There are several major categories of cosmetic ingredients

Cosmetics raw materials are mainly divided into three categories: matrix materials, auxiliary materials, and functional materials.
Matrix raw materials

The matrix raw materials are the main components of cosmetics, determining the function and properties of the product. They account for a large proportion in the formula. The matrix materials include the following categories:
Oily raw materials: such as mineral oils (such as white oil, Vaseline, paraffin, and ground wax), natural oils (such as natural vegetable oil, lanolin, snake oil), and synthetic oils (such as lanolin derivatives, polydimethylsiloxane). These ingredients can provide moisturizing and caring effects for the skin and hair.

Powdery raw materials: mainly used in cosmetic products, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (used for covering and sun protection), corn starch, and polysiloxane particles (providing a delicate texture). These ingredients play a role in beautifying the skin in cosmetics.
Solvent based raw materials, such as water, alcohols, and ketones, dissolve in liquid, slurry, and paste cosmetics, endowing the product with appropriate physical properties and dosage forms.

Auxiliary raw materials
Although the amount of auxiliary raw materials added is relatively small, they play an important role in shaping, stabilizing, or imparting color, fragrance, and other characteristics to cosmetics. Auxiliary materials include:
Essence and spice: used to mix fragrance.
Pigments and pigments: used for the color of products.
Preservatives and antioxidants: Extend product shelf life and prevent oxidation.
Surfactant: Helps to evenly disperse and stabilize ingredients.
Water soluble polymers: improve the texture and stability of products.

Functional raw materials
Functional ingredients endow cosmetics with special functions or enhance their physiological effects on the skin. Common functional ingredients include:
Moisturizing agents: such as hyaluronic acid.
Whitening agents: such as vitamin C derivatives.
Antioxidants: such as vitamin E.
Sunscreen: such as zinc oxide 23.
These classifications help to understand the composition and functions of cosmetics, ensuring that the product can achieve the expected results during use.