The base for most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A versatile ingredient that helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, even skin tone, and minimize the appearance of pores.
Usually helps with
Uneven tone, redness, pores, barrier support
Watch for
Can cause temporary flushing or irritation in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.
A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Solvent
Dipropylene Glycol
A solvent and viscosity-decreasing agent. Generally considered safe in cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Product texture
A humectant that helps ingredients penetrate the skin and provides hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, ingredient penetration
A silicone that forms a protective barrier on the skin, helping to reduce water loss and provide a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, barrier support
Watch for
Can feel heavy on oily skin for some.
Encapsulation Agent
Cyclodextrin
Used to stabilize and deliver active ingredients.
Usually helps with
Ingredient stability
Humectant
Methylpropanediol
A humectant that helps to hydrate the skin and improve the texture of formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
Emollient
Sodium Palmitoyl Proline
A derivative of proline and palmitic acid, used for its skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant and preservative booster that also has some antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
A humectant that also acts as a preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating to some individuals, especially at higher concentrations.
Thickener
Sodium Polyacrylate
A polymer used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Emollient
Shea (Butyrospermum Parkii) Butter
A rich emollient known for its moisturizing and skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, soothing
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and can help to blur the appearance of fine lines.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, texture
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones.
Thickener
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Product texture
A humectant that helps to draw moisture into the skin and improve the absorption of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration, penetration
A cannabinoid known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe skin and reduce redness.
Usually helps with
Redness, soothing, antioxidant protection
Another cannabinoid with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits for the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant protection
A well-known cannabinoid with significant anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for calming irritated skin and reducing redness.
Usually helps with
Redness, inflammation, soothing
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
Derived from phytic acid, it helps to improve the stability of formulations by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Antioxidant
Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis Leaf) Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Peptide
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-52
A peptide that helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, firmness
Antioxidant
Purple Passionflower (Passiflora Incarnata) Extract
Contains antioxidants and has soothing properties that can help calm the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant protection
Surfactant
Decyl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Antioxidant
Water Lily (Nymphaea Alba) Extract
Known for its soothing and antioxidant properties, it helps to calm the skin and protect it from oxidative stress.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant protection
Peptide
N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate
A peptide that works to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, texture improvement