The primary ingredient in most skincare formulations, acting as a solvent for other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin, it's an excellent emollient that helps replenish the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, barrier support
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals
A sugar beet-derived ingredient that helps hydrate and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
A solvent and humectant that can enhance the penetration of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture improvement
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, and also acts as a thickener.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, texture
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but some may find it slightly occlusive
A classic humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the formula.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Used to absorb excess oil and provide a matte finish, or as a texture enhancer.
Usually helps with
Oily skin, texture
Watch for
Can be drying if overused
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to mix oil and water and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture, skin conditioning
Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate
A polyethylene glycol derivative used as an emulsifier. Concerns exist regarding potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Potential for irritation or contamination
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths the skin, and acts as a thickener.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, texture
A silicone that forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, barrier support
Watch for
Can feel heavy on oily skin; some prefer to avoid silicones
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used as an emulsifier and thickener. Concerns exist about potential microplastic pollution.
Usually helps with
Texture, stabilization
Watch for
Environmental concerns regarding microplastics
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A plant-derived emulsifier that is gentle and effective.
Usually helps with
Gentle emulsification
A hydrogenated version of squalene, a lipid naturally found in skin. It's highly moisturizing and non-comedogenic.
Usually helps with
Hydration, 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
Sensory experience
Watch for
Irritation, sensitivity, allergies
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that helps protect the skin and stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, preservation
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, known for its ability to attract and hold water, hydrating the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation, allergic reactions
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative and skin-conditioning agent that can sometimes cause contact dermatitis.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Watch for
Potential for skin irritation
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A derivative of Vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Another silicone that provides a smooth feel and helps prevent moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, barrier support
Watch for
Can feel heavy on oily skin; some prefer to avoid silicones
An emulsifier that can be contaminated with ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, both potential carcinogens.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Potential for contamination
Pure Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
A chelating agent that improves the stability and efficacy of the formula by binding to metal ions. Concerns exist about its environmental impact.
Usually helps with
Formula stabilization
Watch for
Environmental concerns
A humectant and solvent that helps ingredients penetrate the skin and improves texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, penetration enhancement
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that can cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation
Soothing Agent
Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract
A plant extract known for its soothing and hydrating properties, often referred to as 'Leaf of Life'.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Antioxidant
Marrubium Vulgare Extract
White horehound extract, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to protect against pollution.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, anti-pollution
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used to adjust pH and provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment, mild exfoliation
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity
Preservative
Phenethyl Alcohol
A preservative derived from plants, often used as a more natural alternative.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Soothing Agent
Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract
A red algae extract that helps to soothe and protect the skin, particularly from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Soothing, protection
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that can cause irritation and allergic reactions, especially when combined with ascorbic acid.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation, allergic reactions
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative that is generally considered safe but can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for skin irritation
Antioxidant
Lapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Nipplewort extract, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, anti-pollution
Exfoliant
Maris Sal/Sea Salt/Sel Marin
Sea salt can act as a physical exfoliant and contains minerals beneficial for the skin.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, mineral content
Watch for
Can be too abrasive for sensitive skin