The base for most skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A stable, plant-derived emollient that mimics the skin's natural oils, providing moisture and improving suppleness without greasiness.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry or mature
Emollient/Occlusive
Dimethicone
A silicone that forms a breathable barrier on the skin, reducing water loss and providing a smooth feel. Generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be too occlusive for very acne-prone skin in high concentrations.
Emollient
Phenyl Trimethicone
A silicone derivative that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and can help improve product spreadability.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Skin-Conditioning
Betaine
A natural humectant derived from sugar beets that helps hydrate and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry or sensitive
Active/Skin-Conditioning
Niacinamide
A versatile ingredient that helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, control oil, and minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines.
Usually helps with
Oily, acne-prone, sensitive, and aging skin
Watch for
Can cause flushing or irritation in some individuals, especially at higher concentrations.
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Pentylene Glycol
A multi-functional ingredient that helps hydrate the skin and can also boost the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
A silicone-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water phases, providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Solvent
Propanediol
A plant-derived humectant and solvent that enhances product texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and retains moisture in the skin, providing hydration and plumping effects.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry or dehydrated
Skin-Conditioning
Ceramide NP
A type of ceramide that is naturally found in the skin. It helps to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier, improving moisture retention.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry, sensitive, or compromised
Soothing Agent
Colloidal Oatmeal
Finely ground oatmeal that has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, helping to calm irritated skin.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, irritated, or dry skin
A form of Vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water ingredients, creating a stable formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Surfactant
Decyl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing. It's gentle and biodegradable.
Usually helps with
All skin types, including sensitive
Thickener/Stabilizer
Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener/Stabilizer
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A copolymer used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Caprylyl Glycol
A skin-conditioning agent and humectant that also helps to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative Booster/Skin-Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent that also enhances the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
A common humectant and solvent that helps improve product texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Texturizer
Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
A silicone-based ingredient that provides a smooth, silky feel and helps with product spreadability.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Skin-Conditioning
Glyceryl Glucoside
A derivative of glycerin and glucose that helps improve skin hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A silicone that provides a smooth, conditioning feel to the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Film Former
Polysilicone-11
A silicone that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and can form a light film on the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Preservative Booster
1,2-Hexanediol
A humectant and solvent that also acts as a preservative booster, improving product stability.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant/Preservative Booster
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that also helps boost the preservative system of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Solvent
Hexylene Glycol
A humectant and solvent that helps with product texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating to some individuals, especially in high concentrations.
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types