Absorbent

Absorbent ingredients help to absorb excess moisture, sebum and other liquid components on the surface of the skin or hair. In cosmetics, they are added to reduce greasy shine, make the coating more matte and improve the feeling of a "dry" touch after application. In powders, dry shampoos, deodorants and care products, such substances also affect the texture: the product becomes more loose, less sticky and better distributed. The European CosIng database classifies absorbent as a standard cosmetic ingredient, and the FDA considers cosmetic ingredients as components of products designed to cleanse and change the appearance of skin and hair. (single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu)

In practice, this function is especially in demand in formulas for oily and combination skin, as well as in products for the scalp prone to rapid contamination. By absorbing excess sebum, the product can visually smooth the surface of the skin, increase the durability of makeup, and make hair look fresher between washes. At the same time, such ingredients do not "stop" the work of the sebaceous glands, but rather take away excess from the surface, so the effect is primarily cosmetic, not therapeutic. (cosingchecker.com)

Typical examples are Silica and Kaolin. Silica is often used in matting primers, powders and dry formulas, as it absorbs sebum well and improves the sensory properties of the product. Kaolin, a natural clay, is known for its ability to absorb sebum and is therefore often found in cleansing masks and products for oily skin. It is these components that help cosmetics look and feel more comfortable, especially if the purpose of the product is to be matte, fresh and reduce the feeling of stickiness. (ecosmoothkit.com)