The primary base for most skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it helps to replenish skin and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A moisturizing agent that also helps to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types in high concentrations.
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin. Can be a penetration enhancer.
Usually helps with
Normal to oily skin
Watch for
Can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
A derivative of lecithin, it helps to stabilize the emulsion and improve skin hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A widely used humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, it provides antioxidant protection and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be less potent than pure tocopherol.
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich emollient known for its moisturizing and skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Dry to normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for very acne-prone skin.
A common thickening agent that also helps to stabilize emulsions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A solvent and humectant that helps to improve product texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a penetration enhancer, potentially increasing the absorption of other ingredients.
Pro-vitamin B5, it hydrates, soothes, and helps to improve skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A salt form of carbomer, used as a thickening agent.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Known for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive or irritated
Can be used as a solvent or to improve product feel, but can be drying and irritating in higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
Oily skin (in low concentrations)
Watch for
Can cause dryness, redness, and irritation, especially for dry or sensitive skin.
Skin Conditioning Agent
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Helps to strengthen and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A highly stable and biocompatible emollient that mimics skin's natural sebum, providing excellent hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid, it's a good emollient that helps to support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals.
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to ensure stability and efficacy.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A gelling agent used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A phospholipid that helps to emulsify ingredients and can also condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A fatty alcohol that helps to reinforce the skin's barrier and improve moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Dry and mature skin
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that acts as an emulsifier and skin conditioner.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
A fat-soluble form of Vitamin C, it provides antioxidant benefits and can help brighten the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Less potent than L-Ascorbic Acid.
Skin Replenisher
Ceramide NP
A type of ceramide that helps to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier function.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, and mature skin
Skin Conditioning Agent
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein
A plant-derived protein that can help to condition and improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Superoxide Dismutase
An enzyme that helps to neutralize harmful free radicals.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used to adjust pH and provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
All skin types (in low concentrations)
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; use sunscreen.
Skin Conditioning Agent
Dextran
A polysaccharide that can help to hydrate and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Peptide
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8
A peptide that helps to calm and soothe the skin, reducing the appearance of redness.
Usually helps with
Sensitive skin
Amino Acid
Alanyl Glutamine
An amino acid derivative that can help to support skin hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that helps to maintain skin hydration and can support collagen production.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin Replenisher
Ceramide NG
A type of ceramide that helps to improve skin barrier function and hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry and mature skin
An amino acid that is a component of collagen, helping to maintain skin structure.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An essential amino acid that plays a role in collagen synthesis.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A fatty acid that can help to improve skin barrier function and hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.
A fatty acid that can help to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that can help to improve skin tone and texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that is a component of collagen, important for skin structure and firmness.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Scenedesmus Rubescens Extract
A microalgae extract with antioxidant properties that can help protect skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Pure Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that brightens skin, supports collagen, and protects against free radicals.
Usually helps with
All skin types (use with caution if sensitive)
Watch for
Can be unstable and degrade over time; may cause stinging or redness in sensitive individuals.
Antioxidant
Retinyl Palmitate
A mild form of Vitamin A. It's an antioxidant that converts to retinol in the skin, offering anti-aging benefits with less irritation than retinol.
Usually helps with
Mature and aging skin
Watch for
Can cause photosensitivity; always use sunscreen. May cause mild irritation or peeling.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with acidic ingredients.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative that prevents the growth of mold, yeast, and fungi.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent with preservative properties, often used to boost the efficacy of other preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Skin Conditioning Agent
Sodium Dextran Sulfate
A derivative of dextran that can help to condition and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Brassica Alba Oil
A plant-based oil that can help to soften and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A peptide that supports skin regeneration and repair processes.
Usually helps with
Aging skin
Antioxidant
Sodium Ascorbate
A salt form of Vitamin C, it provides antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Less potent than L-Ascorbic Acid.
Pure Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage and helps to moisturize.
Usually helps with
All skin types