Adding edible ingredients to cosmetics can not only enhance consumers’ makeup experience but also be beneficial to the skin.
Therefore, cosmetics containing healthy edible ingredients are well-received in the market. In 2023, the global sales of edible cosmetics reached 2.11 billion yuan.
According to a report by Grand View Research, the global market size of edible cosmetics was estimated to be 265.95 million US dollars in 2023, and it is expected to grow at an average annual growth rate of 9.1% from 2024 to 2030.
This article summarizes 50 ingredients that are widely used in cosmetics and also have edible value.
Ergothioneine
Ergothioneine is a natural amino acid that the human body cannot synthesize on its own and has powerful antioxidant properties. It is suitable for adding to liquid foundation and concealer products to reduce the irritation of cosmetics to the skin and prevent the skin from accelerating aging due to external stimuli.
Ergothioneine is added to some essence products of Esthederm, which enhances the skin’s antioxidant capacity.
Ceramide
Ceramide is derived from sources such as pineapple, rice, and konjac. It can be used to lock in skin moisture and improve the skin barrier function. It is suitable for use in concealer cushions and loose powders to enhance the skin barrier function and reduce water loss.
The Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Pure Retinol Express Smoothing Eye Mask of Shiseido is rich in ceramide. It can effectively strengthen the skin barrier and improve the skin’s water-locking ability.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are the seeds of Salvia hispanica. They are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6, which help to strengthen the skin barrier. They are suitable for adding to BB creams and CC creams with skin care functions to provide moisture and nourishment to the skin. They are also suitable for adding to lip masks or lip oils to help moisturize the lips and make the lip skin softer.
Chia seed extract is incorporated into some moisturizing cream products of Origins, which can deeply nourish the skin and provide long-lasting moisturizing effects for the skin.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an effective antioxidant that can capture free oxygen radicals, reduce melanin, and promote the synthesis of collagen. It can be added to foundation and blush products.
Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, a vitamin C firming essence lotion, helps reduce the production of melanin and promotes the synthesis of collagen.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E has the functions of resisting skin aging, fading pigmentation, and reducing wrinkles. It can be added to lipstick and eyeshadow products to protect the delicate skin around the lips and eyes and prevent the appearance of fine lines.
Vitamin E is added to some eye essence products of Clinique, which can effectively protect the delicate skin around the eyes and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Wheat Germ Oil
Wheat germ oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E, and has the effects of antioxidant and moisturizing the skin. It is suitable for adding to lipstick, liquid foundation, and mascara products. Especially when added to lipstick, it not only improves safety but also can use its unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E to deeply moisturize the lips, making them soft and shiny.
Some lipstick products of M·A·C contain wheat germ oil, which not only improves the safety of the lipstick but also enhances its durability.
Collagen
Collagen can provide skin with tension and elasticity and maintain skin health. It is suitable for adding to powder compacts, blushes, and contouring products. If collagen is added to contouring products, it can make the texture of the product smoother and easier to apply, and at the same time keep the skin elastic.
Collagen is added to Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Wear Powder, making the texture of the powder more smooth.
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera juice is rich in vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, and has the effects of delaying aging, whitening the skin, and improving the skin texture. It is very suitable for adding to makeup removers, loose powders, and isolation creams. When added to isolation creams, aloe vera juice can not only replenish nutrients to the skin but also soothe and reduce inflammation.
FANCL’s Additive-Free Makeup Base contains aloe vera juice, which replenishes nutrients to the skin and is especially suitable for sensitive skin.
Astaxanthin
The natural sources of astaxanthin are algae, yeast, and salmon. It has antioxidant and sun protection effects. It is suitable for use in isolation creams and powder compacts, which can reduce the oxidation of the skin while setting the makeup and keep the skin healthy.
Astaxanthin is added to some powder products of Anessa by Shiseido, reducing skin oxidation and protecting the skin from UV damage.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the human body, so it is also a very safe cosmetic ingredient with excellent water retention properties. It is suitable for adding to concealer cushions, lip glosses, and setting sprays. When hyaluronic acid is added to setting sprays, it can form a moisturizing film on the skin surface after spraying, enhancing the durability of the makeup.
Papaya Juice
Papaya juice is not only a delicious beverage but also a good ingredient rich in proteins, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. When used in cosmetics, it has the functions of promoting blood circulation, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging and beautifying. It is suitable for adding to exfoliating gels, BB creams, and lip scrubs. When used in lip scrubs, it can effectively remove dead skin on the lips and improve the problems of darkening and dryness of the lips.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil has the effects of treating acne, eliminating athlete’s foot, sterilizing, and treating dandruff. It is suitable for adding to concealer, loose powder, and eye makeup remover products. When added to eye makeup removers, tea tree essential oil can help to remove eye makeup more effectively, clean the skin around the eyes, prevent eye infections, and soothe skin inflammation.
Witch Hazel Extract
Witch hazel extract has the functions of anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, desensitizing, and can help to astringe and soothe the skin. It is suitable for adding to oil-controlling loose powder, eye primers, and anti-allergic makeup remover products. When witch hazel extract is added to makeup removers, it can help reduce the risk of skin allergies and make consumers with sensitive skin feel comfortable.
Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract is rich in proanthocyanidins (OPC), which is a powerful antioxidant that can promote the synthesis of collagen, whiten the skin, and reduce wrinkles. It is often added to anti-wrinkle liquid foundations and eyeshadow products to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and make the skin look smoother after makeup.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is generally extracted from grape skins, red wine, and peanuts. It has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and can delay skin aging. It is suitable for adding to essence liquid foundations and blushes with antioxidant and anti-aging effects to delay skin aging and make the makeup more natural and durable.
Yeast Extract
Yeast extract is rich in a variety of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, which can promote cell metabolism and enhance skin immunity. It is often used in some skin-nourishing liquid foundations and concealer cushions, which can nourish the skin, promote cell metabolism, and make the makeup more fitting.
Licorice Extract
Licorice extract is a detoxifying and anti-inflammatory substance that has a liver-strengthening effect and can reduce melanin. It is suitable for adding to liquid foundation, BB creams, and sunscreen products. When added to sunscreen products, licorice extract can reduce the irritation of the skin by ultraviolet rays, and at the same time play an anti-inflammatory role, preventing inflammation and dark spots.
Arbutin
Arbutin is a popular whitening ingredient that is effective in treating melasma, freckles, and pigmentation problems. It is suitable for adding to whitening powder compacts, concealers, and CC creams. A CC cream with arbutin added can brighten the skin tone and continuously inhibit melanin. Moreover, it can help cosmetics enhance moisture retention and skin adhesion.
Calendula
Calendula has the effects of reducing internal heat, promoting blood circulation, and anti-inflammatory. It is often used in liquid foundations, concealers, and setting powders with soothing effects, helping to reduce skin inflammation and making the products more suitable for sensitive skin.
Ginkgo Biloba Extract
Ginkgo biloba extract is an excellent antioxidant ingredient that can prevent the oxidation of collagen. It can be used in anti-aging liquid foundations and blushes to prevent the skin from aging caused by free radical damage and improve the durability of the makeup.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) has the functions of whitening, anti-aging, and improving the skin barrier function. Moreover, it can be directly absorbed by the human body, and its effects are relatively obvious. It is relatively common in some whitening liquid foundations and powder compacts, which can inhibit the production of melanin from the base. It is also often used in lipsticks and lip glosses to improve the moisturizing and anti-aging effects of the products.
Green Tea Extract
The main active ingredient in green tea extract is tea polyphenols, which is an effective antioxidant ingredient. It can protect skin cells and has certain anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Green tea extract can be used in liquid foundations and setting sprays with oil-controlling and antioxidant effects to inhibit oil secretion and keep the makeup fresh.
Seaweed Extract
Seaweed extract contains rich minerals and trace elements, which can improve skin moisture retention and also has certain anti-inflammatory and repair effects. It is suitable for use in liquid foundations, makeup primers, and cream foundations with moisturizing effects to improve skin moisture retention and make the makeup more hydrated.
Pomegranate Extract
The effective antioxidant ingredient in pomegranate extract is ellagic acid. It can inhibit the formation of melanin, brighten the skin tone, and at the same time has the effects of moisturizing and anti-inflammatory. Pomegranate extract can be used in liquid foundations and concealers with the effect of brightening the skin tone to brighten the skin tone and make the skin appear naturally fair.
Aloe Polysaccharides
Aloe polysaccharides are active ingredients extracted from aloe vera, with the effects of moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and repair. They are commonly found in liquid foundations, makeup primers, and masks with soothing effects, soothing sensitive skin, moisturizing the skin, and making the makeup more fitting.
Oat β-Glucan
Oat β-glucan is an active ingredient extracted from oats, with the effects of moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and repair. It is suitable for use in liquid foundations, powder compacts, and eye makeup products with repair functions, enhancing the skin barrier function, reducing the damage of external stimuli to the skin, and making the makeup more durable.
Propolis
Propolis has the functions of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and promoting cell regeneration. It is often added to lipsticks with repair functions to repair damaged lip skin and prevent chapped lips. It can also be found in some blushes with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects to protect the skin from external damage.
Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil is rich in vitamin C and a variety of unsaturated fatty acids, which can promote skin cell regeneration and at the same time has the effects of whitening and anti-wrinkle. Rosehip oil is relatively common in liquid foundations, eyeshadows, and eyeliners with whitening and anti-wrinkle effects, nourishing the skin and making the skin smoother and more delicate.
Soy Isoflavones
Soy isoflavones are a kind of phytoestrogen, with the effects of antioxidant, anti-aging, and improving the skin texture. They can regulate skin oil secretion and reduce the occurrence of acne. They can be used in liquid foundations and blushes that regulate skin oil secretion to reduce the occurrence of acne and pimples, make the makeup cleaner, and improve the skin texture.
Trehalose
Trehalose has excellent moisture retention properties, keeping the skin hydrated. Trehalose is suitable for adding to makeup products that need moisture retention, such as liquid foundations, lip glosses, and eyeshadows, forming a protective film on the skin surface and extending the durability of the makeup.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Sodium hyaluronate has a stronger moisture retention performance than hyaluronic acid and can penetrate deep into the skin to provide sufficient moisture and nutrients. It is also a common moisture retention ingredient in makeup products and is used in liquid foundations, concealers, and makeup primers to make the makeup more fitting and natural.
Squalane
Squalane is an oil component extracted from the liver of deep-sea sharks and is rich in nutrients. It can quickly penetrate the skin, prevent water loss, and at the same time help the skin with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. It often appears in liquid foundations and lipsticks with moisturizing and repairing effects. It has a high similarity to human sebum and can prevent water loss and protect the skin.
Pearl Powder
Pearls are not only a classic jewelry material. Pearl powder, which is obtained by carefully grinding pearls, is also rich in a variety of amino acids, trace elements, and minerals. In cosmetics, it can be used as an ingredient for whitening, brightening the skin tone, and reducing fine lines. It is used in whitening liquid foundations, powder compacts, and blushes, which can whiten and brighten the skin tone and make the skin show a delicate luster.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender essential oil has the effects of calming, soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial, and has a light fragrance. It is suitable for use in skin care products for sensitive skin, such as soothing liquid foundations and makeup primers, calming and soothing the skin, making the makeup more fitting. Due to its special fragrance, it also appears in some fragrance makeup products with a calming effect.
Rose Water (Rose Flower Dew)
Rose water is obtained by distilling rose flowers and is rich in natural rose essential oil and a variety of vitamins. It has the effects of moisturizing, soothing, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory, and has the natural fragrance of roses. Rose water is suitable for adding to foundation, loose powder, and blush products with moisturizing effects.
For example, a certain brand’s long-lasting liquid foundation adds rose water ingredients. According to the official claim, it can make the makeup look natural and reduce the irritation of the foundation to the skin. Adding rose water ingredients to moisturizing setting sprays can make the makeup more fitting and durable.
Sweet Almond Oil
Sweet almond oil is cold-pressed from sweet almonds and is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and proteins. It has good moisturizing and nourishing effects and is suitable for dry and sensitive skin. It is suitable for adding to lipstick, lip gloss, and eyeshadow products, which can effectively moisturize dry skin and make the lip makeup more fitting.
For example, Dasique Jam Lip Gloss contains sweet almond oil, which can make the lips show a juicy and plump effect.
Oat Protein
Oat protein is a protein extracted from oats and has the functions of moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and repairing the skin barrier. It is often added to skin care products to improve the skin texture and reduce irritation.
For example, Ilisya Wrinkle Reducing Peptide Smooth Eye Cream adds oat protein extract, which can enhance the water-locking ability of the skin around the eyes and make the skin look younger.
Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter is a fat extracted from cocoa beans and is rich in natural antioxidants and vitamin E. It has good moisturizing and nourishing effects and is suitable for dry and mature skin.
For example, MAC’s Futurist Satin Matte Lipstick in the Futurist collection contains natural shea butter, cocoa butter, and coconut oil. It can be used as both a lip gloss and a blush, moisturizing the lips and cheeks.
Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaves are rich in a variety of antioxidant components, such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, and have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Olive leaf extract is used by some manufacturers in anti-aging and skin care products for sensitive skin.
For example, the Kanebogr version of the powder compact in Kanebo’s 2024 Christmas makeup series contains olive leaf extract and artichoke leaf extract, which helps to enhance the affinity of the powder compact to the skin.
Wheat Germ Extract
Wheat germ is rich in vitamin E, proteins, and minerals. In cosmetics, wheat germ extract is used by some cosmetic manufacturers as an ingredient for antioxidant, moisturizing, and nourishing the skin.
In some niche cosmetic brands that focus on natural and organic products, wheat germ extract can be added as an antioxidant, moisturizing, and nourishing ingredient to liquid foundation and lip gloss products.
Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E and has good moisturizing effects, suitable for dry and sensitive skin.
Shiseido Benefique The Luminizing Softener contains sesame oil, which has a moisturizing and nourishing effect on dry and sensitive skin.
Fresh Crème Ancienne Ultimate Nourishing Oil also contains sesame oil. This is a cosmetic mainly for dry and mature skin, which can improve the dry and water-deficient condition of the skin and enhance the elasticity of the skin.
Grape Seed Oil
Grape seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. It has good moisturizing and antioxidant effects, especially suitable for sensitive skin.
For example, Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Concentrate Matrix adds grape seed oil, which can provide good moisturizing and antioxidant effects for the skin around the eyes, making the skin around the eyes more firm.
Origins Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Relief & Resilience Soothing Treatment Lotion contains grape seed oil, which can make the skin healthier and more vibrant.
Aloe Polysaccharide Complex
Aloe polysaccharide complex is an important component in aloe vera, with the functions of moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, promoting cell regeneration, and repairing the skin barrier. Aloe polysaccharide complex has been widely used in various skin care products.
Green Tea Polyphenols
Green tea polyphenols are extracted from green tea and have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
For example, Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ (with oil) adds green tea polyphenols, which can help regulate the oil secretion of the skin and is suitable for combination and oily skin.
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence contains green tea polyphenols, which can exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and prevent skin problems.
Trehalose Alcohol
Trehalose alcohol is extracted from seaweed and has excellent moisture retention properties. F
or example, Lancôme Tonique Douceur adds trehalose alcohol. By using its excellent moisture retention properties, it can keep the skin hydrated.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Toner also contains trehalose alcohol, which can provide sufficient moisture for the skin and keep the skin hydrated for a long time.
Blueberry Extract
Blueberries are rich in anthocyanins, which are antioxidants. These components in cosmetics can help brighten the skin tone, reduce skin inflammation, and provide antioxidant effects.
For instance, Clarins White Plus Total Luminescent Brightening Essence contains blueberry extract, which can inhibit the formation of melanin and brighten the skin tone.
Caudalie Vinopure Natural Salicylic Acid Pore Minimizing Gel also contains this ingredient, which helps the skin resist the damage from free radicals, reduces skin inflammation, and keeps the skin fresh and hydrated.
Edible Cosmetic Ingredient：Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a natural antioxidant present in human cells. It can neutralize free radicals and reduce signs of skin aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
This ingredient is used in Shiseido Benefique The Retinol Express Smoothing Cream. The antioxidant effect of Coenzyme Q10 helps reduce fine lines and enhance skin elasticity.
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-aging Overnight Capsules also contain Coenzyme Q10, which works in conjunction with ceramide to replenish nutrients to the skin at night.
Ampelopsis Japonica Extract
Ampelopsis japonica is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, and its extract has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and astringent effects. It is often used in products for acne care and sensitive skin care.
Albion Skin Conditioner contains Ampelopsis japonica extract, which keeps the skin in a fresh and healthy state.
Fancl Medicated Anti-Acne Gel contains Ampelopsis japonica extract, which is designed for acne-prone skin and can alleviate the inflammatory response.
Mulberry Bark Extract
Mulberry bark is rich in various active components, such as flavonoids and amino acids, and has the effects of whitening, moisturizing, and antioxidant. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence contains mulberry bark extract, which helps whiten the skin and enhance the overall texture of the skin. Decorte White檀 Lotion and Emulsion also contain mulberry bark extract, which inhibits the production of melanin from the source.
Edible Cosmetic Ingredient：Wolfberry Extract
Wolfberries are rich in various amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, and have the effects of antioxidant, anti-aging, and moisturizing. They are often used in anti-aging skin care products.
Lancôme Absolue Premium ßx Day Cream contains wolfberry extract, which combines with rose essence to deeply nourish the skin and effectively combat signs of skin aging.
Clarins Double Serum also contains this ingredient, which, when combined with various plant extracts, exerts antioxidant and anti-aging effects.
Leecosmetic: Using raw materials from internationally renowned companies
Leecosmetic is a leading cosmetics manufacturer. It provides high – quality cosmetics products at very competitive prices and with low minimum order quantities.
We offer a range of services, such as private label cosmetics manufacturing, OEM/ODM manufacturing, and provide a complete product supply solution for small and medium – sized cosmetics brands.
As a fast – growing private label cosmetics manufacturer, Leecosmetic has been using raw materials from internationally renowned companies in a safe and efficient manner.
Contact: https://leecosmetic.com/contactus/
Conclusion
Adding edible ingredients to cosmetics is not only about utilizing their nutritional components to improve skin health. More importantly, it can be used in brand marketing, making consumers associate them with health and safety.
