The base of most cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin, also acts as a solvent.
Usually helps with
Smoothing skin
A humectant that draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich butter that moisturizes, softens, and helps to improve skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
Moisture, elasticity
Watch for
Can be heavy for very oily skin
An emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps to prevent water loss.
Usually helps with
Skin feel, moisture retention
Emollient
Zea Mays (Corn) Germ Oil
A plant-based oil that can moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Watch for
Potential allergen for some
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and thickens the product.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water, also has emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Texture, skin feel
Active
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
Contains purslane extract, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant
A sugar alcohol that attracts water to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A solvent and humectant that helps improve product texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
Emulsifier
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
An emulsifier that helps stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Emollients derived from coconut oil that soften and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
A silicone that forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, moisture barrier
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some, pore-clogging potential
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can cause breakouts in sensitive individuals
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types
Emollient
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides
Emollients that help to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin softening
A form of Vitamin B5 that hydrates, soothes, and aids in skin repair.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
A highly stable emollient that mimics the skin's natural oils, providing excellent hydration and barrier support.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
A thickening agent used to create gel-like textures.
Usually helps with
Product texture
A natural thickening agent that improves product texture and stability.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative that also acts as a skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Watch for
Can be irritating for some
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Active
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
A fermented ingredient that can offer skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Can be used as a solvent, but in higher concentrations can be drying and irritating.
Usually helps with
Solvent
Watch for
Drying, potential irritation
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin that is an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, skin barrier
A flavonoid derived from Skullcap, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
A derivative of Panthenol (Vitamin B5) that helps with skin conditioning and hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
A fat-soluble form of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Less potent than L-Ascorbic Acid
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) used to adjust pH and provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment, mild exfoliation
Watch for
Can cause irritation or photosensitivity at higher concentrations
Pure Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that brightens skin and supports collagen production.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant
Watch for
Can be unstable and irritating for some