The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Attracts water to the skin, providing hydration and improving skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Provides a smooth, lightweight feel and helps to moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, smooth texture
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Helps to draw moisture into the skin and improves the texture of the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, product texture
Humectant/Solvent
Propanediol
A hydrating ingredient that also helps to improve the penetration of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration, ingredient delivery
Emollient
Isostearyl Isostearate
Softens and smooths the skin, contributing to a comfortable feel.
Usually helps with
Dryness, skin softening
Conditions the skin and provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, smooth feel
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Pentylene Glycol
Adds hydration and helps to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, product preservation
Humectant/Preservative Booster
1,2 Hexanediol
Provides hydration and enhances the preservative system.
Usually helps with
Hydration, product stability
Emollient/Emulsion Stabilizer
Behenyl Alcohol
Helps to condition the skin and stabilize the product's texture.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, texture
Helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Watch for
Can be derived from ethoxylated sources, though generally considered safe in rinse-off products.
Emollient
Prunus Domestica Seed Oil
A nourishing oil that helps to soften and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, skin softening
Soothing/Fragrance
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Known for its calming properties and delicate scent.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Watch for
Can be irritating for those with extreme fragrance sensitivity.
Soothing/Antioxidant
Rosa Damascena Extract
Provides antioxidant benefits and helps to soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant protection
Soothing/Antioxidant
Rosa Damascena Flower Extract
Offers skin-soothing benefits and contributes to the product's natural fragrance.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Emollient/Fragrance
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Adds a luxurious feel and scent, with potential skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, fragrance
Watch for
Potential for fragrance sensitivity.
Soothing/Antioxidant
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Known for its cooling and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Antioxidant
Angelica Keiskei Extract
Provides antioxidant protection to help defend skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and retains moisture, plumping the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Antioxidant/Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E that provides antioxidant benefits and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, skin conditioning
Watch for
Can sometimes cause breakouts in acne-prone individuals.
Absorbent/Texture Enhancer
Silica
Helps to absorb excess oil and improve the product's texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, oil control
Emollient/Occlusive
Dimethicone
Forms a breathable barrier on the skin to lock in moisture and provide a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Moisture retention, smooth feel
Watch for
Can potentially clog pores for some acne-prone individuals, though generally considered non-irritating.
Thickener/Emulsion Stabilizer
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Helps to give the product its desired consistency and stability.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Works with Steareth-2 to create a stable emulsion.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Watch for
Can be derived from ethoxylated sources.
Thickener/Emulsion Stabilizer
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Provides thickening and stability to the formulation.
Usually helps with
Product texture
A highly stable and effective emollient that mimics skin's natural oils, providing hydration without greasiness.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Used to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Helps to maintain the product's pH balance.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Thickener/Emulsion Stabilizer
Xanthan Gum
A natural gum used to thicken products and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Provides a smooth, conditioning feel on the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, smooth feel
Watch for
Similar to dimethicone, potential for pore clogging in sensitive individuals.
Helps to mix oil and water components, but can be a source of ethoxylation concerns.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Watch for
Potential for 1,4-dioxane contamination if not manufactured properly.
Thickener/Emulsifier
Algin
A thickening agent derived from seaweed.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
A synthetic antioxidant that helps to protect the product from degradation.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
Helps to stabilize the emulsion.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Chelating Agent
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Thickener/Emulsifier
Acacia Senegal Gum
A natural gum used to thicken and stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
Product texture
An amino acid that can help with skin hydration and repair.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin repair
Provides a natural-looking color to the product.
Usually helps with
Product appearance
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Caprylyl Glycol
Adds hydration and helps to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, product preservation
pH Adjuster/Exfoliant
Citric Acid
Used to adjust the pH of the product; in higher concentrations, it can offer mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
pH balance
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to a skin-friendly level.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative that helps to prevent microbial growth in the product.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can potentially interact with Vitamin C to form benzene, though this is rare in cosmetic formulations.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Fragrance Ingredient
Citronellol
A common fragrance component derived from plants, contributing to the rose scent.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen for some individuals.
Fragrance Ingredient
Geraniol
Another natural fragrance compound found in rose oil, contributing to the scent profile.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen for some individuals.