Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
A synthetic emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin, creating a protective barrier.
Usually helps with
Dryness, smoothing
Watch for
Can feel occlusive on some skin types.
Emollient
Diisostearyl Malate
A plant-derived emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps to spread the product evenly.
Usually helps with
Texture, spreadability
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emollient
Tridecyl Trimellitate
An emollient ester that contributes to the product's smooth texture and helps to lock in moisture.
Usually helps with
Moisture retention, texture
Emollient
Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
A blend of fatty alcohols and esters that condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, softening
Watch for
Good for dry skin.
Emollient
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
A high-molecular-weight ester that provides excellent emollience and a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Watch for
Non-comedogenic.
Emollient
Methyl Hydrogenated Rosinate
A derivative of rosin that acts as an emollient and can contribute to the product's texture and adhesion.
Usually helps with
Texture, adhesion
Watch for
May cause sensitivity in rare cases.
Film Former
Polyphenylsilsesquioxane
A silicone resin that creates a smooth, flexible film on the skin, providing a soft-focus effect.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, soft-focus
Watch for
Can provide a luxurious feel.
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
An ester that provides excellent emollience and helps to improve the spreadability of the product.
Usually helps with
Emollience, spreadability
Watch for
Gentle and non-irritating.
Film Former
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
A copolymer that forms a film on the skin, helping to lock in moisture and provide a smooth finish.
Usually helps with
Film-forming, moisture retention
Watch for
Can contribute to a glossy appearance.
Viscosity Controller
Synthetic Wax
A synthetic wax that helps to thicken the product and provide structure.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
Watch for
Common in balms and sticks.
A fine powder that can absorb excess oil and provide a mattifying effect, though in this formula it likely aids texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, mattifying (in other contexts)
Watch for
Can improve slip.
Film Former
VP/Hexadecene Copolymer
A film-forming agent that helps to provide a smooth, continuous feel on the lips.
Usually helps with
Film-forming, smooth feel
Watch for
Enhances wear time.
Exfoliant
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Contains natural AHAs (like malic acid) that help to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing smoother lips.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, smoothing
Watch for
Can be mildly acidic; patch test if sensitive.
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich, natural emollient known for its intense moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, nourishment, softening
Watch for
Excellent for barrier repair.
Antioxidant
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil
Rich in antioxidants, this oil helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors and provides nourishment.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, nourishment
Watch for
Can help improve skin tone.
Emollient
Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil
Also known as Mongongo oil, it's rich in linoleic acid and provides excellent moisturizing and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, conditioning
Watch for
Good for dry and mature skin.
A form of Vitamin E, it's a well-known antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, skin conditioning
Watch for
Can help stabilize other ingredients.
Viscosity Controller
Microcrystalline Wax
A type of wax that helps to give the product structure and stability.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
Watch for
Common in lip products.
Emollient
Moringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters
Moringa oil is known for its nourishing and skin-conditioning properties, and its ester form helps with texture.
Usually helps with
Nourishment, conditioning
Watch for
Can help improve skin's suppleness.
Emollient
Isostearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient, softening and smoothing the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Watch for
Non-drying alcohol.
The base solvent for many cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Formulation base
Watch for
Essential for water-soluble ingredients.
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
An emollient ester that can provide a smooth feel but may be comedogenic for some.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Watch for
Can feel heavy; patch test if prone to breakouts.
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient, providing a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Watch for
Good for dry skin.
Adds a scent to the product. Some individuals may be sensitive to fragrance.
Usually helps with
Sensory experience
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive individuals.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A fractionated coconut oil that is an excellent emollient and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, skin conditioning
Watch for
Lightweight and well-tolerated.
A synthetic ester that provides excellent emollience and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, conditioning
Watch for
Can help improve skin's suppleness.
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients. Can be a mild irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation.
Solvent
Propylene Carbonate
A solvent that can help to dissolve other ingredients. Can be mildly irritating.
Usually helps with
Solvent properties
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation.
Viscosity Controller
Stearalkonium Hectorite
A clay derivative used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, thickening
Watch for
Can sometimes feel drying.
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and improve texture. Can increase sun sensitivity.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, smoothing, hydration
Watch for
Use sunscreen; may cause mild stinging.
Peptide
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
A synthetic peptide that helps to support skin's natural collagen production, improving firmness and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Firmness, elasticity, anti-aging
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Peptide
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A signaling peptide that works with other peptides to promote collagen synthesis, aiding in skin repair and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Collagen support, wrinkle reduction
Watch for
Supports skin structure.
Film Former
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
A copolymer that forms a flexible film on the skin, helping to lock in moisture and provide a smooth finish.
Usually helps with
Film-forming, moisture retention
Watch for
Contributes to texture and wear.
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
A synthetic antioxidant that helps to protect the product from degradation.
Usually helps with
Product stabilization
Watch for
Helps maintain product integrity.
Fragrance Ingredient
Linalool
A naturally occurring fragrance compound found in many plants. Can be a potential allergen for some.
Watch for
Potential allergen.
Colorant
Iron Oxides (CI 77491/77492/77499)
Mineral pigments used to provide color. Generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Watch for
Stable and widely used.
Colorant
Red 7 Lake (CI 15850)
A synthetic red pigment used for color. Some lake pigments can be sensitizing for very sensitive individuals.
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Colorant
Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090)
A synthetic blue pigment used for color. Some lake pigments can be sensitizing for very sensitive individuals.
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin.
