The primary base for the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Helps to draw moisture into the skin and improve product texture.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some very sensitive individuals.
Attracts water to the skin, providing hydration and helping to maintain the skin's moisture barrier.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
A lightweight emollient that softens and smooths the skin without feeling heavy.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Moisturizer
Squalane
A stable, plant-derived emollient that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing excellent hydration and improving skin's softness.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry or dehydrated
Active/Brightening Agent
Palmitoyl Grapevine Shoot Extract
Caudalie's patented Viniferine, known for its ability to visibly reduce dark spots and improve skin tone.
Usually helps with
Hyperpigmentation, dullness
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients, creating a stable and pleasant texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Derived from chamomile, it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, helping to calm the skin.
Usually helps with
Sensitive or irritated skin
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to stabilize the emulsion and provides emollient properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A natural gum used to thicken the formula and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Caprylyl Glycol
Helps to keep skin hydrated and can boost the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some very sensitive individuals.
Thickener/Binder
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Used to thicken the formula and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
A synthetic polymer used to thicken the product and create a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Generally considered safe, but can be a mild irritant for some.
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Used to adjust the pH of the formula, making it more compatible with the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be an irritant in high concentrations or for very sensitive skin.
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
Helps to improve the stability of the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formula. In finished products, it's typically present in very small amounts.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant in higher concentrations.