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KMS Ingredient Glossary
The KMS Ingredient Glossary provides transparent information and education about the ingredients we use in our products – from A to Z!
Ingredient Glossary
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
Y
Z
A
Acacia Seyal Gum Extract
Natural active ingredient (supports elasticity)
Acetamide MEA
Conditioning agent
Acetic Acid
pH adjuster
Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol
Conditioning agent
Acrylamide/ Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Thickener
Acrylates Copolymer
Fixative and thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Thickener
Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer
Fixative
Acrylates/Palmeth-25 Acrylate Copolymer
Thickener
Acrylates/t-Butylacrylamide Copolymer
Fixative
Acrylic Acid /Stearyl Acrylate Copolymer
Fixative
Acrylic Acid/VP Crosspolymer
Thickener
Alcohol Denat.
Solvent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Natural moisturizer (known for maintaining and keeping the moisture balance)
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Fragrance ingredient
Aminomethyl Propanol
pH adjuster
Aminopropyl Phenyl Trimethicone
Conditioning agent, shine enhancer
Ammonium Hydroxide
pH adjuster
Amodimethicone
Conditioning agent
Anise Alcohol
Fragrance ingredient
B
Beeswax/Cera Alba/Cire D’Abeille
Consistency agent
Behenamidopropyl Dimethyalamine
Conditioning agent
Behentrimonium Chloride
Conditioning agent
Behentrimonium Methosulfate
Conditioning agent
Benzoic Acid
Preservative
Benzophenone-3
UV-filter
Benzophenone-4
UV-filter
Benzyl Alcohol
Solvent
Benzyl Benzoate
Fragrance ingredient
Benzyl Cinnamate
Fragrance ingredient
Benzyl Salicylate
Fragrance ingredient
BHT
Anti-oxidant
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Bis-Isobutyl PEG/PPG-20/35 Amodimethicone Copolymer
Conditioning agent, helps to reduce color fading
Bismuth Oxychloride/C.I. 77163
Pigment
Blue 1 / C.I. 42090
Colorant
Butane
Propellant
Butyl Stearate
Emollient
Butylated PVP
Fixative
Butylene Glycol
Solvent
C
C 11-15 Pareth-9
Emulsifying agent
C 12-13 Pareth-23
Emulsifying agent
C 12-13 Pareth-3
Emulsifying agent
C-13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Natural active ingredient (known for being anti-oxidant)
Caprlyic/Capric Triglyceride
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
Solvent
Caprylyl Methicone
Conditioning agent
Carbomer
Thickener
Cellulose
Thickener and texturizer
Ceteareth-20
Emulsifying agent
Ceteareth-25
Emulsifying agent
Ceteareth-3
Emulsifying agent
Ceteartrimonium Chloride
Conditioning agent
Cetearyl Alcohol
Consistency agent
Ceteth-20 Phosphate
Emulsifying agent
Cetrimonium Chloride
Conditioning agent, evens out the hair’s surface
Cetyl Acetate
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Consistency agent
Cetyl Ethylhexanonate
Emollient
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Conditioning agent
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract/ Chamomilla Recutita
Natural active ingredient (known for being soothing and calming)
Chitosan
Fixative
Cinnamal
Fragrance ingredient
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
Natural active ingredient (known for being adstringend)
Cinnamyl Alcohol
Fragrance ingredient
Citral
Fragrance ingredient
Citric Acid
pH adjuster
Citronellol
Fragrance ingredient
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Extract
Natural active ingredient (known for being anti-oxidant)
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing agent
Coco-Glucoside
Cleansing agent
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax/Copernicia Cerifera Cera/ Cire De Carnauba
Consistency agent
Corn Starch Modified
Fixative and thickener
Coumarin
Fragrance ingredient
Croscarmellose
Consistency agent
Cyclopentasiloxane
Conditioning agent
D
Decylene Glycol
Solvent
Diatomaceous Earth/Solum Diatomeae/Terre De Diatomeae
Consistency agent and texturizer
Diazolidinyl Urea
Preservative
Di-C12-15 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride
Conditioning agent
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Emollient
Dicetyl Phosphate
Emulsifying agent
Diethylhexyl Carbonate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Conditioning agent, Shine enhancer, Protects against humidity
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Conditioning agent
Dimethiconol
Conditioning agent, Shine enhancer, Protects against humidity
Dimethyl Acrylamide/ Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/ Methoxethyl Acrylate Copolymer
Fixative, elastic hold
Dimethyl Ether
Propellant
Dipropylene Glycol
Solvent
Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate
Optical brightener
Disodium EDTA
Chelating agent, helps remove build up of hard water, minerals, and chlorine
Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
Cleansing agent
Disodium PEG-5 Laurylcitrate Sulfo-succinate
Cleansing agent
Divinyldimethicone/ Dimethicone Copolymer
Conditioning agent
DMDM Hydantoin
Preservative
E
Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) Extract / Equisetum Arvense
Natural active ingredient (known for its scalp balancing properties)
Ethyl Ester of Hydrolyzed Silk
Conditioning agent
Ethyl Ester of PVM/MA Copolymer
Fixative
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV-filter
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Solvent
Ethylparaben
Preservative
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Natural active ingredient (known for being astringent maintaining the natural volume)
Eugenol
Fragrance ingredient
Ext. Violet 2/C.I. 60730
Colorant
F
Farnesol
Fragrance ingredient
Fragrance / Parfum
Fragrance
Fructose
Humectant
G
Geraniol
Fragrance ingredient
Glucose
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Glyceryl Oleate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Consistency agent
Glycine
conditioning agent
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil/ Glycine Soja
Emollient
Glycol Distearate
Pearlizing agent
Glycolic Acid
pH adjuster
Glycyl Glycine
Natural active ingredient (supports anti-frizz and manageability)
Glyoxylic Acid
Eliminates residues left behind from a chemical service. Contains hair straightening properties at higher concentrations (e.g. TS Straightening Conditioner)
Green 3/C.I. 42053
Colorant
Green 5/C.I. 61570
Colorant
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Conditioning agent
H
HC Blue No.12
Hair Colorant
Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Plant oil (known for being a naturally derived emollient)
Hexyl Cinnamal
Fragrance ingredient
Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract/Humulus Lupulus Extract
Natural active ingredient (known for being anti-microbial)
Hydrofluorocarbon 152A
Propellant
Hydrogenated Farnesene
Naturally derived emollient from sugarcane
Hydrogenated Polydecene
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Natural active ingredient (known for strengthening)
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Natural active ingredient (heat protection)
Hydroxycitronellal
Fragrance ingredient
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Thickener
Hydroxypropyl Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Conditioning agent, provides anti-frizz
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Consistency agent
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
Conditioning agent
I
Inositol
Humectant
Iron OxideS / C.I. 77491
Color giving pigment
Iron OxideS / C.I. 77492
Color giving pigment
Iron OxideS / C.I. 77499
Color giving pigment
Isoamyl laurate
Naturally derived emollient from vegetables
Isobutane
Propellant
Isoceteth-20
Emulsifying agent
Isododecane
Solvent
Isoeugenol
Fragrance ingredient
Isopentane
Propellant
Isopropyl Alcohol
Solvent
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Isopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
Isoquercetin
Natural active ingredient (known for being anti-oxidant)
Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether
Thermosensitive emollient, for switchable thermal styling
L
Lactic Acid
pH adjuster, supports internal reconstruction
Lanolin Acid
Emulsifying agent, helps to restore hair’s natural surface
Lanolin Alcohol
Consistency agent
Lanolin Oil
Emollient
Lanolin Wax/Lanolin Cera/ Cire De Lanoline
Consistency agent
Laureth-2
Emulsifying agent
Laureth-23
Emulsifying agent
Laureth-4
Emulsifying agent
Laureth-7
Emulsifying agent
Lauryl Glucoside
Cleansing agent
Lauryl Pyrrolidone
Solvent
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract/ Lavandula Angustifolia
Natural active ingredient (known for being anti-oxidant)
Lecithin
Conditioning agent
Limonene
Fragrance ingredient
Linalool
Fragrance ingredient
M
Magnesium Sulfate
Salt, provides grip and texture
Malic Acid
Active ingredient to refill the hair providing shine and elasticity
Melissa Officinalis (Balm) Extract /Melissa Officinalis
Natural active ingredient with scalp balancing properties
Mentha Aquatica Extract
Natural active ingredient (known for its cooling abilities)
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract
Natural active ingredient (known for being anti-oxidant)
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil/Mentha Piperita
Natural active ingredient (known for being anti-oxidant)
Methylal
Solvent, supports evaporation of water
Methylparaben
Preservative
Mica
Pigment
Microcrystalline Wax/Cera Microcristallina/Cire Microcristalline
Consistency agent
Mineral Oil/Paraffinum Liquidum/Huile Minérale
Emollient
Myristic Acid
Emulsifying agent
Myristyl Alcohol
Consistency agent
N
Niacinamide
Active ingredient (also known as vitamin B3)
O
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Leaf Extract
Natural ingredient known for its antioxidant properties
Octylacrylamide/Acrylates/ Butylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Fixative
Oleth-20
Emulsifying agent
Oleyl Acetate
Emollient
Orange 4/C.I. 15510
Colorant
Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil
Plant oil (known for being a natural emollient)
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch
Natural absorbent and texturizer
Ozokerite
Consistency agent
P
Palmitamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Conditioning agent
Palmitic Acid
Emulsifying agent
Panthenol
Moisturizer
PCA
Humectant
PEG/PPG-14/4 Dimethicone
Emulsifying agent
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying agent
PEG/PPG-2000/200 Copolymer
Fixative
PEG/PPG-75/25 Carbonic Acid Copolymer
Fixative
PEG-100 Stearate
Emulsifying agent
PEG-18 Glyceryl Oleate/ Cocoate
Thickener
PEG-3 Distearate
Pearlizing agent
PEG-40 Castor Oil
Emulsifying agent
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying agent
PEG-45M
Thickener
PEG-60 Almond Glycerides
Emulsifying agent
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying agent
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Emollient
PEG-8
Humectant
PEG-8 beeswax
Emulsifying agent
PEG-90 Glyceryl Isostearate
Thickener
Pentane
Propellant
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Plant oil (known for being a natural emollient)
Petrolatum
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Phenyl Trimethicone
Conditioning agent and shine enhancer
Phenylpropanol
Solvent
Piper Nigrum (Black Pepper) Seed Extract
Natural active ingredient (known for being anti-oxidant)
Polyglycerin-3
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate
Emollient
Polyquaternium-10
Conditioning agent, evens out the hair’s surface
Polyquaternium-11
Conditioning agent that provides natural hold in dry hair
Polyquaternium-16
Conditioning agent that provides natural hold in dry hair
Polyquaternium-37
Conditioning agent, evens out the hair’s surface
Polyquaternium-4
Conditioning agent that provides natural hold in dry hair
Polyquaternium-53
Conditioning agent, evens out the hair’s surface
Polyquaternium-6
Conditioning agent, evens out the hair’s surface
Polyquaternium-68
Fixative that provides flexible setting
Polyquaternium-69
Fixative that supports curl retention
Polyquaternium-7
Conditioning agent, evens out the hair’s surface
Polysilicone-29
Conditioning agent and responsible for heat-activated gradual straightening of hair fibers
Polysilicone-9
Thermosensitive fixative and water repellant sealing compound
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying agent
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying agent
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying agent
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
PPG-10 Sorbitol
Fixative, supports bundeling
PPG-12 Dimethicone
Conditioning agent
PPG-2 Hydroxyethyl Cocamide
Thickener
PPG-3 Myristyl Ether
Emollient
PPG-9
Viscosity controlling agent
Propane
Propellant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Propylparaben
Preservative
Punica Granatum Extract
Natural active ingredient (known for being anti-oxidant)
PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer
Thickener
PVP
Fixative
Pyruvic Acid
Moisturizer
Q
Quaternium-80
Conditioning agent, evens out the hair’s surface
R
Red 33/C.I. 17200
Colorant
Red 4/C.I. 14700
Colorant
Red 40/C.I. 16035
Colorant
Rheum Palmatum (Rhubarb) Root Extract
Natural active ingredient (known for being adstringend)
Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract
Natural active ingredient (known for being anti-oxidant)
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract/ Rosmarinus Officinalis
Natural active ingredient (known for being soothing)
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil
Plant oil (known for being a natural emollient)
S
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Extract / Salvia Officinalis
Natural active ingredient (known for being soothing)
Sea Salt / Maris Sal / Sel Marin
Salt, provides grip and texture
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil / Sesamum Indicum
Plant oil (known for being a natural emollient)
Silica
Consistency agent, provides fullness and grit
Silicone Quaternium-18
Conditioning agent
Silicone Quaternium-22
Conditioning agent, helps to reduce color fading
Sodium Acetate
Buffering agent
Sodium Benzoate
Preservative
Sodium Chloride
Salt, helps to control viscosity
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
Cleansing agent
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Cleansing agent
Sodium Hydroxide
pH adjuster
Sodium Lactate
Humectant
Sodium Laneth-40 Maleate/ Styrene Sulfonate Copolymer
Fixative, helps to protect hair from heat
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing agent
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Cleansing agent
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Thickener
Sodium Stearate
Emulsifying agent
Sorbic Acid
Preservative
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying agent
Sorbitol
Humectant, supports hold
Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Conditioning agent
Steareth-21
Emulsifying agent
Stearic Acid
Emulsifying agent
Stearoxypropyl Dimethylamine
Conditioning agent, (helps to) even out the hair’s surface
Steartrimonium Chloride
Conditioning agent
Stearyl Acetate
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Consistency agent
Styrene/VP Copolymer
Opacifier
Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac) Extract/Syringa Vulgaris Extract
Natural active ingredient (known for being anti-oxidant and soothing)
T
Tartaric Acid
pH adjuster
Tetrasodium EDTA
Chelating agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Chelating agent
Titanium Dioxide / C.I. 77891
Pigment
Tocopherol
Anti-oxidant
Tocopherol Acetate
Anti-oxidant
Trideceth-10
Emulsifying agent
Trideceth-12
Emulsifying agent
Trideceth-15
Emulsifying agent
Trideceth-3
Emulsifying agent
Trideceth-6
Emulsifying agent
Trideceth-9
Emulsifying agent
Trilaureth-4 Phosphate
Emulsifying agent
Trisiloxane
Volatile conditioning agent
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Flour Lipids/Triticum Vulgare
Natural active ingredient (known to soften the hair)
U
Ultramarines/C.I. 77007
Pigment
Urea
Humectant
Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract/Urtica Dioica
Natural active ingredient (known for being scalp balancing)
V
VA/Crotonates/Vinyl Neodecanoate Copolymer
Fixative
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract / Vanilla Planifolia
Natural active ingredient (known for being moisturizing)
Vinyl Caprolactam/VP/Dimethylaminoethyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Fixative
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Plant oil (known for being a natural emollient)
VP/VA Copolymer
Fixative
Y
Yellow 5/C.I. 19140
Colorant
Z
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract / Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Natural active ingredient (known for being anti-oxidant)
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