The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Tridecyl Stearate
Softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Emollient
Tridecyl Trimellitate
Helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Emollient
Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate
A skin-conditioning agent that provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Draws moisture to the skin and helps other ingredients penetrate.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating for very sensitive skin in high concentrations.
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to mix oil and water components, also acts as an emollient.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
A rich emollient that can moisturize and soften skin, but may clog pores for some.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin, it's a light emollient that replenishes skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A physical exfoliant that gently buffs away dead skin cells. The particle size determines its gentleness.
Usually helps with
Most skin types, except very sensitive
Watch for
Can be too abrasive if particle size is large or used too aggressively.
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens skin, not drying like simpler alcohols.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients. Can be a mild irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Normal, dry skin
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive skin.
A sugar alcohol that attracts water to the skin, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Hexyldecyl Stearate
Conditions and softens the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Derived from chamomile, it has anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, irritated skin
Surfactant
Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate
A mild cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil.
Usually helps with
All skin types
pH Adjuster
Triethanolamine
Used to adjust the pH of products. Can be irritating in higher concentrations or if formulated with certain ingredients.
Usually helps with
Normal skin
Watch for
Potential for irritation and sensitivity.
Emulsifier
Oleth-10 Phosphate
Helps to stabilize oil and water mixtures. Can be a mild irritant.
Usually helps with
Normal, dry skin
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive skin.
A skin-conditioning agent that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A solvent and humectant that helps improve skin hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A gelling agent that gives products their texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative to prevent microbial growth. Can be an irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative that inhibits the growth of mold and yeast. Can be a mild irritant.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive skin.
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative that prevents bacterial growth. Can cause skin irritation.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.