The base for most cosmetic formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A humectant that draws moisture into the skin, providing essential hydration and helping to keep the skin plump and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dryness
Emollient/Occlusive
Dimethicone
A silicone that forms a protective barrier on the skin, reducing water loss and providing a smooth feel. Generally considered safe and non-irritating for most.
Usually helps with
All skin types, barrier support
Watch for
Can feel heavy on very oily skin if over-applied
Emollient/Texturizer
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and can help mattify the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, texture improvement
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and can also act as a solvent.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Thickener
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Helps to stabilize the emulsion and thicken the product, contributing to its texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Imperata Cylindrica (Cogon Grass) Root Extract
A plant extract known for its hydrating properties, helping to retain moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It's an excellent emollient and can help to replenish the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dryness
Solvent/Humectant
Methylpropanediol
A solvent that helps to dissolve ingredients and can also act as a humectant to draw moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A skin-conditioning agent that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing moisture and improving suppleness without being greasy.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dryness, oiliness
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient to soften and smooth the skin, and also helps to stabilize the product's texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Meadowfoam Estolide
A derivative of meadowfoam seed oil, it's a highly stable emollient that helps to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, all skin types
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
A derivative of an amino acid that helps to firm and plump the skin, and can improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Loss of firmness, anti-aging
A fatty acid ester that acts as an emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, all skin types
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), it helps to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Dryness, all skin types
A humectant that draws moisture into the skin. At higher concentrations, it can also have mild exfoliating properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, rough skin
Watch for
Can cause stinging in sensitive or broken skin at higher concentrations
A thickening agent used to create gels and creams with a desirable consistency.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Caprylyl Glycol
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps to boost the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Collagen Amino Acids
Amino acids derived from collagen, which can help to improve skin hydration and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Dryness, loss of firmness
Solvent/Humectant
Propanediol
A versatile ingredient that acts as a solvent and a humectant, improving product texture and skin hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
A source of astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, environmental protection
A sugar that helps to retain moisture and protect skin cells from dehydration.
Usually helps with
Dryness, all skin types
Emollient/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Linoleic Acid
An essential fatty acid that helps to strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier repair
Emollient/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Phytosterols
Plant-derived sterols that help to condition and soothe the skin, and can support barrier function.
Usually helps with
Dryness, sensitive skin
Emollient/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Phospholipids
Components of cell membranes that help to moisturize and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier repair
Emollient/Emulsifier
Palmitic Acid
A fatty acid that acts as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to soften the skin and stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients, creating a stable product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a source of concern for those avoiding ethoxylated ingredients, though generally considered safe in rinse-off products.
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to create a stable emulsion between oil and water.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NG
A type of ceramide that helps to reinforce the skin's natural barrier, improving moisture retention and resilience.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier repair
Solvent/Viscosity-Decreasing Agent
Hexylene Glycol
A solvent that can also help to reduce the viscosity of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Emollient
PEG-10 Phytosterol
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to improve skin hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
Dryness, all skin types
Watch for
PEG compounds can be a concern for some due to potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane, though this is rare and regulated.
Humectant/Film Former
Polyquaternium-51
A conditioning agent that forms a moisturizing film on the skin, helping to retain hydration.
Usually helps with
Dryness, all skin types
Emollient/Solvent
Triacetin
A triester of glycerol, used as a solvent and emollient to improve skin feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A salt form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds water, providing significant hydration and plumping the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, all skin types
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Peptide
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
A peptide that can help to support skin's natural collagen production, contributing to firmness and a plumper appearance.
Usually helps with
Loss of firmness, anti-aging
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to ensure stability and efficacy.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations, but is safe when used appropriately for pH adjustment.
Exfoliant/Humectant
Lactic Acid
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin's surface, revealing brighter skin. It also acts as a humectant.
Usually helps with
Dullness, uneven texture, dryness
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; start slowly if new to AHAs.