The base for most skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Surfactant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
A mild surfactant that helps to create foam and cleanse the skin. It's generally well-tolerated.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Rarely, can cause irritation in very sensitive individuals.
Surfactant
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate
A gentle amino acid-based surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin.
Usually helps with
Most skin types, including sensitive
Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Used to thicken the product's 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 be irritating for some sensitive skin types at higher concentrations.
Used to adjust the pH of the product, making it more compatible with the skin's natural pH.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause irritation or stinging if the pH is too low or if skin is already compromised.
Humectant, Soothing Agent
Panthenol
A form of Vitamin B5 that attracts and holds moisture in the skin, also known for its soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, and irritated skin
Humectant, Solvent
Propylene Glycol
A common ingredient that helps to retain moisture and improve the penetration of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals, especially those with sensitive skin.
A natural moisturizing factor that helps to hydrate the skin and can also gently exfoliate at higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
Dry and rough skin
Watch for
Can cause stinging or irritation, especially on broken or sensitive skin.
Soothing Agent, Antioxidant
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
Derived from purslane, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, helping to calm the skin.
Usually helps with
Irritated and sensitive skin
A widely used humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Preservative Booster, Emollient
Ethylhexyl- Glycerin
A derivative of glycerin that enhances the effectiveness of preservatives and can also act as a skin conditioner.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates pores to exfoliate and help clear congestion. It's effective for acne and oily skin.
Usually helps with
Oily, acne-prone, and congested skin
Watch for
Can cause dryness, peeling, or irritation, especially when first starting or if skin is sensitive.
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, which effectively attracts and retains moisture in the skin, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dehydrated
Solvent, Astringent
Alcohol
Can help other ingredients penetrate the skin and has a drying effect. However, it can be irritating and dehydrating for many skin types.
Usually helps with
Very oily skin (in low concentrations)
Watch for
Can cause dryness, redness, and irritation, especially for dry or sensitive skin.
Preservative, Skin Conditioning
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
A natural preservative derived from fermented radish root, offering some skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
pH Adjuster
Tris (Tetramethylhydroxypiperidinol) Citrate
Used to adjust and stabilize the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A derivative of pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), it functions as a humectant to hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types