Ingredient label reference

Dog shampoo ingredient glossary

Look up an ingredient from your dog’s grooming label.

Search 41 ingredients by name or function. A name explains a possible role; it cannot tell you whether the finished product suits your dog.

Find an entry

Search the ingredient name printed on the label (INCI), a common name or an alternative name.

Search ingredientsFunction categoryExample format

First letter

Showing 41 of 41 entries

Alphabetical by INCI name

Conditioning and antistatic agents

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice

Aloe vera leaf juice

Also seen as: Aloe vera juice · Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice · Aloe vera
Reported functions: Skin conditioning
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Active CosIng record verified on 26 September 2026; the function name is official terminology, not a finding about soothing or a canine outcome.; View official CosIng function record

The juice expressed from aloe leaves, listed in CosIng with a single skin-conditioning function.

Why it may be in a product

It can form part of a formula's water phase and conditioning profile, and it is a recognisable name on a front label.

What the name tells you

It identifies aloe leaf juice and its reported skin-conditioning function.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish amount, processing or whether it was reconstituted from powder, freshness, soothing or hydration effect, or tolerance. “Aloe vera” on the front of a bottle does not tell you which aloe material the formula contains.

Related entries

Avena Sativa Kernel Flour Glycerin Aqua

Carriers and solvents

Aqua

Water

Also seen as: Water · Eau
Reported functions: Solvent
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe
Evidence status: Official function terminology established; a canine finished-product outcome is not established.; View official CosIng function record

Water used as the main liquid carrier in many shampoos, sprays, mousses and lotions.

Why it may be in a product

It dissolves or disperses other ingredients and helps create the intended concentration, flow and application format.

What the name tells you

Its presence usually signals a water-based formula and identifies water using common ingredient terminology.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish percentage, purification quality, microbiological control, preservation, dilution or finished-product safety. The name does not import human-cosmetics label-order rules into pet products.

Related entries

Glycerin Sodium Benzoate Xanthan Gum

Discussed in Journal guides

Thickeners and rheology modifiers

Avena Sativa Kernel Flour

Oat kernel flour

Also seen as: Oat flour · Colloidal oatmeal · Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour
Reported functions: Abrasive · Absorbent · Bulking · Viscosity controlling
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on
Evidence status: Active CosIng record verified on 26 September 2026; function names are official terminology, not a finding about itch, comfort or a canine outcome.; View official CosIng function record

Finely ground oat kernels; CosIng lists abrasive, absorbent, bulking and viscosity-controlling functions for this name.

Why it may be in a product

It can add body and texture to a wash and is often the ingredient a front label means by “oatmeal”.

What the name tells you

It identifies ground oat kernel in the formula and its reported absorbent, bulking and texture functions.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish particle size or grade, amount, whether it meets any “colloidal oatmeal” specification, soothing or itch relief, or suitability for an individual dog. CosIng lists no skin-protecting or soothing function for this name, and the words “colloidal oatmeal” on their own do not guarantee a grade.

Carriers and solvents

Butylene Glycol

Multifunctional solvent and carrier

Also seen as: 1,3-butanediol · Butane-1,3-diol · BG
Reported functions: Humectant · Fragrance · Skin conditioning · Solvent · Viscosity controlling
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.; View official CosIng function record

A multifunctional solvent or carrier that may also influence moisture retention, feel and viscosity.

Why it may be in a product

It can help dissolve or distribute compatible ingredients while contributing to the flow and application feel of a formula.

What the name tells you

It identifies Butylene Glycol and points to possible solvent, humectant, conditioning or viscosity roles.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish concentration, precise grade, which ingredients it carries, its dominant function, sensory result or formula performance.

Related entries

Aqua Propylene Glycol Glycerin

Thickeners and rheology modifiers

Carbomer

Gel-forming polymer

Also seen as: Crosslinked polyacrylic acid · Poly(acrylic acid) crosspolymer · Carboxypolymethylene
Reported functions: Emulsion stabilising · Gel forming · Viscosity controlling
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.; View official CosIng function record

A polymer used to form gels, thicken liquid formulas and help emulsions resist separation.

Why it may be in a product

It can turn a thin liquid into a controlled gel or add structure to a wash, leave-on, wipe liquid or cream.

What the name tells you

It identifies carbomer and points to a possible gel-structure, viscosity or emulsion-stability role.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish polymer grade, percentage, neutralisation, finished pH, measured viscosity or a stability-test result.

Occlusives and film-forming ingredients

Cera Alba

White beeswax

Also seen as: Beeswax · White beeswax
Reported functions: Film forming · Skin conditioning—emollient · Emulsifying · Perfuming
Example formats: Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official function terminology established; a canine finished-product outcome is not established.; View official CosIng function record

A structured wax used to form a surface film and give balms or sticks body and hold.

Why it may be in a product

It can influence firmness, application and the film left by a balm, while also contributing to the structure of an emulsion.

What the name tells you

It identifies a wax with reported film-forming, emollient, emulsifying and perfuming functions.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish wax quality, processing, amount, final occlusivity, stiffness, lick exposure, allergy suitability or product safety. Film forming is not proof of a clinical barrier benefit.

Emollients

Cetearyl Alcohol

Waxy fatty-alcohol blend

Also seen as: Cetostearyl alcohol · Cetylstearyl alcohol · Fatty alcohol
Reported functions: Skin conditioning—emollient · Emulsifying · Emulsion stabilising · Viscosity controlling · Opacifying
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official function terminology established; a canine finished-product outcome is not established.; View official CosIng function record

A waxy fatty-alcohol blend used to soften feel, add body and help stabilise emulsions. It is not the same ingredient class as ethanol.

Why it may be in a product

It can build a cream or conditioner structure and change richness, spread and after-feel.

What the name tells you

It identifies an ingredient with reported emollient, emulsifying and texture-supporting functions.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish the cetyl-to-stearyl ratio, source, amount, emulsion stability, richness, mildness or tolerance.

Related entries

Cera Alba Polysorbate 20 Xanthan Gum

Fragrance, colour and sensory modifiers

CI 42090

Blue colour-index ingredient

Also seen as: Acid Blue 9 · Brilliant Blue FCF · Blue 1 · FD&C Blue No. 1
Reported functions: Colorant · Hair dyeing
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.; View official CosIng function record

A triphenylmethane colourant used to impart or adjust blue colour.

Why it may be in a product

It can give a formula a recognisable colour or help a manufacturer keep its visible appearance consistent.

What the name tells you

It identifies the colour-index ingredient CI 42090 and its reported colourant and hair-dyeing functions.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish concentration, exact salt or lake form, intended shade, colour intensity, finished-product compliance or suitability.

Related entries

Parfum Linalool Aqua

pH adjusters and buffers

Citric Acid

Citric acid

Read the full Citric Acid ingredient page →

Also seen as: 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid · E330
Reported functions: Buffering · Chelating · Fragrance
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe
Evidence status: Official function terminology established; a canine finished-product outcome is not established.; View official CosIng function record

An organic acid used as part of a buffering or pH-adjustment system and sometimes to bind metal ions.

Why it may be in a product

A formulator may use it in a small amount to tune the finished system rather than as a headline ingredient.

What the name tells you

Its presence suggests pH, buffering or chelation work may be part of the formula design.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish amount, reason for use, finished pH, acidity, a ‘pH balanced’ claim, mildness or canine skin compatibility. E330 is only a food-code search alias, not grade equivalence.

Related entries

Disodium EDTA Aqua Sodium Benzoate

Discussed in Journal guides

Cleansing agents and surfactants

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Amphoteric surfactant

Read the full Cocamidopropyl Betaine ingredient page →

Also seen as: CAPB · Cocamidopropyl betaine
Reported functions: Cleansing · Surfactant—cleansing · Surfactant—foam boosting · Hair conditioning · Viscosity controlling · Antistatic
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on
Evidence status: Official function terminology established; a canine finished-product outcome is not established.; View official CosIng function record

A surface-active ingredient used to help loosen and suspend oily soil, support foam and tune the feel or thickness of a wash.

Why it may be in a product

It may form one part of a blended cleansing system, where several surfactants shape foam, rinse and after-feel together.

What the name tells you

It identifies one multifunctional component that may contribute to cleansing, foam, conditioning or viscosity.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish amount, raw-material composition or purity, cleansing strength, mildness, sensitisation potential or finished-product tolerance.

Discussed in Journal guides

Cleansing agents and surfactants

Decyl Glucoside

Glucose-derived surfactant

Read the full Decyl Glucoside ingredient page →

Also seen as: Decyl D-glucoside · Decyl polyglucoside · C10 alkyl glucoside · Alkyl polyglucoside
Reported functions: Cleansing · Emulsion stabilising · Surfactant—cleansing
Example formats: Rinse-off · Wipe
Evidence status: CosIng-supported identity and function vocabulary; canine-specific performance and finished-formula evidence are not established.; View official CosIng function record

A glucose-derived surface-active ingredient used to help lift and disperse soil and support the uniformity of some emulsions.

Why it may be in a product

It may be combined with other surfactants to shape cleansing, rinse and after-feel while also supporting the formula's physical structure.

What the name tells you

It identifies decyl glucoside and points to a cleansing or emulsion-support role in the formula.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish exact amount, chain-length or composition distribution, grade, the rest of the surfactant blend, cleansing power, mildness, final stability or canine suitability. Alkyl polyglucoside is a broader class search term.

Discussed in Journal guides

Occlusives and film-forming ingredients

Dimethicone

Silicone conditioning fluid

Read the full Dimethicone ingredient page →

Also seen as: Dimeticone · Dimeticonum · Polydimethylsiloxane · PDMS
Reported functions: Skin conditioning—emollient · Skin conditioning · Skin protecting
Example formats: Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.; View official CosIng function record

A silicone fluid used to soften a formula's feel and help it leave a smooth protective layer on the surface.

Why it may be in a product

It can change spread, slip and after-feel while contributing a surface-conditioning layer.

What the name tells you

It identifies dimethicone and points to possible emollient, conditioning or surface-protecting roles.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish percentage, viscosity or grade, layer thickness, persistence or the finished product's performance.

Related entries

Cera Alba PVP Squalane

Discussed in Journal guides

Carriers and solvents

Dipropylene Glycol

Multifunctional solvent and carrier

Also seen as: DPG · Oxydipropanol · Dipropylene glycol mixed isomers
Reported functions: Fragrance · Solvent · Viscosity controlling · Perfuming
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Active CosIng record verified on 24 August 2026; function names are official terminology, while role and format examples are cautious editorial interpretation.; View official CosIng function record

A multifunctional solvent or carrier that may help dissolve and distribute formula components and influence viscosity; CosIng also lists fragrance and perfuming functions.

Why it may be in a product

It can carry compatible scent or formula materials and help tune their distribution and the formula's flow.

What the name tells you

It identifies Dipropylene Glycol and its reported solvent, viscosity, fragrance and perfuming functions.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish concentration, isomer distribution or grade, what it carries, its primary purpose, scent contribution or finished-formula performance.

Related entries

Aqua Butylene Glycol Parfum

Chelators and antioxidants

Disodium EDTA

Chelating agent

Read the full Disodium EDTA ingredient page →

Also seen as: Disodium edetate · Disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate
Reported functions: Chelating · Viscosity controlling
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe
Evidence status: Official function terminology established; a canine finished-product outcome is not established.; View official CosIng function record

A chelator used to bind certain metal ions that could otherwise affect colour, odour, stability or parts of a preservation system.

Why it may be in a product

It can support overall formula stability and work alongside, rather than replace, an appropriate preservation system.

What the name tells you

Its presence identifies a supporting formulation role that may not be obvious from front-label claims.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish concentration, metals present or bound, preservation boost, final stability, environmental profile or product safety.

Related entries

Citric Acid Sodium Benzoate Aqua

Discussed in Journal guides

Dog shampoo ingredients: what are they for?Preservation, chelation and pH are systems · Supporting formulation roles. These names do not disclose finished pH, preservation validation or product quality.

Humectants

Glycerin

Glycerol

Read the full Glycerin ingredient page →

Also seen as: Glycerol · Glycerine · Vegetable glycerin
Reported functions: Humectant · Skin conditioning—humectant · Solvent
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Function terminology established; limited canine finished-formula evidence does not isolate glycerin's effect.; View official CosIng function record

A water-binding ingredient used to manage moisture in a formula and, in an appropriately designed leave-on, help support surface hydration.

Why it may be in a product

It can influence water retention, spread and feel as one part of a wider moisturising system.

What the name tells you

It identifies a familiar humectant, skin-conditioning and solvent ingredient in the formula.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish origin, concentration, tack, water activity, hydration result, preservation or suitability. ‘Vegetable glycerin’ is equivalent only when source is separately documented.

Related entries

Aqua Cetearyl Alcohol Xanthan Gum

Discussed in Journal guides

Conditioning and antistatic agents

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

Cationic guar conditioner

Also seen as: Cationic guar · Guar gum hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride
Reported functions: Antistatic · Film forming · Skin conditioning · Viscosity controlling
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on
Evidence status: Function terminology established; mechanistic hair evidence is indirect and not a canine-product result.; View official CosIng function record

A positively charged guar derivative that can deposit on hair, form a light film and help reduce static or improve conditioned feel.

Why it may be in a product

It can balance the feel of a shampoo, conditioner or combined format and support slip after cleansing.

What the name tells you

Its presence points to a deliberate conditioning, antistatic, film-forming or viscosity role.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish molecular weight, charge density, deposition, combability benefit, amount or canine-coat performance.

Discussed in Journal guides

Dog shampoo ingredients: what are they for?Conditioning, thickness and controlled flow · Conditioning and texture-related terminology. The names do not establish deposition, combability, viscosity or physical stability.

Thickeners and rheology modifiers

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Cellulose-derived thickener

Also seen as: HEC · Hydroxyethyl cellulose · Cellulose 2-hydroxyethyl ether · Hyetellose
Reported functions: Emulsion stabilising · Viscosity controlling · Film forming
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.; View official CosIng function record

A cellulose-derived polymer that thickens water-based formulas, supports emulsion stability and may leave a light film.

Why it may be in a product

It can add body and controlled flow to several formats while helping keep the formula uniform.

What the name tells you

It identifies a viscosity-control, emulsion-stabilising and film-forming ingredient.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish grade, molecular weight, percentage, hydration method or the finished product's exact thickness and feel.

Related entries

Carbomer Xanthan Gum PVP

Emollients

Isopropyl Myristate

Lightweight emollient ester

Also seen as: IPM · Isopropyl tetradecanoate · Propan-2-yl tetradecanoate · Isopropyl ester of myristic acid
Reported functions: Binding · Skin conditioning—emollient · Fragrance · Perfuming
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Balm or cream
Evidence status: CosIng supports emollient and related formulation functions; canine and finished-formula performance are not established.; View official CosIng function record

A lightweight ester used to improve spread and add slip or softness to the surface feel of a formula.

Why it may be in a product

It can help an oil-rich product spread more readily and change the perceived greasiness or finish during application.

What the name tells you

It identifies an emollient ester that may contribute to spread, binding or surface feel.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish source, grade, concentration, absorption, greasiness, finished emolliency, fragrance contribution, tolerance, safety or canine suitability.

Related entries

Cetearyl Alcohol Squalane Cera Alba

Fragrance, colour and sensory modifiers

Linalool

Perfuming scent material

Read the full Linalool ingredient page →

Also seen as: Linalyl alcohol · 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol · 1,6-octadien-3-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-
Reported functions: Deodorant · Perfuming
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.; View official CosIng function record

A scent material used for perfuming; CosIng also lists a deodorant function.

Why it may be in a product

It can contribute a specific scent note or arrive as one disclosed component of a wider fragrance material.

What the name tells you

It identifies Linalool and its reported perfuming and deodorant functions.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish concentration, source, whether it was added alone or arrived through another material, the finished scent or product suitability.

Related entries

Parfum CI 42090 Polysorbate 20

Discussed in Journal guides

Dog shampoo ingredients: what are they for?Why Parfum and Linalool can both appear · Scent-related terminology. The names do not establish source, concentration, persistence, tolerability or canine suitability.

Fragrance, colour and sensory modifiers

Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil

Tea tree oil

Also seen as: Tea tree oil · Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil · Melaleuca oil
Reported functions: Antioxidant · Fragrance · Skin protecting · Perfuming · Skin conditioning—miscellaneous
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Balm or cream
Evidence status: CosIng record read on 26 September 2026; function names are official human-cosmetics terminology, not a canine safety or treatment finding.; View official CosIng function record

An essential oil distilled from tea tree leaves, listed in CosIng with perfuming, fragrance, antioxidant, skin-protecting and skin-conditioning functions.

Why it may be in a product

It can give a product a recognisable scent and is often named on the front label as a headline ingredient.

What the name tells you

It identifies tea tree leaf oil and its reported perfuming, antioxidant and skin-conditioning functions.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish concentration, oil composition or oxidation, whether the finished product was assessed for dogs, or safety for an individual dog. Whether exposure to tea tree oil is safe for a particular dog is a question for a veterinarian, which this glossary does not answer. “Skin protecting” is database terminology, not an antimicrobial or treatment claim.

Related entries

Parfum Linalool Tocopherol

Preservatives and product-protection systems

Methylisothiazolinone

Isothiazolinone preservative

Also seen as: MI · MIT · 2-Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one
Reported functions: Preservative
Example formats: Rinse-off
Evidence status: Active CosIng record verified on 26 September 2026; function name and listed restrictions are human-cosmetics terminology, not a canine safety finding.; View official CosIng function record

A preservative used to help protect a water-containing product from microbial spoilage.

Why it may be in a product

Water-containing products need a validated preservation strategy; it is often paired with Methylchloroisothiazolinone as one part of that system.

What the name tells you

It identifies an ingredient reported to protect a formula from microorganisms—not to disinfect a dog.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish concentration, whether it is paired with Methylchloroisothiazolinone, the complete preservation system, sensitisation potential, or safety for an individual dog. CosIng lists EU restrictions on its use in human cosmetics; those rules alone do not settle what applies to a pet product.

Fragrance, colour and sensory modifiers

Parfum

Fragrance composition

Read the full Parfum ingredient page →

Also seen as: Fragrance · Perfume · Aroma
Reported functions: Fragrance · Perfuming
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official function terminology established; a canine finished-product outcome is not established.; View official CosIng function record

A labelling term indicating a material or blend added to create or mask odour.

Why it may be in a product

Fragrance shapes the human experience of grooming and the perceived character of the finished product.

What the name tells you

It tells you that a fragrance material or blend is listed; the term is intentionally non-specific.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish individual materials, concentration, source or naturalness, allergen-disclosure duties, persistence, tolerability or safety. Aroma is a search aid, not necessarily an exact synonym in every product.

Related entries

Polysorbate 20 Sodium Benzoate Aqua

Discussed in Journal guides

Dog shampoo ingredients: what are they for?Why Parfum and Linalool can both appear · Scent-related terminology. The names do not establish source, concentration, persistence, tolerability or canine suitability.

Emulsifiers and solubilizers

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Non-ionic emulsifying surfactant

Also seen as: PEG-40 HCO · Polyoxyethylene (40) hydrogenated castor oil · Hydrogenated castor oil ethoxylate · PEG-40 castor-oil derivative
Reported functions: Surfactant—emulsifying · Surfactant—cleansing
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe
Evidence status: Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.; View official CosIng function record

A non-ionic surfactant used to help oil-based materials disperse more evenly through a water-based formula.

Why it may be in a product

It can help distribute fragrance or other oil-compatible materials in a wash, spray or wipe liquid.

What the name tells you

It identifies PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil and points to recognised emulsifying and cleansing surfactant functions.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish percentage, supplier grade, which material it disperses or the finished formula's clarity, feel and stability.

Related entries

Polysorbate 20 Polysorbate 80 Parfum

Preservatives and product-protection systems

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative ingredient

Read the full Phenoxyethanol ingredient page →

Also seen as: 2-phenoxyethanol · Phenoxyethyl alcohol · Ethylene glycol monophenyl ether · Phenoxyethanolum
Reported functions: Antimicrobial · Preservative
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.; View official CosIng function record

A preservative used to help limit microbial growth in the formula as part of its product-protection system.

Why it may be in a product

It can contribute to the wider preservation strategy needed for a formula during manufacture, storage and intended use.

What the name tells you

It identifies phenoxyethanol and its recognised antimicrobial and preservative functions for protecting the formula.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish concentration, combination with other preservatives, manufacturing hygiene, challenge-test result or overall preservation adequacy.

Conditioning and antistatic agents

Polyquaternium-10

Cationic cellulose polymer

Also seen as: Polyquaternium 10 · PQ-10 · Cationic hydroxyethylcellulose · Quaternised hydroxyethylcellulose
Reported functions: Antistatic · Film forming
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on
Evidence status: CosIng supports antistatic and film-forming functions; canine-coat and finished-product evidence are not established.; View official CosIng function record

A positively charged cellulose-derived polymer used to leave a light film and help reduce static on hair.

Why it may be in a product

It can add a conditioning element to a shampoo or leave-on and influence the feel left after application or rinsing.

What the name tells you

It identifies a cationic film-forming, antistatic polymer in the formula.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish polymer grade, molecular weight, charge density, concentration, deposition, combability, residue or performance on canine coat.

Conditioning and antistatic agents

Polyquaternium-7

Cationic conditioning copolymer

Also seen as: Polyquaternium 7 · PQ-7 · Acrylamide/diallyldimethylammonium chloride copolymer · Dimethyldiallylammonium chloride/acrylamide copolymer
Reported functions: Antistatic · Film forming
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on
Evidence status: CosIng supports identity and function in human-cosmetics context; canine-coat and finished-product evidence are not established.; View official CosIng function record

A cationic copolymer used to form a light film and help limit static on hair.

Why it may be in a product

It may be included to balance after-feel in a cleansing system or add a conditioning film to a leave-on format.

What the name tells you

It identifies an antistatic, film-forming polymer in the formula.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish polymer specification, concentration, deposition, film thickness, static reduction, combability, residue, regulatory compliance of the finished pet product or canine suitability.

Emulsifiers and solubilizers

Polysorbate 20

Non-ionic emulsifying surfactant

Also seen as: Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate · Tween 20
Reported functions: Surfactant—emulsifying · Surfactant—cleansing
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe
Evidence status: Official function terminology established; a canine finished-product outcome is not established.; View official CosIng function record

A non-ionic surfactant used to help disperse small amounts of oily or fragrance material through a water-based formula.

Why it may be in a product

It may help a spray, wash or lotion keep otherwise incompatible materials distributed through the formula.

What the name tells you

Its presence points to an emulsifying or cleansing role; ‘solubilizer’ is useful formulation language rather than the exact database tag.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish what it disperses, the required ratio, amount, oxidation or impurity profile, clarity, stability, cleansing power or tolerance. Tween 20 is not an identity guarantee.

Related entries

Parfum Cetearyl Alcohol Aqua

Emulsifiers and solubilizers

Polysorbate 80

Non-ionic emulsifying surfactant

Also seen as: Polysorbatum 80 · Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate · Sorbitan monooleate ethoxylate · PS80
Reported functions: Surfactant—emulsifying
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe
Evidence status: Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.; View official CosIng function record

A non-ionic surfactant used to help oily materials disperse through a water-based formula.

Why it may be in a product

It can help keep an oil-compatible material distributed through a wash, leave-on or wipe liquid.

What the name tells you

It identifies Polysorbate 80 and its recognised emulsifying function.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish percentage, grade, which material it disperses, droplet size or the finished formula's stability.

Preservatives and product-protection systems

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative ingredient

Also seen as: Sorbic acid potassium salt · Potassium (E,E)-hexa-2,4-dienoate · Kalii sorbas · E202
Reported functions: Preservative
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.; View official CosIng function record

A preservative used as one part of a formula's product-protection system.

Why it may be in a product

It may contribute to a broader preservation strategy designed around the full formula and its conditions of use.

What the name tells you

It identifies Potassium Sorbate and its recognised preservative function for protecting the formula.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish percentage, finished-product pH, other preservation measures, challenge-test results or overall preservation adequacy. E202 is only a food-code search alias.

Humectants

Propylene Glycol

Water-miscible humectant and solvent

Read the full Propylene Glycol ingredient page →

Also seen as: 1,2-propanediol · Propane-1,2-diol · PG
Reported functions: Humectant · Skin conditioning—humectant · Solvent · Viscosity controlling · Fragrance
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: CosIng-supported function vocabulary; ingredient presence alone provides no canine or finished-formula outcome evidence.; View official CosIng function record

A small water-miscible ingredient used to hold water, carry dissolved materials and help tune formula flow.

Why it may be in a product

It can combine humectant and solvent roles in one ingredient and help distribute other water-compatible materials through a formula.

What the name tells you

It identifies propylene glycol and points to a possible humectant, solvent or viscosity role.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish source, grade, exact amount, water activity, hydration result, tack, preservation, irritation potential, safety or individual-dog suitability.

Related entries

Glycerin Sodium PCA Aqua

Occlusives and film-forming ingredients

PVP

Water-soluble film-forming polymer

Also seen as: Polyvinylpyrrolidone · Povidone · Povidonum · PVP polymer
Reported functions: Binding · Emulsion stabilising · Film forming · Viscosity controlling
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe
Evidence status: Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.; View official CosIng function record

A water-soluble polymer that can dry into a light film, bind formula components and add body.

Why it may be in a product

It can influence hold, deposition or structure in a formula while supporting viscosity or emulsion stability.

What the name tells you

It identifies PVP and points to film-forming, binding, stabilising and viscosity-control functions.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish molecular weight, percentage, film strength, stiffness, wash-off behaviour or the final sensory result.

Preservatives and product-protection systems

Sodium Benzoate

Preservative ingredient

Read the full Sodium Benzoate ingredient page →

Also seen as: Sodium salt of benzoic acid · E211
Reported functions: Preservative · Anticorrosive · Fragrance
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe
Evidence status: Official function terminology established; a canine finished-product outcome is not established.; View official CosIng function record

A preservative used under suitable formula conditions to help protect the product from microbial spoilage.

Why it may be in a product

Water-containing products need a validated preservation strategy; one named preservative is only part of that system.

What the name tells you

It identifies an ingredient reported to protect a formula from microorganisms—not to disinfect a dog.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish concentration, finished pH, organisms controlled, the complete preservation system, challenge-test result, shelf life or canine safety. E211 is only a food-code search alias.

Related entries

Disodium EDTA Citric Acid Aqua

Discussed in Journal guides

pH adjusters and buffers

Sodium Citrate

Citrate buffer and chelator

Also seen as: Trisodium citrate · Citric acid trisodium salt · Sodium citrate salt
Reported functions: Buffering · Chelating · Fragrance
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.; View official CosIng function record

A citrate salt that may contribute to buffering and metal-ion binding; CosIng also lists a fragrance function.

Why it may be in a product

It can support a formula's pH-control system and bind certain metal ions as one part of the wider design.

What the name tells you

It identifies Sodium Citrate and points to possible buffering, chelating or fragrance roles.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish concentration, finished pH, buffering capacity, chelation contribution, source or formula performance.

Discussed in Journal guides

How your dog’s skin barrier worksSkin pH is not one fixed number · Examples of pH-adjusting and buffering functions. Their presence does not disclose a finished formula's pH, quality or canine suitability.

pH adjusters and buffers

Sodium Hydroxide

Alkaline pH-adjustment input

Also seen as: Caustic soda · Lye · Sodium hydrate
Reported functions: Buffering · Denaturant
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.; View official CosIng function record

An alkaline formulation input that may be used in controlled amounts to adjust or buffer pH.

Why it may be in a product

It can be part of the manufacturing adjustment that brings a complete formula toward its intended finished pH.

What the name tells you

It identifies Sodium Hydroxide and its reported buffering and denaturant functions.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish finished-product pH, concentration, residual amount, why it was used or finished-product suitability or compliance.

Related entries

Citric Acid Sodium Citrate Aqua

Discussed in Journal guides

How your dog’s skin barrier worksSkin pH is not one fixed number · Examples of pH-adjusting and buffering functions. Their presence does not disclose a finished formula's pH, quality or canine suitability.

Cleansing agents and surfactants

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Anionic cleansing surfactant

Read the full Sodium Laureth Sulfate ingredient page →

Also seen as: SLES · Sodium lauryl ether sulfate · Sodium laureth sulphate · Sodium lauryl ether sulphate
Reported functions: Cleansing · Surfactant—emulsifying · Foaming · Surfactant—cleansing
Example formats: Rinse-off
Evidence status: CosIng-supported identity and function vocabulary; canine-specific performance and finished-formula evidence are not established.; View official CosIng function record

An anionic surface-active ingredient used to help lift and disperse oily soil and to build foam in a cleansing formula.

Why it may be in a product

It can form part of a blended cleansing base where foam, soil removal, rinse and after-feel are adjusted together.

What the name tells you

It identifies the named surfactant and points to a possible cleansing, foam or emulsifying contribution.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish exact amount, material or CAS specification, degree of ethoxylation, the rest of the surfactant blend, finished pH, cleansing strength, mildness or canine suitability.

Discussed in Journal guides

Cleansing agents and surfactants

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Anionic sulfate surfactant

Also seen as: SLS · Sodium dodecyl sulfate · SDS
Reported functions: Cleansing · Denaturant · Foaming · Surfactant—cleansing
Example formats: Rinse-off
Evidence status: Active CosIng record verified on 26 September 2026; function names are official terminology, not a finding about mildness or a canine outcome.; View official CosIng function record

A surface-active ingredient used to lift oily soil and build foam in a wash.

Why it may be in a product

It can drive cleansing and lather, usually as one part of a blend whose other surfactants shape the feel and rinse.

What the name tells you

It identifies Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a different ingredient from Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and its reported cleansing and foaming functions.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish amount, the blend it sits in, cleansing strength, mildness, irritation potential or finished-product tolerance. A “sulfate-free” claim concerns which surfactants are absent, not how the replacement blend behaves.

Humectants

Sodium PCA

Water-binding conditioning salt

Also seen as: Sodium pyrrolidone carboxylate · Sodium 2-pyrrolidone-5-carboxylate · Sodium pyroglutamate · Na-PCA
Reported functions: Antistatic · Hair conditioning · Humectant · Skin conditioning
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: CosIng supports the listed formulation functions; canine-specific and finished-product evidence are not established.; View official CosIng function record

A water-binding salt used to help manage moisture and contribute to a conditioned surface feel.

Why it may be in a product

It can add humectant and conditioning functions to a water-based wash, leave-on, wipe or cream.

What the name tells you

It identifies a humectant with reported conditioning and antistatic functions.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish grade, concentration, retained moisture, deposition, coat feel, formula performance, safety or suitability for an individual dog.

Discussed in Journal guides

Chelators and antioxidants

Sodium Phytate

Chelating phytate salt

Also seen as: Phytic acid sodium salt · Sodium salt of phytic acid · Sodium inositol hexaphosphate
Reported functions: Chelating · Oral care
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.; View official CosIng function record

A chelator that may bind available metal ions within a formula.

Why it may be in a product

It can support formula appearance or stability where trace metal ions might otherwise interfere with the system.

What the name tells you

It identifies Sodium Phytate and its reported chelating and oral-care functions.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish concentration, source or grade, intended function, metal-binding contribution or finished-formula performance.

Related entries

Disodium EDTA Tocopherol Sodium Citrate

Emollients

Squalane

Stable hydrocarbon emollient

Also seen as: Hydrogenated squalene · Perhydrosqualene · Squalane oil · Squalan
Reported functions: Skin conditioning—emollient · Hair conditioning · Refatting · Skin conditioning
Example formats: Leave-on · Balm or cream
Evidence status: CosIng supports the listed human-cosmetics formulation functions; canine-specific and finished-product evidence are not established.; View official CosIng function record

A stable hydrocarbon emollient used to add slip, soften surface feel and replenish an oily feel in a formula.

Why it may be in a product

It can change spread and finish in a leave-on, balm or cream and contribute to a richer conditioning phase.

What the name tells you

It identifies squalane and points to possible emollient, conditioning or refatting roles.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish feedstock or source, purity, grade, concentration, spread, residue, coat or skin outcome, safety or canine suitability. Squalane oil is a retail search term, not a grade guarantee.

Discussed in Journal guides

Chelators and antioxidants

Tocopherol

Vitamin E antioxidant ingredient

Also seen as: Tocopherols · Vitamin E · Mixed tocopherols · Alpha-tocopherol
Reported functions: Antioxidant · Fragrance · Skin conditioning—miscellaneous · Skin conditioning—occlusive
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official ingredient-function evidence verified current—CosIng marked the record Active on 24 August 2026; it supports the cautious role wording, not a finished-product conclusion.; View official CosIng function record

An antioxidant ingredient that may help limit oxidation of oxidation-prone formula components; CosIng also lists fragrance and skin-conditioning functions.

Why it may be in a product

It can contribute to an oil-phase antioxidant strategy while also influencing the formula's conditioning profile.

What the name tells you

It identifies Tocopherol and its reported antioxidant, fragrance and skin-conditioning functions.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish concentration, isomer mixture, source, intended function, oxidation control or finished-formula performance. Vitamin E and mixed tocopherols are search aids, not grade guarantees.

Related entries

Sodium Phytate Disodium EDTA Squalane

Thickeners and rheology modifiers

Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum

Also seen as: Xanthan · E415
Reported functions: Binding · Gel forming · Emulsion stabilising · Viscosity controlling · Skin conditioning
Example formats: Rinse-off · Leave-on · Wipe · Balm or cream
Evidence status: Official function terminology established; a canine finished-product outcome is not established.; View official CosIng function record

A polysaccharide used to thicken water-based formulas, form gels and help keep an emulsion or suspension uniform.

Why it may be in a product

It can help a formula remain uniform, stay where applied and dispense with a controlled flow.

What the name tells you

Its presence points to texture or stability work, although the ingredient has several reported supporting functions.

What the label cannot tell you

It cannot establish grade, amount, final viscosity or flow, sprayability, sensory feel, stability or microbial preservation. E415 is only a food-code search alias.

Related entries

Aqua Cetearyl Alcohol Glycerin

Discussed in Journal guides

What this tool does

— translates ingredient names into formulation roles
— connects aliases to one stable reference entry
— gives every entry a link that can be cited or shared

What this tool does not do

— score ingredients as good, bad, safe or unsafe
— diagnose, treat or prevent a canine condition
— prove finished-product quality from one label name

Conceptual dog shampoo bottle with an abstract ingredient list connected to six equal formulation-role illustrations. — AI-assisted concept illustration of a fictional label mapped to carrier, cleansing, moisture-related, texture, product-protection and pH-related roles. It is not a real formula, safety score, efficacy claim or statement of concentration.

Evidence and boundaries

Terminology sources, shown plainly.

The glossary uses official European sources to check ingredient terminology and to keep medical, biocidal and finished-product claims outside the glossary. Cosmetic references concern human products; their use here is limited to names and reported formulation functions.

Reference review: 2026-08-25.

Read the Journal editorial method →

Research notes

Follow two formulation questions beyond the ingredient name

Research note

How to read the cleansing part of a shampoo label

Surfactants are cleansing ingredients. A long or unfamiliar name is a starting point for understanding the formula, not a shortcut to deciding whether the shampoo is gentle.

Open research PDF in English (8 pages, 27.4 KB)

Research edition 1.1Reviewed August 27, 2026Structured narrative evidence map

Research note

What to check beyond a preservative name

Preservation is how a product is protected from unwanted microbial growth. The ingredient list shows only part of that system; packaging, manufacture and testing belong in the explanation too.

Open research PDF in English (8 pages, 28.7 KB)

Research edition 1.1Reviewed August 27, 2026Standards and regulatory evidence map

Source 1
European Commission — CosIng database
A non-binding reference for cosmetic ingredient names and reported functions. It concerns human cosmetics and is used here only as a terminology source, not as canine safety approval.
Source 2
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1175
The current EU glossary of common ingredient names for cosmetic product labelling, applicable from 30 July 2026.
Source 3
Regulation (EU) 2019/6 on veterinary medicinal products
Regulatory context for why claims about treating or preventing disease are outside this formulation glossary.
Source 4
Regulation (EU) No 528/2012 on biocidal products
Regulatory context for why disinfection and pest-control claims are outside this formulation glossary.