The primary solvent in cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Dissolving ingredients
Astringent
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
A natural astringent that can help to tone the skin and reduce the appearance of pores.
Usually helps with
Toning, pore appearance
Watch for
Can be drying for some skin types
A surfactant and emulsifier used to blend oil and water.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for very sensitive skin
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin's surface, helping to improve texture and tone. It also has hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration, texture, tone
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; start slowly
A larger-molecule AHA that exfoliates gently, making it suitable for sensitive skin and helping with concerns like acne and hyperpigmentation.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, acne, hyperpigmentation
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity
Exfoliant
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
A natural source of salicylic acid (a Beta Hydroxy Acid, BHA), known for its exfoliating and pore-clearing properties. It also has anti-inflammatory benefits.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, pore clearing, inflammation
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Soothing Agent
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Yarrow extract, known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, anti-inflammatory
Soothing Agent
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Chamomile extract, known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Soothing Agent
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Another form of chamomile extract, valued for its soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Usually helps with
Soothing, anti-inflammatory
Exfoliant
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract
A natural source of glycolic acid, an AHA that helps to exfoliate the skin.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Contains vitamin C and antioxidants, but can be phototoxic for some.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Watch for
Potential for photosensitivity
Antioxidant
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Contains vitamin C and antioxidants, but can be phototoxic for some.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Watch for
Potential for photosensitivity
A humectant that draws moisture into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Antioxidant
Soy Isoflavones
Plant-derived compounds with antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Skin Conditioning Agent
Copper PCA
A mineral compound that may play a role in skin repair and collagen production.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Watch for
Limited research on topical benefits
Skin Conditioning Agent
Zinc PCA
A mineral compound that can help regulate sebum production and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Sebum regulation, anti-inflammatory
pH Adjuster
Potassium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
An alpha hydroxy acid used to adjust pH and provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment, mild exfoliation
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A fatty acid derived from coconut oil and glycerin that helps to moisturize and replenish the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin conditioning
Soothing Agent
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Known for its cooling, soothing, and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Antioxidant
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract
Contains antioxidants and vitamin C, but can be phototoxic for some.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Watch for
Potential for photosensitivity
Soothing Agent
Rose Extract
Known for its soothing and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant
Antioxidant
Triethyl Citrate
A derivative of citric acid that can act as an antioxidant and skin conditioner.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants and natural fruit acids.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Antioxidant
Coriandrum Sativum (Coriander) Fruit/Leaf Extract
Contains antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Skin Conditioning Agent
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
A type of seaweed extract that can provide skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Fragrance
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract
Used for its fragrance properties.
Watch for
Can be a potential allergen for some
Antioxidant
Prunus Persica (Peach) Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Antioxidant
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Antioxidant
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract
Rich in antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Fragrance
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Used for its fragrance properties.
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract
Used for its fragrance. Can be phototoxic and cause skin irritation.
Watch for
Phototoxicity, skin irritation
Fragrance
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Used for its fragrance and calming properties.
Usually helps with
Scent, calming
Watch for
Can be a potential allergen for some
A preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent bacterial contamination.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation