The base of the formula, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Attracts moisture to the skin, improving hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for some very sensitive skin types.
Emollient
C13-16 Isoalkane
Softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can feel slightly occlusive for very oily skin.
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetearyl Alcohol
Helps to moisturize and stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but can cause sensitivity in rare cases.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it replenishes skin lipids.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener/Emulsifier
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Helps to create the gel-cream texture and stabilize the emulsion.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Heptyl Undecylenate
A plant-derived emollient that provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Emulsifier
Glyceryl Behenate
A fatty acid derivative that softens and conditions the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
A carbohydrate complex that binds moisture to the skin for long-lasting hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Humectant/Skin Conditioning
Magnesium PCA
Part of the electrolyte complex, helps retain moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Skin Conditioning
Manganese PCA
Part of the electrolyte complex, aids in hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Exfoliant/Antioxidant
Phytic Acid
A mild exfoliant derived from grains that also helps absorb excess oil and control shine.
Usually helps with
Oily, combination skin
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation or sensitivity, especially when combined with other acids.
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, it attracts and holds water.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Skin Replenishing
Linoleic Acid
An essential fatty acid that helps maintain the skin's barrier function.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Emollient/Skin Replenishing
Phospholipids
Help to restore the skin's natural barrier and improve moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Skin Conditioning
Copper PCA
Part of the electrolyte complex, may have antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant/Soothing
Inonotus Obliquus (Mushroom) Extract
Known for its antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin's surface, hydrates, and can help improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal, combination skin
Watch for
Can cause stinging or irritation, especially on sensitive skin or when used with other exfoliants. Increases sun sensitivity.
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A form of hyaluronic acid that draws moisture into the skin, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin Conditioning/Soothing
Niacinamide
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps improve skin barrier function, reduce redness, and minimize the appearance of pores.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause temporary flushing or redness in some individuals, especially at higher concentrations.
Soothing/Hydrating
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Known for its calming and hydrating properties, it can soothe irritated skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive or irritated
Watch for
Rarely, some individuals may have an allergy to aloe.
A component of chamomile, it helps to calm and soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, irritated skin
Soothing/Skin Repair
Centella Asiatica Extract
Also known as cica or gotu kola, it helps to calm inflammation and support skin healing.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive or compromised
Emollient/Skin Replenishing
Phytosterols
Plant-derived sterols that help to condition and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
A soothing ingredient that can also help improve the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, helping to penetrate pores and exfoliate from within. Effective for acne and congestion.
Usually helps with
Oily, acne-prone skin
Watch for
Can cause dryness, peeling, and irritation. Increases sun sensitivity. Not recommended for very dry or sensitive skin.
Soothing/Hydrating
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
A concentrated form of aloe vera, known for its calming and moisturizing benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive or irritated
Watch for
Rarely, some individuals may have an allergy to aloe.
Humectant/Antioxidant
Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract
A type of seaweed extract that can help hydrate and provide antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant/Fragrance
Citrus Sinensis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Contains Vitamin C and antioxidants, but can also be a source of fragrance and potential photosensitivity.
Usually helps with
Normal, combination skin
Watch for
Can cause irritation or photosensitivity in some individuals. Best used at night or with diligent sun protection.
Emollient/Soothing
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract
Provides moisturizing and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
Hydrating/Antioxidant
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it helps to hydrate and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Soothing/Antioxidant
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Also known as neem extract, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Soothing/Antioxidant
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Similar to leaf extract, it offers soothing and antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Helps to condition and improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Sebum Regulator/Skin Conditioning
Zinc PCA
Helps to regulate sebum production and has potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Usually helps with
Oily, combination skin
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that effectively exfoliates the skin's surface, revealing brighter, smoother skin. It can also help with fine lines and texture.
Usually helps with
Normal, combination, mature skin
Watch for
Can cause stinging, redness, and peeling. Increases sun sensitivity significantly. Not ideal for very sensitive or dry skin.
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Pentylene Glycol
Helps to hydrate the skin and can also boost the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for some very sensitive skin types.
Preservative Booster/Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances preservative efficacy and can have mild skin conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Conditioner
Stearyl Dimethicone
A silicone derivative that provides a smooth feel and helps condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Occlusive
Dimethicone
A silicone that forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can feel heavy on very oily skin; some prefer to avoid silicones.
Emollient/Texturizer
Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3
A silicone polymer that gives a silky, smooth feel and can help mattify the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
A gentle emulsifier used to blend oil and water components.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Skin Replenishing
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps stabilize the formula and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Solvent
Isohexadecane
Provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps dissolve other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Helps to create and stabilize emulsions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Solvent
Isododecane
A lightweight emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps with product spreadability.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Electrolyte
Potassium Chloride
An electrolyte that helps maintain skin hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Viscosity Adjuster/Electrolyte
Sodium Chloride
Used to adjust the product's thickness and as an electrolyte.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Electrolyte
Calcium Chloride
An electrolyte that can help with skin hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A form of Vitamin E that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An emulsifier that can sometimes be a penetration enhancer, potentially increasing the absorption of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types.
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Oleate
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A common emulsifier that helps mix oil and water. Can sometimes cause irritation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types.
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to ensure stability and efficacy.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
None in formulated concentrations.
pH Adjuster
Sodium Bicarbonate
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
None in formulated concentrations.
pH Adjuster/Chelating Agent
Sodium Citrate
Helps to adjust and buffer the pH of the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
pH Adjuster/Exfoliant
Citric Acid
Used to adjust pH and can provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation at higher concentrations.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals.
Preservative/Solvent
Benzyl Alcohol
Used as a preservative and solvent. Can be a potential allergen.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with Vitamin C.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative that inhibits the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.