A UK-focused glossary covering carrier oils, extraction and formulation, edible ingredients, additives, topical ingredients, cosmetics compliance and allergen labelling.
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UK review date: 23 July 2026. This glossary is educational. Food, supplement and cosmetic classification depends on the finished product, intended purpose, presentation, formulation, labelling and market.
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Oils, Carriers & Formulation
Carrier oils, flavour bases and formulation terms used across CBD, CBG, topical and Bodyslam products.
MCT Oil
A common carrier oil used in CBD and CBG oils to provide a smooth liquid base.
Virgin Hemp Oil
A hemp-derived oil used in some full-spectrum oil formulas.
Hemp Seed Oil
Oil pressed from hemp seeds and used in food, skincare and supplement formulations.
Virgin Avocado Oil
A nourishing carrier oil used in some Bodyslam oil and balm formulas.
Fractionated Coconut Oil
A light, stable oil used in some oil-based formulas.
Peppermint Oil
A flavouring and aroma ingredient used in some oils and balms.
Pomegranate Seed Oil
A botanical oil used in some oil formulas.
Natural Flavourings
Flavour ingredients used to shape product taste and aroma.
Carrier Oil
A carrier oil is a base oil used to dissolve, dilute or evenly distribute an ingredient such as CBD or CBG. The carrier can affect flavour, texture, stability and allergen considerations.
Hemp Extract
Hemp extract is material extracted from permitted hemp raw material. Its cannabinoid, terpene, wax, solvent and contaminant profile depends on the plant part, extraction process and refinement steps; the term alone does not establish legality or quality.
Formulation
Formulation refers to the full ingredient design of a product, including actives, carriers, flavours and supporting ingredients.
Extraction Method
Extraction method describes how target compounds are separated from plant or fungal material. Important details include the solvent or process used, temperature, pressure, refinement steps and residual-solvent controls.
CO₂ Extraction
CO₂ extraction uses carbon dioxide under controlled temperature and pressure to separate compounds from plant material. It may be operated under supercritical or subcritical conditions and is not automatically equivalent to a solventless process.
Winterisation
Winterisation is a refinement process in which an extract is dissolved, cooled and filtered to reduce waxes, fats and other less-soluble material.
Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation uses heat, time or both to convert acidic cannabinoids, such as CBDA or THCA, into neutral forms such as CBD or THC. The process must be controlled because it can change both potency calculations and controlled-cannabinoid content.
Distillate
Distillate is a refined extract produced using distillation to concentrate selected volatile compounds. Its exact cannabinoid profile, purity and controlled-cannabinoid content must be confirmed by specification and testing.
Solvent-Free Claim
“Solvent-free” can mean either that no processing solvent was used or that no residual solvent was detected above a stated reporting limit. Those meanings are not interchangeable; the manufacturing process and COA should make the basis of the claim clear.
Ethanol Extraction
Ethanol extraction uses food-grade or processing-grade ethanol to dissolve selected compounds from plant material. Subsequent filtration, solvent recovery and residual-solvent testing are important parts of the process.
Supercritical CO₂ Extraction
Supercritical CO₂ extraction uses carbon dioxide above its critical temperature and pressure, where it has properties of both a gas and liquid. Process settings influence which compounds are extracted.
Subcritical CO₂ Extraction
Subcritical CO₂ extraction uses carbon dioxide below the supercritical region, often at lower temperatures and pressures. It can produce a different extract profile from supercritical processing.
Solventless Extraction
Solventless extraction separates compounds without an added processing solvent, for example by mechanical pressure or physical separation. It should not be confused with a solvent-based process whose final solvent result is not detected.
Hemp Biomass
Hemp biomass is bulk harvested hemp material used as a manufacturing input. The plant parts included, licence status, storage conditions and contaminant controls affect whether it is suitable and lawful for a particular process.
Crude Extract
Crude extract is an early-stage concentrated extract that may still contain waxes, pigments, lipids, solvents and a broad cannabinoid profile before further refinement.
Oleoresin
Oleoresin is a semi-solid extract containing resinous and oil-soluble plant compounds. Composition varies significantly with the raw material and extraction method.
De-Waxing
De-waxing removes plant waxes and lipids from an extract, often through cooling and filtration. It is commonly part of winterisation or related refinement processes.
Filtration
Filtration removes suspended particles or precipitated material from a liquid using a filter medium selected for the required particle size and product stage.
Chromatography
Chromatography separates compounds according to how they interact with a stationary phase and a moving phase. It may be used to purify cannabinoids or reduce selected controlled cannabinoids.
THC Remediation
THC remediation is a processing step intended to reduce THC or other controlled cannabinoids in an extract. The finished batch still requires suitably sensitive testing, and remediation does not itself establish legal compliance.
Crystallisation
Crystallisation is a purification process in which a target compound forms crystals under controlled solvent, concentration and temperature conditions.
Emulsion
An emulsion is a mixture of two normally immiscible liquids, such as oil and water, stabilised by formulation design and often an emulsifier or surfactant.
Nanoemulsion
A nanoemulsion is an emulsion with very small dispersed droplets. The term should be supported by suitable particle-size, stability and formulation evidence rather than used as a general synonym for water-soluble CBD.
Homogeneity
Homogeneity describes how evenly an ingredient is distributed throughout a batch or dosage unit. It is important where each serving is expected to contain a consistent amount.
Suspension
A suspension contains solid particles dispersed in a liquid. Suspensions may settle and can require shaking or other controls to maintain dose uniformity.
Dispersion
A dispersion is a system in which particles or droplets of one material are distributed through another. The term covers suspensions and emulsions.
Surfactant
A surfactant reduces surface tension and can help ingredients wet, disperse, cleanse or emulsify. Suitability and permitted use depend on the product category.
Oxidation
Oxidation is a chemical change caused by exposure to oxygen or oxidising conditions. It can alter oils, terpenes, cannabinoids, flavour, colour and shelf life.
Light Degradation
Light degradation is chemical or physical change caused by exposure to light, particularly ultraviolet or high-energy visible light. Protective packaging can help reduce it.
Heat Degradation
Heat degradation is the breakdown or transformation of ingredients during processing or storage at elevated temperatures. It can also accelerate oxidation and decarboxylation.
Rancidity
Rancidity is the development of unwanted odour or flavour as fats and oils degrade, commonly through oxidation or hydrolysis. Carrier-oil quality and storage conditions influence the risk.
Edibles, Additives & E Numbers
Ingredients and additives used in gummies, tablets and other ingestible formats.
Beef Gelatine
A gelling ingredient used in some CBD gummy formats.
Glucose Syrup
A sweet base ingredient used in gummy formulations.
Sugar
A sweetening ingredient used in some edible products.
Water
A core ingredient used in many food and edible formulations.
Modified Potato Starch
A starch ingredient used to help shape texture and structure in some edible products.
Gelling Agent
A gelling agent helps give gummies their structure and chew.
Glazing Agent
A glazing agent adds shine or a protective coating, such as carnauba wax.
Acidulant
An acidulant adjusts acidity and flavour balance in food products.
Colouring
A colouring ingredient is used to give food or tablets a specific appearance.
Sweetener
A sweetener is used to create sweetness in food or supplement products.
Carnauba Wax
Carnauba wax is a glazing agent used on some gummy products.
Tablet Excipients
Tablet excipients help form, bind, stabilise or process tablet formats.
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Microcrystalline cellulose is a common bulking agent used in tablets and capsules.
Magnesium Stearate
Magnesium stearate is commonly used as a manufacturing aid or anti-caking ingredient in tablets and capsules.
Dicalcium Phosphate
Dicalcium phosphate is commonly used as a bulking or structure-supporting ingredient in tablets.
Silicon Dioxide
Silicon dioxide is commonly used as an anti-caking ingredient to help powders and tablets remain free-flowing.
5-HTP
5-HTP is an ingredient used in some evening-format tablets.
E100
Curcumin, used as a colouring ingredient.
E104
Quinoline Yellow, a colouring ingredient.
E129
Allura Red AC, a colouring ingredient.
E133
Brilliant Blue FCF, a colouring ingredient.
E141
Chlorophylls and chlorophyllins, used as colouring ingredients.
E160A
Carotene and carotenoids, used as colouring ingredients.
E163
Anthocyanins, a natural colouring ingredient.
E171
Titanium dioxide, formerly or currently used as a white colour or opacifier depending on jurisdiction. At the July 2026 review date it remained authorised as a food additive in Great Britain but was not permitted for food manufacture in Northern Ireland; current rules must be checked before use.
E270
Lactic acid, used as an acidity regulator.
E296
Malic acid, used as an acidity regulator.
E330
Citric acid, used as an acidity regulator.
E903
Carnauba wax, used as a glazing agent.
Topicals, Skincare & External Use
Ingredient and usage terms for creams, balms, muscle rubs, dermal moisturisers, tattoo balms and bath products.
Aqua
Aqua means water and is used as a base ingredient in many creams and lotions.
Cream Base
A cream base is the supporting structure of a topical product, helping create texture and spreadability.
Isopropyl Myristate
Isopropyl myristate is used in some topical formulas to improve skin feel and spreadability.
Stearic Acid
Stearic acid is used in some creams and balms to support structure and texture.
Glyceryl Stearate
Glyceryl stearate helps support the texture and stability of some cream formulas.
Cera Alba
Cera alba is beeswax, used in some balm and cream formulas to support structure.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare products to help texture and stability.
Sodium PCA
Sodium PCA is a skincare ingredient used in some topical formulas.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
A botanical extract used in some topical formulas.
Comfrey Leaf Extract
A botanical extract used in some topical formulas.
Chamomile Extract
A botanical extract used in some skincare-style formulas.
Lavender Extract
A botanical extract used for aroma and skincare positioning.
Tocopheryl Acetate
A vitamin E derivative used in some skincare formulations.
Triethanolamine
A pH-adjusting ingredient used in some cosmetic formulations.
EDTA
EDTA is used in some formulations to support stability.
Phenoxyethanol
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in some cosmetic and topical formulations.
Caprylyl Glycol
Caprylyl glycol is used in some skincare formulations to support product feel and preservation.
Decylene Glycol
Decylene glycol is used in some topical formulas as part of the supporting ingredient system.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are aromatic plant oils used for scent and sensory character.
Wintergreen
Wintergreen is an aromatic ingredient used in some muscle rubs and balms.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is an aromatic ingredient used in some topical products.
Peppermint
Peppermint is an aromatic ingredient used in some oils and balms.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an aromatic ingredient used in some topical formulations.
Camphor Oil
Camphor oil is an aromatic ingredient used in some muscle rubs and balms.
Shea Butter
Shea butter is a common balm ingredient used in skincare and tattoo-care products.
Almond Oil
A carrier oil used in some skincare formulas.
Emollient
An emollient helps soften or smooth the feel of skin in cosmetic products.
Humectant
A humectant helps attract or retain moisture within a skincare formula.
Preservative
A preservative helps protect a cosmetic product against microbial growth during its intended shelf life and use. The complete preservative system, packaging, pH and challenge-test evidence all affect performance.
Patch Test
A patch test means applying a small amount of a cosmetic product to a small area of intact skin before wider use, following the product directions. It does not replace a formal cosmetic safety assessment or allergy advice.
INCI Name
INCI names are internationally recognised ingredient names used on cosmetic labels.
Essential Oil Allergen
Some essential oils contain naturally occurring fragrance allergens that may need to be considered by sensitive users.
For External Use Only
For external use only means the product is intended for use on permitted external body areas and must not be swallowed or used in a way excluded by its label and safety assessment.
Cosmetics Compliance & Safety
Core Great Britain and Northern Ireland terms for cosmetic classification, safety assessment, notification, manufacturing, claims and post-market responsibilities.
Cosmetic Product
A cosmetic product is a substance or mixture intended mainly for contact with external body parts, teeth or the oral mucosa to clean, perfume, change appearance, protect, keep in good condition or correct body odours. Classification depends on intended purpose, presentation and composition.
Responsible Person
Every cosmetic product made available in Great Britain must have a Responsible Person with an established UK address. The Responsible Person is legally accountable for safety, documentation, notification, labelling, claims and corrective action.
Product Information File (PIF)
The PIF is the technical file maintained for each cosmetic product. It includes the product description, Cosmetic Product Safety Report, manufacturing information and evidence supporting claimed effects, and must be retained for the required period after the last batch is placed on the market.
Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)
The CPSR records the safety information and qualified assessor’s conclusion for a cosmetic product. It forms part of the PIF and must be completed before the product is made available to consumers.
Cosmetic Safety Assessor
A cosmetic safety assessor is a suitably qualified professional who evaluates the product information and signs the safety assessment. The Responsible Person must ensure the assessor has appropriate qualifications.
Submit Cosmetic Product Notification (SCPN)
SCPN is the UK service used by the Responsible Person to notify OPSS before a cosmetic product is made available in Great Britain. Notification is not an approval, endorsement or substitute for the safety report and other duties.
Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS)
OPSS is the Great Britain regulator that receives cosmetic product notifications and serious undesirable effect reports and supports enforcement of product-safety requirements.
Serious Undesirable Effect (SUE)
A serious undesirable effect is a serious adverse reaction associated with a cosmetic product, such as hospitalisation, disability, a life-threatening event, congenital abnormality or death. Reportable SUEs must be notified promptly through the applicable route.
Cosmetic Claim
A cosmetic claim describes what a cosmetic product does. Claims must match the cosmetic purpose, be truthful and supported by evidence, and must not present the product as treating, preventing or curing disease.
Period After Opening (PAO)
PAO is the period during which a cosmetic product with a durability of more than 30 months is expected to remain safe after first opening, when this labelling requirement applies. It is commonly shown with an open-jar symbol and a number of months.
Cosmetic Challenge Test
A cosmetic challenge test, also called a preservative efficacy test, assesses whether a product’s preservative system can control specified microorganisms under defined conditions.
Cosmetic Stability Assessment
A cosmetic stability assessment evaluates whether the product remains physically, chemically and microbiologically suitable over its intended shelf life and use, including compatibility with its packaging.
Good Manufacturing Practice (Cosmetics)
Cosmetic manufacture must follow good manufacturing practice so products are made consistently and contamination or mix-ups are controlled. This is separate from pharmaceutical GMP.
ISO 22716
ISO 22716 is a recognised standard describing practical good manufacturing practice for cosmetic production, control, storage and shipment. It is one way to demonstrate cosmetic GMP.
Great Britain and Northern Ireland Cosmetics
Great Britain and Northern Ireland have separate cosmetic-market routes. GB products use a UK-established Responsible Person and SCPN; Northern Ireland follows the applicable EU cosmetics framework and normally uses a Responsible Person established in Northern Ireland or the EEA.
CPNP (Northern Ireland / EU)
The Cosmetic Products Notification Portal is the EU notification system used for products placed on the EU market and, where applicable, the Northern Ireland market. It is separate from the GB SCPN service.
Allergens & Labelling
The 14 major allergens and key labelling terms used in UK food and supplement information.
Celery
A major allergen that may appear in extract or flavour systems.
Cereals Containing Gluten
Includes wheat, rye, barley, oats, spelt and related grains.
Crustaceans
Includes crab, lobster and prawns.
Eggs
Used in some food products and formulations.
Fish
Relevant in omega-style products and some supplements.
Lupin
Found in some flour and baking ingredients.
Milk
Includes milk and lactose-based ingredients.
Molluscs
Includes mussels, oysters, squid and related shellfish.
Mustard
A recognised allergen used in some flavour systems.
Nuts
Includes almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews, pecans, Brazil nuts, pistachios, macadamias and Queensland nuts.
Peanuts
A major allergen with strict labelling rules.
Sesame
A seed-based allergen often used in food products.
Soya
Used in some emulsifiers and food formulations.
Sulphites
Preservatives used in some food and drink products.
Allergen Declaration
An allergen declaration identifies allergens present in a product or ingredient list.
May Contain
May contain language is used where cross-contamination risk may exist.
Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination means an ingredient may unintentionally come into contact with another allergen during production or handling.
Prepacked Food
Prepacked food is food packaged before sale and subject to specific labelling rules.
Ingredient List
The ingredient list shows what is included in a product, usually in descending order by weight.
Best Before
Best before refers to quality rather than safety when used on food labelling.
Use By
Use by is a safety date used on certain food products.
Batch Code
A batch code identifies a production batch for traceability.
Storage Instructions
Storage instructions explain how to store a product to maintain quality.
Serving Guidance
Serving guidance explains the suggested way to use a product.
Suitable For Vegans
Suitable for vegans means the product is made without animal-derived ingredients, subject to label confirmation.
Halal
Halal describes products or ingredients prepared in line with halal requirements, where certified or stated.
Gluten-Free
Gluten-free means the product is formulated or tested to meet gluten-free requirements, where stated.
Dairy-Free
Dairy-free means the product is formulated without dairy ingredients, subject to label confirmation.
Official UK Sources & Review Note
Last reviewed: 23 July 2026. This glossary is educational. Food, supplement and cosmetic classification depends on the finished product, intended purpose, presentation, formulation, labelling and market.