The base for many skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A common and effective humectant that draws water to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Surfactant
Sodium Cocoyl Alaninate
A mild amino acid-based surfactant that gently cleanses.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Surfactant
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
A mild, sulfate-free surfactant that creates a gentle lather.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Skin Conditioning Agent
Inulin
A prebiotic fiber that can help support the skin's microbiome.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A humectant that also helps to improve product texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
Skin Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NP
A key lipid that strengthens the skin barrier and retains moisture.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Skin Conditioning Agent
Colloidal Oatmeal
Soothes irritation and redness, and provides hydration.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
A humectant that also has preservative properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Surfactant
Lauryl Hydroxysultaine
A mild amphoteric surfactant that helps with cleansing.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
A mild, plant-derived surfactant that creates a soft lather.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and retains moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it nourishes and softens the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishing, softening
Skin Conditioning Agent
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract
Contains beneficial compounds from the avocado fruit.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
A carbohydrate complex that binds moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Long-lasting hydration
Antioxidant
Micrococcus Lysate
An extract that can help protect skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emollient
Glyceryl Caprylate
A multi-functional ingredient that moisturizes and helps preserve the formula.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, preservation
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Film Former
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Can form a film on the skin, often used for texture or appearance.
Usually helps with
Texture
Watch for
Potential for buildup
Surfactant
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
A mild, sulfate-free surfactant derived from coconut oil.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
A solvent and humectant that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Skin Conditioning Agent
Epidermidibacterium Keratini Ferment Filtrate
A fermented ingredient that may help support the skin's natural balance.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Surfactant
Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract
A natural source of saponins, which have cleansing properties.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Watch for
Can be irritating for some
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
Helps to improve the stability of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
A natural emulsifier that also has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, skin conditioning
Skin Conditioning Agent
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Derived from licorice root, it has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Emollient
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
A nourishing oil rich in antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Nourishing
pH Adjuster
Sodium Citrate
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Skin Conditioning Agent
Butyl Avocadate
A derivative of avocado oil, it can help regulate sebum production.
Usually helps with
Sebum regulation
An amino acid that helps to improve skin hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
Skin Conditioning Agent
Phytosphingosine
A lipid that is naturally found in the skin, helping to support the barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps stabilize emulsions.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Humectant
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
A derivative of hyaluronic acid that provides enhanced hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A sugar that can help attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Smaller molecules of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
A derivative of hyaluronic acid that offers excellent moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A polysaccharide that can help bind moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A powerful humectant that attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
A smaller molecular weight form of sodium hyaluronate for better penetration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
A cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that provides sustained hydration.
Usually helps with
Long-lasting hydration
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate
Another salt form of hyaluronic acid for hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A common thickening agent that also helps stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
Skin Conditioning Agent
Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract
Known for its soothing and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
A solvent and viscosity-decreasing agent.
Usually helps with
Texture
A plasticizer and solvent, sometimes used to improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Antioxidant
Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A polysaccharide that can help bind moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration