The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Softens and smooths skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness
Attracts moisture to the skin and can help with exfoliation at higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
Dryness, exfoliation
Watch for
Can cause stinging in very sensitive or compromised skin.
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it deeply moisturizes and supports the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier repair
Softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness
Emollient
Zea Mays (Corn) Germ Oil
Provides moisturizing and conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Dryness
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some.
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Conditions skin and improves texture.
Usually helps with
Softness
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and helps stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Moisture, texture
Emollient
Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides
Provides a smooth feel and moisturizes the skin.
Usually helps with
Softness
Emollient
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
Lightweight oil with antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Moisture, antioxidant
Soothing Agent
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
Contains purslane, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Calming, antioxidant
Emollient
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it nourishes and hydrates.
Usually helps with
Dryness, nourishment
Attracts moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant/Solvent
Propanediol
A hydrating ingredient that also helps other ingredients penetrate.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
Texture
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E that protects skin from free radicals.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, smoothing
Emollient/Occlusive
Dimethicone
Forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Occlusion, smoothness
Watch for
Can feel heavy on oily skin.
Plant-derived sterols that help condition and soften skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types.
Emollient
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Provides a smooth texture and moisturizes.
Usually helps with
Texture, moisture
Humectant/Soothing Agent
Panthenol
A form of Vitamin B5 that hydrates, soothes, and aids in skin repair.
Usually helps with
Hydration, calming
Emollient
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Moisturizes and conditions the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisture
Used to thicken the product's texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Thickener/Emulsifier
Xanthan Gum
A natural gum used to thicken and stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Preservative Booster/Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances preservative efficacy and can have mild emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Solvent/Astringent
Alcohol
Can help with product absorption but may be drying or irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Absorption
Watch for
Can be drying and irritating, especially for sensitive or dry 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
Preservation, skin conditioning
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A lightweight, skin-replenishing ingredient derived from coconut oil and glycerin.
Usually helps with
Moisture, emollience
A flavonoid derived from Skullcap, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
A fat-soluble form of Vitamin C, providing antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Watch for
Less potent than L-Ascorbic Acid.
A derivative of pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) that hydrates the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
pH Adjuster/Exfoliant
Citric Acid
Used to adjust the pH of the formula and can provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
pH balance, mild exfoliation
Watch for
Can cause irritation at higher concentrations or if skin is sensitive.
Pure Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that brightens and protects.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, brightening
Watch for
Can be unstable and potentially irritating.