Actives can refer to any substance or ingredient that has a direct effect on the body or its functions. However, there are several synonyms for actives, depending on the context in which it is used. Some of the commonly used synonyms for actives include active ingredients, active components, active agents, and active substances. In the field of cosmetics, actives may be referred to as bioactive compounds, functional ingredients, or performance chemicals. In the pharmaceutical industry, they may be called active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), while in the food and beverage industry, they may be referred to as functional ingredients or nutritional actives. Whatever the industry or context, actives are substances that are actively working to produce a desired effect.