The base for many skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Active
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
A stable, oil-soluble Vitamin C derivative that brightens and protects.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection, fine lines
Watch for
Can be less potent than pure Vitamin C for some users.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, skin barrier support
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), it attracts and holds moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A stable, plant-derived oil that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing hydration and improving suppleness.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, barrier support
Active
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
A highly effective and stable Vitamin C derivative that brightens and boosts collagen.
Usually helps with
Brightening, firming, antioxidant protection
Pure Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that brightens and stimulates collagen. Can be unstable and irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection, collagen support
Watch for
Potential for irritation or instability if not formulated well.
A gentle AHA that exfoliates, brightens, and improves skin texture. Can cause sensitivity, especially at higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, brightening, texture improvement
Watch for
Sun sensitivity, potential for irritation.
Soothing Agent
Centella Asiatica Extract
Known for its calming and healing properties, it helps to soothe irritation and support skin barrier repair.
Usually helps with
Soothing, barrier support
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A form of hyaluronic acid that draws moisture into the skin, providing hydration and plumping.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NG
A type of ceramide that helps to reinforce the skin's natural barrier, improving moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, moisturization
Antioxidant
Superoxide Dismutase
An enzyme that helps protect skin cells from oxidative damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Also known as CoQ10, it's a potent antioxidant that helps protect against environmental damage and supports cellular energy.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, anti-aging
Watch for
Can be unstable in formulations.
Antioxidant
Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
A botanical extract rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, known for its brightening and anti-aging properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, brightening
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
A plant-derived ingredient that binds to skin cells and provides long-lasting hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Soothing Agent
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, brightening
A natural compound that helps protect cells from stress and environmental damage, with moisturizing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration, protection
A versatile ingredient that improves skin barrier function, reduces inflammation, and can help with tone and texture.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, anti-inflammatory, brightening
Watch for
Can cause flushing in some individuals.
Antioxidant
Soy Isoflavones
Plant-derived compounds with antioxidant properties that can help improve skin texture and firmness.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, anti-aging
A flavonoid found in plants with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory
Essential components of cell membranes that help to moisturize and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, barrier support
Can help to temporarily reduce puffiness and the appearance of dark circles by constricting blood vessels.
Usually helps with
Puffiness, dark circles
Watch for
Effects are temporary.
Effective for fading hyperpigmentation and dark spots, including stubborn under-eye discoloration.
Usually helps with
Hyperpigmentation, dark circles
Watch for
Can cause irritation in some.
A powerful antioxidant that enhances the stability and efficacy of Vitamin C and protects against free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, anti-aging
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Carnitine
An amino acid derivative that can help improve skin texture and tone.
Usually helps with
Skin texture, tone
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Adenosine
Known for its anti-aging properties, it can help smooth wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, wrinkle reduction
Helps to regulate sebum production and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Oil control, anti-inflammatory
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A solvent and humectant that helps improve product texture and skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A skin-conditioning agent and humectant that also has preservative properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin conditioning
Thickener
Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum
A natural gum used to thicken formulations and provide a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
A clay mineral used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Used to absorb excess oil and improve product texture.
Usually helps with
Mattifying, texture enhancement
Film Former
HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer that creates a smooth film on the skin, improving texture and wear.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Preservative
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
A natural preservative derived from fermented radish root.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Thickener
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
A synthetic polymer used to thicken and stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Olivate
Derived from olive oil, it helps to blend oil and water ingredients and has moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, moisturizing
A synthetic polymer used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
pH Adjuster
Potassium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate
Derived from olive oil, it helps to blend oil and water ingredients and has moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, moisturizing
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation, also has mild exfoliating properties.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment, mild exfoliation
Chelating Agent
Pentasodium Pentetate
Helps to improve the stability of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
pH Adjuster
Potassium Citrate
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Potassium Gluconate
A mineral salt that can help condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Chelating Agent
Phytic Acid
A natural chelating agent that can also offer mild exfoliating benefits.
Usually helps with
Product stability, mild exfoliation
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
A preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A salt of sorbic acid used as a preservative.
Usually helps with
Preservation