The base of the formula, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Surfactant
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant derived from coconut oil that creates a soft lather.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive
Watch for
Can be drying for some if used in high concentrations
Surfactant
Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate
A mild cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A common and effective humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Surfactant
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
A mild, amphoteric surfactant that boosts lather and improves cleansing.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals
Surfactant
Sodium Methyl Lauroyl Taurate
A gentle amino acid-based surfactant known for its mildness and good foaming properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Cleanser
Glycolipids
Help to cleanse and moisturize the skin, contributing to a soft feel.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal, sensitive skin
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to stabilize the formula and provides emollient properties, softening the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Emollient
Stearic Acid
A fatty acid that helps to emulsify the product and provides emollient benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
A modified starch used to thicken the product and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Thickener
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that conditions and softens the skin, also used to thicken the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Olivate
A plant-derived emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Surfactant
Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate
A mild amino acid-based surfactant that provides gentle cleansing.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Used to adjust the thickness of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Exfoliant/Humectant
Gluconolactone
A PHA that offers gentle exfoliation and hydration. It's milder than AHAs.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation in very sensitive individuals
Humectant/Soothing Agent
Panthenol
Provitamin B5, it attracts and retains moisture, soothes skin, and supports barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and sensitive
Thickener
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
A synthetic polymer used to thicken the formula and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that prevents microbial growth.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
pH Adjuster/Exfoliant
Citric Acid
Used to adjust the pH of the product and can offer mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause irritation at high concentrations
Thickener/Stabilizer
Cellulose Gum
A plant-derived ingredient used to thicken the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A plant-derived ingredient used to thicken the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin Conditioning
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice
Rich in electrolytes, it hydrates and conditions the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Chelating Agent
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A sugar that can help attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A skin-identical lipid that moisturizes and softens the skin without feeling heavy.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and mature
A salt of lactic acid, it's a humectant that helps to hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Thickener/Film Former
Maltodextrin
A polysaccharide that can help thicken the formula and form a light film on the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals
Fragrance
Fragrance (Parfum)
Adds scent to the product. Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Non-sensitive skin
Watch for
Potential for irritation, allergies, or photosensitivity
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
A mineral salt that can help condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
A biodegradable chelating agent that enhances product stability.
Usually helps with
All skin types