The base of the formula, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
A silicone derivative that can help soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Watch for
Can feel slightly occlusive for some
Draws moisture into the skin and helps other ingredients penetrate.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A classic humectant that draws water to the skin and helps maintain its moisture balance.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Soothing Agent
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Known for its cooling and calming properties, it can help reduce redness and irritation.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Soothing Agent
Hypnea Musciformis (Algae) Extract
Derived from algae, it can help soothe and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, conditioning
Soothing Agent
Gelidiella Acerosa Extract
Another algae extract that can contribute to skin soothing and conditioning.
Usually helps with
Soothing, conditioning
Soothing Agent
Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract/Extrait D'orge
Contains antioxidants and can help soothe and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, conditioning
Skin Conditioning Agent
Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract
A brown algae extract that may help support skin's moisture barrier.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Skin Conditioning Agent
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake
Rich in fatty acids, it helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A sugar that can help attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Can help to temporarily reduce puffiness and redness.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it draws moisture into the skin for hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Urea
A derivative of urea that is a highly effective humectant for skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Skin Conditioning Agent
Hydrolyzed Rice Extract
Can help to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Film Former
Sodium Polyaspartate
Can help form a light film on the skin, potentially aiding in moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Surfactant
Ppg-6-Decyltetradeceth-30
An emulsifier that helps blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances the efficacy of preservatives and has some emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Emollient
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
Helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A humectant that also has some preservative-boosting properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
A disaccharide that helps protect skin cells from dehydration and environmental stress.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
Helps to mix oil and water ingredients, and can also act as a solubilizer.
Usually helps with
Formulation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
A gelling agent that gives the product its jelly-like texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formula to be compatible with skin.
Usually helps with
Formulation
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations, but typically safe in cosmetic formulations
A solvent and humectant that can help with product texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, formulation
Used to adjust the pH of the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation
Watch for
Can be exfoliating in higher concentrations
pH Adjuster
Sodium Citrate
A salt of citric acid used to buffer and adjust pH.
Usually helps with
Formulation
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Some concerns about environmental persistence
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some