The base of the formula.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A silicone that creates a smooth feel and helps to lock in moisture.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, occlusive barrier
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some very oily skin types
Draws moisture into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A classic humectant that draws water to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Provides a smooth feel and helps with spreadability.
Usually helps with
Texture
A sugar that helps skin retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A sugar that can help with hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Thickener
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Helps to create the gel texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Urea
A derivative of urea that hydrates the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
Rich in antioxidants to help protect skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
A yeast extract that can help condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Soothing
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Soothes and hydrates the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Antioxidant
Silybum Marianum (Lady's Thistle) Extract
Contains silymarin, an antioxidant.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Skin Conditioning
Betula Alba (Birch) Bark Extract
Can help to condition and soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Can help to reduce puffiness and has antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Reducing puffiness, antioxidant
Antioxidant
Thermus Thermophillus Ferment
A heat-stable enzyme with antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Peptide
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
A peptide that may help support skin's natural collagen.
Usually helps with
Skin firming
Vitamin C Derivative
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A stable form of Vitamin C that offers antioxidant benefits and can help brighten skin.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Vitamin E
Tocopheryl Acetate
An antioxidant that helps protect skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A skin-conditioning agent that also acts as a preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A sugar alcohol that helps to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
An emulsifier that can sometimes be a skin irritant.
Usually helps with
Formulation
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive skin
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Used to thicken the product and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Film Former
Sodium Polyaspartate
Helps to create a smooth feel on the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
A carbohydrate complex that binds to skin cells to provide long-lasting hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A derivative of lecithin that helps to stabilize the formula and condition skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, skin conditioning
Humectant
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Helps to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Can enhance penetration of other ingredients; sometimes associated with irritation.
Usually helps with
Formulation
Watch for
Potential for irritation
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Formulation
Can act as a solvent and viscosity decreasing agent; sometimes a skin irritant.
Usually helps with
Formulation
Watch for
Potential for irritation
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Formulation
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta-Copper
Helps to stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation
pH Adjuster
Sodium Citrate
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Formulation
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
Helps to stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation
A synthetic antioxidant that can be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A widely used preservative.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Colorant
Green 5 (Ci 61570)
A synthetic colorant.
Watch for
Potential for sensitivity