The base for most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Solvent
Alcohol Denat. (SD Alcohol 40-B)
Can help other ingredients penetrate the skin, but can also be drying and irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Enhancing product texture and ingredient delivery
Watch for
Dryness, irritation, redness
A highly effective AHA that exfoliates the skin's surface, improving texture, tone, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, anti-aging, uneven tone
Watch for
Potential for irritation, especially at higher concentrations or with frequent use
pH Adjuster
Potassium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Astringent
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
A natural astringent that can help to tone and temporarily tighten the skin, and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Toning, pore appearance
Watch for
Can be drying for some
A BHA that exfoliates inside the pores, helping to clear congestion and reduce breakouts. It's oil-soluble, making it effective for acne-prone skin.
Usually helps with
Acne, pore congestion, oily skin
Watch for
Potential for dryness or irritation
Helps to mix oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Product texture
An AHA that exfoliates while also providing hydration, helping to improve skin's moisture levels and smoothness.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration, skin smoothing
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but can cause mild irritation
An AHA with a larger molecule size, providing gentler exfoliation. It's often recommended for sensitive skin types.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, uneven tone, acne
Watch for
Less potent than glycolic acid, but still requires caution
An AHA that works to exfoliate the skin's surface, contributing to overall skin renewal.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, skin brightening
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation
An AHA that helps to exfoliate the skin and can also provide antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation
Soothing Agent
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
A natural source of salicylates, offering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Soothing, anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage and soothe inflammation.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Soothing Agent
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Yarrow extract, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Soothing Agent
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Chamomile extract, known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Antioxidant
Soy Isoflavones
Plant-derived compounds with antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Soothing Agent
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Another form of chamomile extract, used for its soothing and calming benefits.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Skin Conditioning Agent
Copper PCA
A derivative of copper, which plays a role in skin health. It's often included for its potential benefits in skin repair and collagen production.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Watch for
Some individuals may be sensitive
Skin Conditioning Agent
Zinc PCA
A derivative of zinc, known for its sebum-regulating properties and potential benefits for acne-prone skin.
Usually helps with
Oil control, acne-prone skin
A phospholipid that acts as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Product texture, skin conditioning
Similar to Alcohol Denat., it can be drying and irritating.
Usually helps with
Solvent
Watch for
Dryness, irritation
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Cooling Agent
Menthone Glycerin Acetal
Provides a cooling sensation on the skin.
Usually helps with
Cooling sensation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive individuals
Fragrance
Fragrance (Parfum)
Adds scent to the product. Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Watch for
Allergic reactions, irritation, sensitivity
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Potential for skin irritation in high concentrations
A preservative that helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A preservative that helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria.
Usually helps with
Product preservation