The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Helps to blend oil and water components, creating a stable emulsion.
Usually helps with
Texture
Attracts water to the skin, providing hydration and helping to maintain the skin's moisture barrier.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Diisostearyl Malate
Softens and smooths the skin, improving its texture.
Usually helps with
Softness
Emollient
Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate
A lightweight emollient that conditions the skin without a greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Conditioning
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, also helping to stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishment
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals
Emollient/Occlusive
Dimethicone
Forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Barrier support
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones
Humectant/Solvent
Propylene Glycol
Helps to draw moisture into the skin and aids in the solubility of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it's an excellent emollient that replenishes the skin.
Usually helps with
Replenishment
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths the skin, also acting as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Softening
A plant-based ingredient that offers retinol-like benefits, such as improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, without the typical irritation associated with retinol.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, texture
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but patch testing is always recommended.
A derivative of Vitamin A that promotes cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. Can cause irritation, dryness, and peeling, especially when first introduced.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, texture, tone
Watch for
Photosensitivity, potential for irritation, redness, peeling, dryness. Start slowly and use SPF.
A potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage and enhances the stability and efficacy of other antioxidants like Vitamin E.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Botanical Extract
Nephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract
An extract from rambutan leaves, known for its skin-conditioning and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A salt form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and binds water to the skin, providing hydration and improving skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A stable, hydrogenated form of squalene, it mimics the skin's natural lipids to moisturize and improve suppleness.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Emollient
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Rich in essential fatty acids, it helps to soothe, moisturize, and improve skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Soothing, moisturizing
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NG
A type of ceramide that helps to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier function, improving hydration and resilience.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair
Antioxidant
Emblica Officinalis Fruit Extract
Also known as Amla extract, it's rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, helping to brighten and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Silybum Marianum Extract
Milk thistle extract, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
A gentle emollient that softens and conditions the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening
Watch for
Nut allergy concern
Derived from jojoba oil, these esters provide moisturizing and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Antioxidant
Soy Isoflavones
Plant-derived compounds with antioxidant properties that may help improve skin texture and firmness.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, texture
Watch for
Potential hormonal effects, though topical application is generally considered safe.
Emollient/Skin-Conditioning
Phospholipids
Essential components of cell membranes, they help to maintain skin barrier function and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier function
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
A carbohydrate complex that binds moisture to the skin, providing long-lasting hydration.
Usually helps with
Long-lasting hydration
Emollient/Antioxidant
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Sea buckthorn oil, rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids, it nourishes and protects the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishment, protection
Watch for
Can stain fabrics
Soothing Agent
Centella Asiatica Extract
Known for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, it helps to soothe and calm the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
A naturally occurring compound found in various plants, it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Skin-Conditioning
Adenosine
A naturally occurring compound that plays a role in cellular energy, it can help improve the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging
Emollient
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
A non-greasy oil that moisturizes and softens the skin, rich in oleic acid.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, softening
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid, it helps to improve the skin's barrier function and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Barrier function
Soothing Agent
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help soothe skin and reduce the appearance of redness.
Usually helps with
Soothing, reducing redness
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Exfoliant/Soothing
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Contains salicin, a precursor to salicylic acid, offering mild exfoliation and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Usually helps with
Mild exfoliation, soothing
Watch for
Potential for irritation if combined with other exfoliants.
Antioxidant
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants and can help to gently exfoliate the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, gentle exfoliation
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
A smaller molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin for enhanced hydration.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
A cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that forms a hydrating film on the skin's surface, providing sustained moisture.
Usually helps with
Sustained hydration
Emollient
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
A plant-based oil rich in fatty acids, it helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning
A form of Vitamin E, it protects the skin from oxidative damage and helps to moisturize.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, moisturizing
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
A derivative of hyaluronic acid with enhanced skin penetration and moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Enhanced hydration
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, improves texture, and can help with hydration.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, texture improvement
Watch for
Photosensitivity, potential for irritation, especially when combined with other actives.
Skin-Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Helps to condition and improve the feel of the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant that also helps to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
A mild emulsifier that helps to create a stable cream formulation.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Preservative Booster/Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances the efficacy of preservatives and has mild skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, conditioning
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
A common solvent and humectant that helps ingredients penetrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Penetration enhancement
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Absorption Enhancer
Tetrahydropiperine
A compound derived from black pepper that can enhance the absorption of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Absorption
Watch for
Can potentially increase skin sensitivity.
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
A mild emulsifier used to blend oil and water phases.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Derived from olive oil, it acts as an emollient to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps to create a stable and pleasant texture.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Emulsifier/Preservative Booster
Glyceryl Caprylate
A multi-functional ingredient that helps stabilize emulsions and boost preservative efficacy.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, preservation
Thickener/Film Former
Maltodextrin
A polysaccharide used to thicken formulations and can form a temporary film on the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture
Thickener/Emulsifier
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
Derived from phytic acid, it helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Stabilization
pH Adjuster/Exfoliant
Citric Acid
Used to adjust the pH of the product and can provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
pH balance, mild exfoliation
Watch for
Can cause irritation at high concentrations.
pH Adjuster
Sodium Citrate
A salt of citric acid used to adjust and buffer the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Enzyme Inhibitor
Ilomastat
A matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor, intended to help prevent the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Its efficacy and safety in topical skincare are debated.
Usually helps with
Potential anti-aging
Watch for
Limited research on topical efficacy and safety.
Antioxidant/Fragrance
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
Contains antioxidants but can be phototoxic and irritating for some skin types.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Watch for
Photosensitivity, potential for irritation.
Fragrance/Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract
Adds fragrance but can be phototoxic and cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Photosensitivity, high potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
Fragrance/Soothing
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Provides fragrance and has some soothing properties, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Fragrance, soothing
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. Can cause allergic reactions and irritation in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
Preservative/Solvent
Benzyl Alcohol
Used as a preservative and solvent. Can cause allergic reactions and irritation.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and fungi.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.