The primary base for most cosmetic formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A stable, saturated oil that mimics skin's natural sebum, providing hydration and improving skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and mature
Draws moisture from the air into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps with product spreadability.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid and antioxidants, this oil can help nourish and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Normal to oily skin
Watch for
May be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals
Emulsifier
Arachidyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that helps to stabilize emulsions and provide a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A solvent and humectant that also has some antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A polysaccharide derived from seaweed, used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
A film-former that can help improve skin texture and provide a smooth finish.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Active
Palmitoyl Grapevine Shoot Extract
Caudalie's patented Viniferine, known for its brightening and anti-dark spot properties.
Usually helps with
Hyperpigmentation, uneven tone
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, improving texture and tone. Can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Uneven texture, dullness, hyperpigmentation
Watch for
Sensitivity, redness, sun sensitivity
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle emulsifier derived from coconut and corn, used to blend oil and water.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, providing a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A component of chamomile, known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, irritated skin
A common thickening agent that improves product texture and stability.
Usually helps with
All skin types
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product. Can be irritating in high concentrations.
Usually helps with
All skin types (in proper concentration)
Watch for
Potential for irritation if pH is not balanced
Thickener
Disteardimonium Hectorite
A clay-derived mineral used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Buffering Agent
Calcium Citrate
Used to help maintain the stability and pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Arachidyl Glucoside
A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water components.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate
A natural emulsifier derived from olive oil, known for its skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Fragrance Ingredient
Triethyl Citrate
A derivative of citric acid, often used as a solvent or to help control odor.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some
An amino acid that can help with skin conditioning and hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Sodium Dehydroacetate
A broad-spectrum preservative used to prevent microbial growth. Concerns exist regarding its potential toxicity.
Usually helps with
All skin types (in safe concentrations)
Watch for
Potential for irritation
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths the skin, also acting as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid, it helps to strengthen the skin barrier and provide hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
Derived from phytic acid, it helps to improve the stability of the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A form of Vitamin E, it helps protect the skin from environmental damage and has moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A proteolytic enzyme derived from papaya, it aids in exfoliation by breaking down dead skin cells.
Usually helps with
Dullness, uneven texture
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation for sensitive skin
A humectant and emollient that also acts as a preservative booster.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A polymer used to thicken lotions and creams, creating a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Fragrance
Parfum (Fragrance)
Adds scent to the product. Can be a common cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Usually helps with
All skin types (if non-irritating)
Watch for
Sensitivity, allergic reactions, irritation