A micelle is an organised structure formed by surfactant molecules in a liquid when their concentration reaches the critical micelle concentration (CMC). Micelles play an important role in cleansing products by helping solubilise and remove oily substances and other impurities with water.

Lipids are water-insoluble or poorly water-soluble substances that play important structural and functional roles in the skin. In cosmetic formulations, lipids are widely used as emollients, moisturising ingredients and components of skin-conditioning systems.

A humectant is a cosmetic ingredient that attracts and binds water, helping to maintain hydration in the skin or hair. Humectants are widely used in moisturisers, serums, cleansers, shampoos and other personal care formulations.

An emulsifier is a substance that helps combine and stabilise two normally immiscible phases, such as oil and water. Emulsifiers are essential components of many cosmetic emulsions, including creams, lotions and milks.

A detergent is a cleansing substance that helps remove dirt, oil, sebum and other impurities from a surface. In cosmetic formulations, detergents are commonly used in cleansing products such as shampoos, shower gels, facial cleansers and liquid soaps.

In vivo refers to tests or studies performed within a living organism. In cosmetic research and product development, in vivo methods can be used to evaluate the performance, effects or tolerability of cosmetic products under controlled conditions.

In vitro methods are laboratory tests performed outside a living organism, typically using isolated cells, tissues or other biological materials. They are widely used in cosmetic research, product development and safety testing.

A contract manufacturer is an external company hired to manufacture cosmetic products on behalf of another company. Contract manufacturers are commonly used by brands that do not have the facilities, equipment or production capacity required to manufacture their own products.

A project schedule is a plan that defines when project activities and deliverables are expected to take place. It organises the sequence and timing of work and provides a basis for monitoring project progress.

Project scope defines the products, services and results that a project is intended to deliver. It establishes what is included in the project and provides a basis for identifying the requirements needed to achieve the intended outcomes.

Stakeholders are individuals, groups or organisations that may affect, be affected by, or perceive themselves to be affected by a project, decision, activity or outcome. They can directly or indirectly influence project performance, delivery and results.

A Gantt chart is a visual project management tool that displays project activities against a timeline. It helps teams plan, schedule and monitor tasks, their duration, dependencies and progress throughout a project.

A Project Manager is the person assigned by an organisation to lead a project team and support the achievement of project objectives. The role involves coordinating people, facilitating teamwork and managing the processes required to deliver the intended project outcomes.

Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements. It provides a structured approach for guiding project work and delivering the intended outcomes.

A project is a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service or result. Projects have a defined beginning and end and can exist independently or as part of a larger programme or portfolio.

Polystyrene (PS) is a plastic material used in cosmetic packaging, particularly for decorative cosmetics. It is commonly used for make-up, lipstick, compact powder, blush, eyeshadow and cosmetic covers.

Polypropylene (PP) is a translucent plastic resin widely used in cosmetic packaging. It is particularly suitable for bottles, cream jars and packaging for products containing high concentrations of vegetable or mineral oils due to its relatively low porosity.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a transparent plastic material used in a range of cosmetic packaging applications. It can be coloured with pigments but is relatively brittle and has limited flexibility compared with some other packaging plastics.

High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) is a non-transparent plastic resin widely used in cosmetic packaging. It is commonly used for bottles containing shampoos, conditioners, lotions and sunscreens and can be produced in white, coloured or pearlescent finishes.

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely used packaging resins in cosmetics. It is valued for its transparency, flexibility, durability and compatibility with many cosmetic ingredients, making it particularly suitable for bottles and pots.

Phenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used cosmetic preservatives. It is a broad-spectrum preservative commonly used in combination with other preservatives to protect cosmetic formulations against microbial contamination.

Diazolidinyl Urea is a widely used cosmetic preservative with primarily antibacterial activity and some activity against moulds. It is highly water-soluble, effective across a broad pH range and classified as a formaldehyde donor.

Imidazolidinyl Urea is a widely used cosmetic preservative with primarily antibacterial activity. It is highly water-soluble, effective across a broad pH range and commonly used in aqueous cosmetic formulations.

Esters are compounds formed by the reaction of an acid, usually an organic acid, with an alcohol. A wide variety of esters are used in cosmetics because different combinations of fatty acids and alcohols can provide different properties and sensory characteristics.

Mineral Oil is a highly refined liquid hydrocarbon derived from petroleum distillates. It is widely used in cosmetic and personal care products for its lightweight, odourless and tasteless properties and is commonly found in lotions, creams, ointments and other skincare formulations.

Ozokerite Wax is a hard, crystalline wax used extensively in cosmetic and personal care formulations. It is valued for its ability to increase viscosity, improve emulsion stability and enhance gel strength, particularly in lipsticks and lip care products.

Microcrystalline Wax is a petroleum-derived wax obtained by removing oil from petrolatum. It is valued for its high melting point, strong adhesion, flexibility and ability to control crystal formation in cosmetic formulations.

Oryza Sativa Bran Wax, commonly known as Rice Bran Wax, is a vegetable wax with a highly hydrophobic character. It forms soft oil gels and is particularly suitable for emulsions such as mascaras and skincare products.