The base liquid for the formulation.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Helps to draw moisture into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types.
A solvent that helps other ingredients penetrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Enhanced absorption
A plant-derived ingredient that offers retinol-like benefits with potentially less irritation.
Usually helps with
Fine lines, wrinkles, skin texture
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but patch testing is always recommended.
A potent form of Vitamin A that accelerates cell turnover, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and improves skin tone and texture. It can increase sun sensitivity.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, wrinkles, texture, dark spots
Watch for
Can cause dryness, peeling, redness, and increased sun sensitivity. Start slowly and use SPF.
Antioxidant
Nephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract
An extract from rambutan leaves, known for its antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radical damage and can boost the effectiveness of other antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, anti-aging
Coenzyme Q10, a naturally occurring antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, anti-aging
A flavonoid antioxidant found in many plants, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A salt form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds moisture, hydrating the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
A carbohydrate complex that binds to skin cells, providing long-lasting hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Components of cell membranes that help to moisturize and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, barrier support
Soothing Agent
Centella Asiatica Extract
Also known as cica or gotu kola, it has soothing and wound-healing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Can help to temporarily reduce puffiness and improve the appearance of dark circles.
Usually helps with
Puffiness, dark circles
Watch for
Can be drying for some.
Exfoliant
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
A natural source of salicylic acid, offering mild exfoliation and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, soothing
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity.
A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates inside pores, helping to clear congestion and improve texture. Can increase sun sensitivity.
Usually helps with
Acne, pores, texture
Watch for
Can cause dryness and peeling. Increases sun sensitivity.
Skin Brightening
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Contains arbutin, which can help to inhibit melanin production and brighten the skin.
Usually helps with
Hyperpigmentation, brightening
Skin Brightening
Morus Alba Bark Extract
Mulberry bark extract, known for its skin-brightening properties.
Usually helps with
Hyperpigmentation, brightening
Soothing Agent
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Has anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, brightening
Active
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
A derivative of azelaic acid, known for its anti-inflammatory, oil-controlling, and brightening properties.
Usually helps with
Redness, oiliness, brightening
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin's surface, improving texture and tone. Can increase sun sensitivity.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, texture, tone
Watch for
Can cause stinging and increased sun sensitivity. Start slowly.
Pro-vitamin B5, known for its moisturizing and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
A solvent and humectant that helps improve product texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types.
A synthetic peptide that can help to improve skin firmness and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Firmness, elasticity
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A fatty acid derived from coconut oil and glycerin, used to soften and smooth skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
A common and effective humectant that draws water to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Preservative
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
A natural preservative derived from fermented radish root.
Usually helps with
Preservation
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) with a larger molecule size, making it gentler and less likely to cause irritation. Good for exfoliation and improving texture.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, texture, sensitive skin
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity.
pH Adjuster
Potassium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
A polysaccharide used as a thickening agent.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Film Former
PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer that forms a film on the skin, providing texture and hold.
Usually helps with
Product texture
A surfactant and emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Can be irritating for some very sensitive skin types.
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
pH Adjuster
Sodium Citrate
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth. Can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for skin irritation.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A preservative that helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative that helps prevent the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Colorant
Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492)
Mineral pigments used to provide color to the product.