The base for most cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Draws moisture into the skin to keep it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A multi-functional ingredient that acts as a humectant and preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for some
Vitamin C. A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin, fades dark spots, and supports collagen production.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection, uneven tone
Watch for
Can be unstable and degrade with exposure to light and air; may cause tingling or redness in sensitive individuals
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, improving texture and tone. It's generally considered gentler than glycolic acid.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, texture, dullness
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; may cause mild stinging or redness
Vitamin B3. Helps improve skin barrier function, reduce redness, and minimize the appearance of pores.
Usually helps with
Redness, pores, barrier support
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but high concentrations can sometimes cause flushing
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Superoxide Dismutase
An enzyme that helps neutralize harmful free radicals.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Coenzyme Q10. An antioxidant that helps protect skin from oxidative stress.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Soothing
Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract
A type of seaweed extract known for its soothing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, skin conditioning
A naturally occurring compound that can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, skin restoration
Antioxidant
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Contains Vitamin C and citric acid, which can help brighten and exfoliate. However, citrus extracts can be phototoxic and irritating.
Usually helps with
Brightening
Watch for
Phototoxicity, potential for irritation, especially in sun-exposed skin
A common thickening agent that improves product texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product. Can be irritating in high concentrations.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Potential for irritation if pH is not properly balanced
A surfactant that helps mix oil and water. Can be a skin irritant and is often derived from ethoxylation, which can create trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Watch for
Potential for irritation, ethoxylation concerns
An alpha hydroxy acid used to adjust pH and provide mild exfoliation. Can increase sun sensitivity.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment, mild exfoliation
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity, potential for irritation
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
A fragrance ingredient derived from the peel of the bergamot orange. It can be phototoxic and cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Phototoxicity, skin irritation, allergic reactions
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that helps prevent microbial growth. Can be irritating for some individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation, especially in sensitive skin
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast. Generally considered safe.
Usually helps with
Preservation