The base for most skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A common and effective humectant that draws water to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Emollient
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
A rich plant-derived oil that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening
Watch for
Can be heavy for very oily skin types
Emollient
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
A derivative of olive oil that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, conditioning
A stable, hydrogenated form of squalene, a natural component of skin's sebum. It's an excellent moisturizer that mimics skin's natural oils.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Emollient/Thickener
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, and also helps to thicken the product.
Usually helps with
Softening, texture
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to mix oil and water, and also moisturizes the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability, softening
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to stabilize the oil and water components of the formula.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability
Emollient
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Rich in fatty acids, it can help soothe and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, soothing
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
Emollient
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
A lightweight oil with antioxidant properties that can help moisturize without feeling heavy.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, antioxidant
Emollient
Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil
Contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which can help soothe and improve skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
A triglyceride that helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, softening
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle emulsifier derived from sugar and fatty alcohol, helping to create a stable emulsion.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
A common solvent and humectant that helps to improve product texture and draw moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
Preservative/Solvent
Benzyl Alcohol
Used as a preservative and solvent. Can be a potential allergen for sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential allergen, can be drying in high concentrations
Thickener
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Caprylyl Glycol
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A mix of fatty acids derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It's an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Emollient/Thickener
Cetyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, and also helps to thicken the product.
Usually helps with
Softening, texture
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Saponifiables
Derived from olive oil, it acts as an emulsifier to help blend oil and water.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability
Thickener/Stabilizer
Xanthan Gum
A polysaccharide used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
A type of lipid naturally found in the skin's barrier. It helps to restore and maintain skin hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Dioleate
An ester that helps to emulsify and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability, conditioning
Used as a preservative to prevent microbial growth in the product.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations
A form of Vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Can enhance penetration of other ingredients
An essential fatty acid that is a component of ceramides and helps to support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Components of cell membranes that help to maintain skin barrier function and hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Plant-derived sterols that can help to soothe and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Soothing, barrier support
Used as a solvent in cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Product formulation
A salt of lactic acid that acts as a humectant, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a potent humectant that attracts and holds moisture in the skin, providing hydration and plumping.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
A surfactant and emulsifier that helps to solubilize oils and fragrances in water-based formulas.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Active
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A peptide that signals the skin to repair itself and stimulates collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, firmness
Active
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
A peptide that helps to reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production, working with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 to improve skin's elasticity.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, firmness