The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A common humectant that helps draw moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types in high concentrations.
A highly effective humectant that attracts water to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A multi-functional ingredient used as a preservative booster and humectant.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Derived from jojoba oil, these esters help to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, softening
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that helps to soften and smooth skin, and also acts as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but some may find fatty alcohols drying.
A stable, plant-derived emollient that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing hydration and improving suppleness.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
A solvent and humectant that can enhance the absorption of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
A lightweight emollient that improves skin feel and spreadability.
Usually helps with
Softening, texture
Thickener
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin that replenishes the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
Emollience, barrier support
Absorbent
Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch
Used to absorb excess oil and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
A sugar alcohol that attracts and retains moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich butter known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration, barrier repair
Emollient
Cera Alba (Beeswax)
A natural wax that helps to form a protective barrier on the skin and provides emollience.
Usually helps with
Occlusion, softening
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Verbena Officinalis Extract
Lemon verbena extract, known for its antioxidant and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant protection
Skin Conditioning
Kigelia Africana Fruit Extract
Derived from the fruit of the sausage tree, it's traditionally used for its firming and toning effects.
Usually helps with
Firming, toning
Watch for
Limited scientific data on topical efficacy.
Skin Conditioning
Nephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract
Extract from the rambutan fruit leaf, potentially offering antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Limited research on its specific skincare benefits.
Fragrance
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Rose oil, used for its fragrance and potential skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Fragrance, potential soothing
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some due to its fragrance components.
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, providing antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle emulsifier derived from plant-based ingredients.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emulsifier
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Texture
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Watch for
Similar to other fatty alcohols, can be drying for some.
Fragrance
Parfum (Fragrance)
Adds scent to the product.
Usually helps with
Sensory experience
Watch for
Can cause irritation, allergies, or photosensitivity in some individuals.
pH Adjuster
Sodium Citrate
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Thickener
Sodium Polyacrylate
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Skin Replenishing
Ceramide NP
A type of ceramide that helps to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
A polysaccharide used as a binder and texturizer.
Usually helps with
Texture
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used to adjust pH and provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment, mild exfoliation
Watch for
Can cause irritation in higher concentrations or for sensitive skin.
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
A beneficial ingredient known for its anti-aging and skin-restoring properties.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, soothing
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
A peptide that may help to improve skin's firmness and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Firming, anti-aging
Watch for
Peptide efficacy can vary.
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative that helps prevent microbial growth in the product.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
A naturally occurring fragrance compound found in many plants, used here for scent.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
A common allergen that can cause skin irritation or sensitization.
A fragrance component derived from plants like roses and geraniums.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Known to cause allergic reactions and skin irritation in some individuals.
A fragrance component found in essential oils, used for its floral scent.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation.