Solvent
Water / Aqua / Eau
The base for most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A common humectant that attracts moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some sensitive skin types.
A highly effective and well-tolerated humectant that draws water into the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated
A silicone that creates a smooth feel and forms a protective barrier on the skin, helping to reduce water loss.
Usually helps with
Most skin types, especially dry and compromised barriers
Watch for
Can feel heavy or occlusive for very oily or acne-prone skin.
A stable, plant-derived oil that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing moisture and improving suppleness.
Usually helps with
All skin types, including oily and acne-prone
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
An emollient that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
A natural humectant that helps skin retain moisture and can have a soothing effect.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive and dry
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in a formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
An emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps with product spreadability.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin that replenishes the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A fatty acid that acts as an emollient and emulsifying agent.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone skin types.
A versatile ingredient used as a humectant, solvent, and preservative booster.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some sensitive skin types.
A fatty acid that acts as an emollient and emulsifier. It can help to improve the skin's barrier function.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone skin types.
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used as an emulsifier and thickener.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to create a smooth texture and prevent water loss.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea
A synthetic ceramide-like compound that helps to strengthen the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Dry and sensitive skin
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
An emulsifier that helps to stabilize oil and water in formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A lipid that is a natural component of the skin barrier, helping to maintain moisture and suppleness.
Usually helps with
Dry and mature skin
A multi-tasking ingredient that helps improve the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and minimize the appearance of pores.
Usually helps with
Most skin types, especially oily, acne-prone, and sensitive
Watch for
Can cause temporary flushing or irritation in high concentrations or for very sensitive skin.
A silicone derivative that provides a smooth feel and helps to lock in moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can feel heavy for very oily skin.
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Hydroxypropyl Bislauramide Mea
A synthetic ceramide-like compound that helps to strengthen the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Dry and sensitive skin
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, helping to improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Caprylate
An emollient and emulsifier that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A thickening agent used to create gel-like consistencies.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can penetrate the skin and potentially enhance the absorption of other ingredients.
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some sensitive skin types.
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Phytosphingosine
A lipid that is naturally found in the skin and helps to support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Dry and sensitive skin
A sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A naturally occurring lipid that is a key component of the skin barrier, helping to retain moisture and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, and mature skin
A form of Vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that acts as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Film Former
Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to form a film on the skin, which can help with texture and longevity.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A mineral used to absorb excess oil and provide a matte finish.
Usually helps with
Oily and combination skin
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Sphingolipids
A type of lipid that is a crucial component of the skin barrier, helping to maintain its structure and function.
Usually helps with
Dry and sensitive skin
A fatty acid that can help to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
A fatty acid that can help to improve the skin's barrier function and hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone skin types.