A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB and UVA rays.
Usually helps with
UV protection
Watch for
Can degrade over time with UV exposure; often paired with stabilizers.
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays.
Usually helps with
UV protection
Watch for
Can be used to enhance the efficacy of other UV filters.
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB and some UVA rays. It also helps stabilize other sunscreen ingredients.
Usually helps with
UV protection, stabilizing other filters
Watch for
Potential environmental concerns; can be irritating for some.
The base for many skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
A derivative of salicylic acid that acts as an emollient and helps to solubilize UV filters.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, UV filter solubilization
Opacifier
Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate
Used to create opacity and a pearlescent effect.
Usually helps with
Texture and appearance
Watch for
Can contribute to a visible sheen.
Emollient
Diisopropyl Sebacate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Emollient
Diisopropyl Adipate
An emollient that provides a light, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
An emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps disperse UV filters.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, UV filter dispersion
An emollient that helps improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A mineral that provides shimmer and a pearlescent effect.
Usually helps with
Appearance
Watch for
Can be reflective; ethically sourced mica is preferred.
A humectant that also acts as a solvent and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration, solvent
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier that helps blend oil and water components.
Usually helps with
Texture
Antioxidant
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it helps hydrate and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract
Provides antioxidant benefits and helps improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, skin texture
Emollient
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Also known as Irish Moss, it's a seaweed extract that hydrates and can form a protective film on the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin barrier support
A form of Vitamin B5 that attracts and holds moisture, soothing the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
A versatile ingredient that helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and minimize the appearance of pores.
Usually helps with
Oil control, pore appearance, skin tone
Watch for
Can cause flushing or irritation in high concentrations or for sensitive skin.
A potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage and can stabilize other antioxidants like Vitamin C.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid, it helps support the skin barrier and provides moisturizing benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier support, moisturizing
Emollient
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
A rich emollient that helps moisturize and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
Emulsifier
Cetyl Phosphate
An emulsifier that helps create stable formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
An emulsifier that helps blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Texture
Helps absorb excess oil and can provide a mattifying effect or texture enhancement.
Usually helps with
Oil absorption, texture
Watch for
Can be drying if used in very high concentrations.
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the formula.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
A humectant that also acts as a solvent and preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be an irritant for some individuals.
pH Adjuster
Aminomethyl Propanol
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
A salt of lactic acid that acts as a humectant and helps maintain skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, it helps attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Fragrance
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Provides a sweet, warm scent.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Fragrance
Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil
Adds a woody, rich aroma.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Fragrance
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Provides a floral, rose scent.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Fragrance
Myroxylon Pereirae (Balsam Peru) Oil
A resinoid with a sweet, balsamic aroma.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Known allergen and potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Fragrance
Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Nut/Stem Oil
Adds a woody, herbaceous scent.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Fragrance
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Oil
Provides a rich, coffee-like aroma.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
A citrus oil with a bright, floral aroma.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Can be phototoxic (increase sun sensitivity) and a potential irritant.
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil
Adds a complex floral and slightly bitter aroma.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Fragrance
Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
A woody, balsamic scent.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with acidic ingredients.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin that is an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Limonium Gerberi Extract
A plant extract known for its antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A component of citrus peel oils, it provides a fresh, citrus scent.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Can be a potential irritant and allergen; phototoxic.
A naturally occurring compound found in many flowers and spices, it has a floral scent.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Can be a potential irritant and allergen.
A compound used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Can be a potential irritant and allergen.
Sunscreen
Titanium Dioxide
A mineral sunscreen agent that provides broad-spectrum protection by creating a physical barrier on the skin.
Usually helps with
UV protection
Watch for
Can leave a white cast if not formulated properly or if particle size is large.
Mineral pigments used to add color to the product, helping it blend better on the skin.
Usually helps with
Coloring
Formula support
Avobenzone Sunscreen
Included in the source ingredient list. Glass treats this as part of the supporting formula unless it overlaps with a known active, preservative, or fragrance flag.
Usually helps with
Formula completeness and routine context
Watch for
Personal sensitivity, especially if your skin is reactive or the ingredient overlaps with other products in your routine
Formula support
Octisalate Sunscreen
Included in the source ingredient list. Glass treats this as part of the supporting formula unless it overlaps with a known active, preservative, or fragrance flag.
Usually helps with
Formula completeness and routine context
Watch for
Personal sensitivity, especially if your skin is reactive or the ingredient overlaps with other products in your routine
Formula support
Octocrylene Sunscreen
Included in the source ingredient list. Glass treats this as part of the supporting formula unless it overlaps with a known active, preservative, or fragrance flag.
Usually helps with
Formula completeness and routine context
Watch for
Personal sensitivity, especially if your skin is reactive or the ingredient overlaps with other products in your routine