The primary ingredient in most skincare formulations, acting as a base for other components.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration, softening
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin, it's an excellent emollient that helps to replenish the skin's surface and reduce moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin conditioning
Emollient
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
A lightweight oil rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, known for its nourishing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Nourishing, antioxidant
Emollient
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
A derivative of olive oil that acts as an emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, smoothing
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract
A rich butter known for its intense moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties. It can help to soothe and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Intense moisture, soothing
Emollient/Thickener
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, helping to improve the texture and stability of the product. It is not drying like some other alcohols.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture enhancement
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
A common ingredient used as a humectant and solvent. In higher concentrations, it can sometimes cause irritation for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, solvent
Watch for
Potential for irritation in very sensitive individuals
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle emulsifier derived from glucose and cetearyl alcohol, used to blend oil and water components in a formula.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Humectant/Solvent
Propanediol
A plant-derived humectant and solvent that enhances the absorption of other ingredients and provides hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, absorption enhancement
Antioxidant
Palmitoyl Grapevine Shoot Extract
A patented ingredient derived from grapevine shoots, rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Palmitoyl Grape Seed Extract
Derived from grape seeds, this extract is rich in polyphenols, offering potent antioxidant benefits to combat free radicals.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emollient
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
A component derived from olive oil that acts as an emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin without feeling greasy.
Usually helps with
Emollience, smoothing
Emollient/Thickener
Pentaerythrityl Distearate
A synthetic emollient and thickener that improves the texture and feel of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement, emollience
Emulsifier
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
A mild emulsifier used to create stable emulsions in skincare products.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
A common thickening agent used to create gel-like consistency. It can sometimes be irritating for very sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Watch for
Potential for irritation in very sensitive individuals
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Caprylyl Glycol
A versatile ingredient that acts as a humectant and can also help boost the efficacy of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide Np
A type of ceramide that is naturally found in the skin. It helps to restore the skin's barrier function and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier repair, moisture retention
Thickener/Stabilizer
Xanthan Gum
A natural polysaccharide used as a thickening agent and stabilizer, improving the texture and consistency of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement, stabilization
Colorant/Opacifier
Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)
A white pigment used for color and to make the product opaque. It can sometimes be found in a nano form, which raises some concerns, but is generally considered safe in cosmetic formulations.
Watch for
Potential concerns with nano-particle forms
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
A smaller molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate the skin more effectively to provide hydration.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration
Antioxidant/Soothing
Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help to soothe the skin and protect it from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and fungi. It is generally considered safe but can be a mild irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation
A form of Vitamin E, it's a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage and can also moisturize.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, moisturizing
Emollient/Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid and Vitamin E, it's an excellent emollient that helps to support the skin barrier and provide antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Emollience, barrier support, antioxidant
A beneficial ingredient known for its anti-aging properties, helping to smooth wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, skin elasticity
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used in small amounts to adjust the pH of a product. In higher concentrations, it can be caustic, but it's safe when formulated correctly.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Watch for
Potential for irritation if pH is not properly adjusted
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
Derived from plant sources, it helps to improve the stability of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Fragrance Ingredient
Geraniol
A naturally occurring fragrance compound found in essential oils. It can be a potential allergen for some individuals.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen
Fragrance Ingredient
Linalool
A naturally occurring fragrance compound found in many plants and essential oils. It can be a potential allergen for some.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen
Fragrance Ingredient
Aniba Rosodora Wood Extract
Also known as Rosewood oil, it's used for its fragrance. It's a potential allergen and its use is restricted due to sustainability concerns.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen, sustainability concerns
Colorant
Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides)
Mineral pigments used to provide color to cosmetic products.
Colorant
Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides)
Mineral pigments used to provide color to cosmetic products.
pH Adjuster/Chelating Agent
Sodium Citrate
A salt of citric acid used to adjust pH and improve product stability.
Usually helps with
pH balance, stability
Fragrance
Parfum (Fragrance)
A complex mixture of scent ingredients. The specific components are usually proprietary and can be a common cause of skin sensitivity and allergic reactions.
Watch for
Common cause of sensitivity and allergic reactions
Fragrance Ingredient
Citronellol
A naturally occurring fragrance compound found in essential oils. It can be a potential allergen for some.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen