Solvent
Water / Aqua / Eau
The base for most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A common humectant that also helps with product texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Mimics skin's natural oils to provide moisture and improve suppleness.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and sensitive
Humectant/Preservative
1,2-Hexanediol
A versatile ingredient that adds hydration and helps preserve the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can sometimes cause sensitivity in very reactive skin.
A common thickening agent used to create gel-like textures.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Helps to balance the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Preservative
Glyceryl Caprylate
A multi-functional ingredient that softens skin and aids in preservation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances the effectiveness of preservatives and has mild skin conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A natural gum that provides hydration and a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Emollient
Stearic Acid
Helps to stabilize emulsions and provides a softening effect on the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Ceramide
Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea
A synthetic ceramide that helps to restore and strengthen the skin's natural barrier.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, and compromised skin
A sugar alcohol that attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), helps to retain moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Exfoliant/Humectant
Lactic Acid
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that can exfoliate and hydrate. At lower concentrations, it's primarily a humectant.
Usually helps with
Dryness, uneven tone
Watch for
Can cause sensitivity or irritation, especially at higher concentrations or with frequent use.
A simple sugar that helps to hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that helps in skin repair and hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A powerful humectant that also has mild exfoliating properties at higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
Dryness, rough skin
Watch for
Can cause stinging on broken or irritated skin.
Mineral
Sodium Glycerophosphate
A source of phosphate, important for cellular energy.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that helps to maintain skin hydration and elasticity.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that plays a role in skin hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A form of Vitamin E, it protects the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Film Former
Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Used to create a film on the skin, can sometimes be associated with pore-clogging.
Usually helps with
Normal to dry skin
Watch for
May not be suitable for acne-prone skin.
Mineral
Potassium Magnesium Aspartate
Minerals that can support skin health and energy.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid involved in skin's natural moisturizing factors.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that aids in protein synthesis and skin repair.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Tonicity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Used to adjust the concentration and texture of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that contributes to skin's hydration and structure.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid important for collagen production and skin repair.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that supports skin hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A mineral that can help support skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Mineral
Magnesium Gluconate
A mineral that can help support skin health.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that plays a role in skin's natural processes.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that is a building block for proteins.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that is crucial for collagen formation and skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that helps maintain skin protein balance.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that contributes to skin's structure and hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that aids in skin repair and energy.
Usually helps with
All skin types
pH Adjuster/Exfoliant
Citric Acid
Used to adjust pH, can also provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause sensitivity or irritation, especially at higher concentrations.
A lipid that helps to strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, and compromised skin
An amino acid that has antioxidant properties and aids in skin repair.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Can absorb excess oil and provide a mattifying effect, but may also be drying for some.
Usually helps with
Oily skin
Watch for
Can be drying for dry or sensitive skin.
Exfoliant/Humectant
Acetyl Glucosamine
A derivative of glucose that can gently exfoliate and hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin Conditioning Agent
Creatine
An ingredient that can help support skin's energy and resilience.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A natural antioxidant found in the body, can help protect skin cells.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that plays a role in skin structure and antioxidant defense.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that contributes to skin health and repair.
Usually helps with
All skin types