The primary ingredient in most skincare formulations, acting as a base for other components.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A common and effective humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
A versatile ingredient that helps to hydrate the skin and improve the texture of formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Occlusive
Dimethicone
A silicone that provides a smooth feel and helps to form a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss. It's generally non-irritating but can be comedogenic for some.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal, combination skin
Watch for
Potential for pore-clogging in acne-prone individuals
A highly stable and effective emollient that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing hydration and improving skin suppleness.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and mature skin
Humectant/Preservative Booster
1,2-Hexanediol
A multifunctional ingredient that acts as a humectant and can also enhance the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A naturally derived ingredient that helps to hydrate the skin and protect it from moisture loss.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and also aids in stabilizing the product's emulsion.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener/Stabilizer
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and improve their texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Hydrogenated Rice Bran Oil
A plant-derived oil that helps to soften and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to blend oil and water in formulations and also acts as a skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps to create a stable cream formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
A synthetic polymer used to provide texture and thickness to the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A sugar alcohol that can help to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Ceramide
Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide
A synthetic ceramide that helps to replenish and support the skin's natural barrier function.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, compromised skin
Emollient/Emulsifier
Stearic Acid
A fatty acid that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and also aids in stabilizing the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative Booster/Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps to enhance the efficacy of preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Preservative Booster
Glyceryl Caprylate
A multifunctional ingredient that helps to emulsify the product and boost preservative activity.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Solvent
Propanediol
A plant-derived solvent and humectant that helps to improve product texture and skin hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to create a smooth texture and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Buffering Agent
Sodium Metaphosphate
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A naturally occurring lipid that is a key component of the skin barrier. Helps to restore and maintain skin hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, compromised skin
A synthetic polymer used to thicken lotions and creams.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Emulsifier
Palmitic Acid
A fatty acid that acts as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to soften and stabilize the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Absorbent/Opacifier
Silica
Used to absorb excess oil and provide a matte finish.
Usually helps with
Oily, combination skin
Astringent/Preservative
Zinc Chloride
Can have astringent properties and act as a preservative. High concentrations can be irritating.
Usually helps with
Oily skin (in low concentrations)
Watch for
Potential for irritation
Emollient/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Cholesterol
A lipid that helps to support the skin barrier and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry, mature, compromised skin
Humectant/Soothing Agent
Beta-Glucan
Derived from oats, it's known for its hydrating and soothing properties, and can help support skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive and dry
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Sphingolipids
A type of lipid that is a component of the skin barrier, helping to maintain its integrity and hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry, compromised skin
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it effectively attracts and retains moisture in the skin, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated
Thickener/Film Former
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Used to thicken the formula and can form a light film on the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Surfactant
Myristic Acid
A fatty acid that can act as an emulsifier or surfactant. In higher concentrations, it can be cleansing but potentially stripping.
Usually helps with
All skin types (in low concentrations)
Watch for
Potential for dryness if used in high concentrations
Humectant/Solvent
Propylene Glycol
A common humectant and solvent. While generally safe, it can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Normal, dry skin
Watch for
Potential for irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Emulsifier/Surfactant
Lauric Acid
A fatty acid that can have cleansing properties. In higher concentrations, it might be too stripping for some skin types.
Usually helps with
Oily skin (in low concentrations)
Watch for
Potential for dryness or irritation
Antioxidant/Emollient
Tocopherol
Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage and also acts as a moisturizer.
Usually helps with
All skin types