The base for most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A highly stable, skin-identical lipid that moisturizes and softens skin without clogging pores.
Usually helps with
Dryness, suppleness
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin to keep it hydrated.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A mix of fatty acids derived from coconut oil and glycerin, used to replenish skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
A plant-derived ester that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Texture, slip
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich plant butter known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, soothing
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate
An emulsifier derived from olive oil and sorbitol, helping to blend oil and water.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Olivate
An emulsifier derived from olive oil, contributing to a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
A crucial lipid for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, helping to prevent moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
Esters derived from jojoba oil, providing moisturizing and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a potent humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
Usually helps with
Plumping, hydration
Emollient
Euterpe Oleracea Sterols
Sterols derived from acai berries, known for their antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Nourishing
An essential fatty acid that helps support the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Usually helps with
Barrier function, inflammation
A fatty acid that can help improve skin barrier function and hydration, but can be comedogenic for some.
Usually helps with
Moisture retention
Watch for
May clog pores for acne-prone skin.
An omega-3 fatty acid that helps maintain skin barrier health and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Barrier health, soothing
An ester of linoleic acid, providing emollient and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Softening
A form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Protection
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types.
A plant-derived ester that provides a light, conditioning feel.
Usually helps with
Softening
An emollient ester that can help soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothing
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some.
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Palmitate
An emulsifier derived from sorbitol and palmitic acid, helping to stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to soften and smooth skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, texture
Watch for
Generally considered non-irritating, but some may react.
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative and skin-conditioning agent that also enhances the efficacy of other preservatives.
Usually helps with
Preservation
A thickening agent used to create gel-like textures.
Usually helps with
Texture
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formula to be compatible with skin.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some individuals.
Chelating Agent
Sodium Gluconate
A chelating agent that helps improve the stability and performance of the formula.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
