Ingredient brands, also known as component brands, refer to brands of components or ingredients whose reputation is strong enough to influence the perception of the final product in which they are incorporated. These brands can play a crucial role as added value or a differentiating factor compared to the finished product. Some of the best-known ingredient brands include Lycra and Gore-Tex in the textile industry, Zeiss in professional optics, Intel in computing, and Teflon for cookware and textiles.

Ingredient and final product brands can engage in joint marketing campaigns. An ingredient brand can also communicate directly with users to strengthen its position and become indispensable to its industrial clients. Generally, the final product brand highlights the ingredient brand in its advertising campaigns and on the product packaging. For example, an ingredient brand might highlight its benefits on an online sales site, or a brand seeking to become an ingredient brand in the eyewear sector might share a compelling case study.