise oils or fragrances. It pairs well with stronger surfactants to create a more balanced wash.

All products that need protecting from spoilage.

A very common, well-studied preservative used at low levels.

People who enjoy a scented product.

Fragrance preference is personal. Some people prefer fragrance-free formulas by choice.

Anyone who wants products to stay fresh and stable over time.

Parabens like methylparaben are widely used because they are effective in very small amounts and have a long history of use in cosmetics. They help maintain product quality, especially in water-based formulas.

Anyone using products that benefit from a long, reliable shelf life.

Propylparaben is a widely used preservative that helps maintain product quality and freshness. It is used at very low levels and is well studied for its role in keeping formulations stable.

Those who want products with reliable preservation, including professionals who need consistent shelf stability.

Ethylparaben is part of the paraben family, which has been widely used for many years due to its effectiveness in small amounts. It is often combined with other preservatives to create a broad‑spectrum system.

Those who want products with a longer shelf life and consistent performance.

Parabens like butylparaben are widely used and well-studied preservatives that help keep products stable. They are typically present in very small amounts to maintain freshness and quality.

All products, especially in hard-water areas.

Used in tiny amounts to keep formulas performing reliably.

A fragrance component that must be listed separately on labels because a minority of people can be sensitive to it. Its presence is normal, required disclosure and is not a quality signal.

A fragrance component that must be listed separately on labels because a minority of people can be sensitive to it. Its presence is normal, required disclosure and is not a quality signal.

A fragrance component that must be listed separately on labels because a minority of people can be sensitive to it. Its presence is normal, required disclosure and is not a quality signal.

A fragrance component that must be listed separately on labels because a minority of people can be sensitive to it. Its presence is normal, required disclosure and is not a quality signal.