The base for many skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A versatile ingredient that helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines.
Usually helps with
Redness, pores, barrier support, uneven tone
Watch for
Can sometimes cause flushing in sensitive individuals.
A skin-conditioning agent that helps to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin that helps to replenish the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
Soothing, softening
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
A derivative of Vitamin A that is a gold standard for anti-aging. It accelerates cell turnover, boosts collagen production, and helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and improve skin texture and tone.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, wrinkles, texture, tone, acne
Watch for
Can cause irritation, dryness, and sun sensitivity, especially when first starting. Always use with SPF during the day.
A plant-derived ingredient often considered a natural alternative to retinol. It offers similar anti-aging benefits like reducing the appearance of fine lines and improving skin texture, often with less irritation.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, fine lines, texture, sensitive skin
Antioxidant
Nephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract
An extract from rambutan leaves, rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A powerful antioxidant that helps to protect skin from environmental damage and enhances the stability and efficacy of other active ingredients like retinol.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, anti-aging
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A salt form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and retains moisture, providing hydration and plumping the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin's surface, revealing brighter, smoother skin. It also has hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, brightening, hydration
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity. May cause mild stinging.
An omega-6 fatty acid that is a component of the skin's natural barrier. It helps to maintain skin hydration and suppleness.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
An omega-3 fatty acid that helps to support the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Silybum Marianum Extract
Milk thistle extract, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
A plant-derived ingredient that binds to skin cells and provides long-lasting hydration.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration
Essential components of cell membranes that help to restore and maintain the skin's barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
Emollient
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Flower Extract
Contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which can help soothe and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, moisturizing
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Adenosine
A naturally occurring compound that can help improve the appearance of wrinkles by promoting skin's elasticity.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, firmness
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract
An extract from the Evodia fruit, known for its potential to improve skin radiance and texture.
Usually helps with
Radiance, texture
A component of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), it helps to attract and bind moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Chelating Agent
Phytic Acid
An antioxidant found in plant seeds that can help to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin.
Usually helps with
Brightening, gentle exfoliation
A form of Vitamin E, it's an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage and can also moisturize.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, moisturizing
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that effectively exfoliates the skin, revealing a brighter and smoother complexion. It can also help with fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, brightening, fine lines, hyperpigmentation
Watch for
Can cause stinging and increased sun sensitivity. Not recommended for very sensitive skin or compromised barriers.
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) with a larger molecule size, making it gentler for exfoliation. It's particularly good for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, acne, sensitive skin
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation or peeling.
A polysaccharide used as a binder and to improve the texture of formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to ensure stability and efficacy.
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations.
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Film Former
PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer used to create a film on the skin, which can help with texture and product longevity.
Usually helps with
Texture
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, helping to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, thickening
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate SE
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients, creating a stable formulation.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Emulsifier
Arachidyl Glucoside
A non-ionic emulsifier derived from plant-based sources, used to create stable emulsions.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Emollient
Arachidyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to soften and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollient, emulsifying
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
An emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water ingredients. Can be derived from ethoxylated sources.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Emulsifier
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
A non-ionic emulsifier and surfactant used to solubilize oils and fragrances. Can be ethoxylated.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Antioxidant
Sodium Ascorbate
A stable salt form of Vitamin C, acting as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
Contains Vitamin C and antioxidants, but can also be phototoxic and irritating due to limonene and citral.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant
Watch for
Potential for photosensitivity and irritation.
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract
A fragrance ingredient derived from the bergamot orange. It can be phototoxic and a potential allergen.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential for photosensitivity, irritation, and allergic reactions.
Fragrance
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
A botanical extract used for its fragrance and potential soothing properties. However, it can be a potential allergen for some.
Usually helps with
Fragrance, soothing
Watch for
Potential allergen for sensitive skin.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. Can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A preservative that helps prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and fungi. Generally considered safe.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Fragrance
Citrus Auranitum Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract
Included in the source ingredient list. Glass treats this as part of the supporting formula unless it overlaps with a known active, preservative, or fragrance flag.
Usually helps with
Formula completeness and routine context
Watch for
Personal sensitivity, especially if your skin is reactive or the ingredient overlaps with other products in your routine