The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Attracts moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Surfactant
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
A gentle surfactant derived from coconut oil that creates a mild lather and cleanses the skin.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Watch for
Can be drying for some if not properly formulated.
Surfactant
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
A mild anionic surfactant known for its good foaming properties and gentle cleansing action.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing, lather
Astringent
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
A natural astringent that can help to tighten pores and reduce inflammation.
Usually helps with
Oiliness, pores
Watch for
Can be drying or irritating for some skin types.
Emulsifier/Surfactant
Myristic Acid
A fatty acid that helps to emulsify ingredients and contributes to the cleansing foam.
Usually helps with
Cleansing, texture
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Emollient/Surfactant
Palmitic Acid
A fatty acid that acts as an emollient and contributes to the cleansing properties.
Usually helps with
Emollience, cleansing
Derived from coconut oil, it contributes to the cleansing and foaming properties.
Usually helps with
Cleansing, lather
Emulsifier/Surfactant
Stearic Acid
A fatty acid that helps to stabilize the emulsion and contributes to cleansing.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, cleansing
A synthetic polymer used to thicken the product and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Exfoliant
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Contains papain, an enzyme that gently exfoliates dead skin cells and helps to decongest pores.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, brightening, pores
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the surface of the skin, hydrates, and can help improve skin texture and tone.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration, texture
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; always use SPF.
A stable form of Vitamin C, it's a potent antioxidant that brightens skin, fades dark spots, and supports collagen production.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection, uneven tone
Watch for
Can be irritating at high concentrations; best used in stable formulations.
An essential fatty acid that helps to strengthen the skin barrier and maintain hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Exfoliant
Lactobacillus/ Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
A fermented pomegranate extract that provides gentle exfoliation and may improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, texture
Used to adjust and buffer the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
A common preservative that can also act as a solvent. It's a potential allergen for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential allergen, can be drying.
Can help ingredients penetrate, but can also be drying and irritating, especially in higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
Solvent
Watch for
Drying, potential irritant.
Surfactant
Sodium Cocoyl Apple Amino Acids
A mild surfactant derived from apple amino acids, known for its gentle cleansing properties.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Provides a natural fragrance but can be a photosensitizer and potential irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Photosensitivity, potential irritant.
Preservative
Dehydroacetic Acid
A broad-spectrum preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and holds moisture in the skin, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*
Mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing excellent moisturization and balancing properties.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, balancing
Antioxidant
Eclipta Prostrata Extract
A plant extract known for its antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A naturally occurring fragrance compound found in many plants. Can be a skin allergen for some.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen.
A fragrance component that contributes to floral scents. Can be a skin allergen.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen.
Antioxidant
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Also known as neem extract, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that effectively exfoliates the skin, helping to unclog pores, improve texture, and brighten the complexion.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, pores, texture, brightening
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; always use SPF. May cause initial stinging.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin that acts as an emollient, replenishing the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin conditioning
Fragrance
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Known for its calming scent, but can be a potential irritant or allergen for some.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential irritant/allergen.
Fragrance
Lavandula Hybrida Extract
A fragrance component derived from lavender, contributing to the scent profile.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential irritant/allergen.
Fragrance
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
An essential oil from lavender, used for its aroma.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential irritant/allergen.
Emollient
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, it helps to moisturize and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Prunus Virginiana (Chokecherry) Extract
A botanical extract with antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NG
A type of ceramide that helps to reinforce the skin's natural barrier and improve moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Surfactant
Sodium Isethionate
A mild anionic surfactant used for its cleansing and foaming properties.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing, lather
A solvent and viscosity-decreasing agent. Can be irritating in higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
Solvent
Watch for
Potential irritant.
Preservative
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
A natural preservative derived from fermented radish root, offering antimicrobial benefits.
Usually helps with
Preservation
A fatty acid that contributes to cleansing and lather. Can be stripping for some.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Usually helps with
Preservation
A common fragrance component found in citrus peels. Can be a skin allergen.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen.