The base for many cosmetic formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A stable, plant-derived emollient that mimics skin's natural oils, providing hydration and improving skin barrier function without feeling heavy.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal, combination skin
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A plant-derived solvent and humectant that helps improve the absorption of other ingredients and adds a moisturizing feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE
A lightweight, plant-derived emollient that softens and smooths the skin without greasiness.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Derived from jojoba oil, these esters help to soften and condition the skin, improving its texture.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Can help other ingredients penetrate the skin, but in higher concentrations can be drying or irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Oily skin (in low concentrations)
Watch for
Dry, sensitive, or compromised skin
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps to spread the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
THEOBROMA GRANDIFLORUM SEED BUTTER
A rich butter from the Amazon, known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Emulsifier
ARACHIDYL ALCOHOL
A fatty alcohol that helps to stabilize emulsions and provides emollient properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE
An emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps to solubilize UV filters if present.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, softening and smoothing the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths the skin, also acting as a thickener.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A synthetic emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids, providing a smooth feel and enhancing barrier function.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
A derivative of glycerin that acts as an emulsifier and humectant, improving skin hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A nutrient-rich secretion from bees, known for its regenerative and reparative properties. It supports skin firmness and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Mature skin, loss of firmness
Watch for
Rare allergic reactions in some individuals
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, providing a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
C10-18 TRIGLYCERIDES
A blend of fatty acids that helps to soften and condition the skin, improving its texture.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
A silicone that forms a breathable barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and providing a smooth feel. Can sometimes cause breakouts for acne-prone individuals.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Fragrance
PARFUM (FRAGRANCE)
Adds scent to the product. Can be a common cause of irritation or allergic reactions for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Non-sensitive skin
Watch for
Sensitive, reactive skin
A plant-derived ingredient used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A natural humectant and antioxidant with soothing and reparative properties. It aids in skin hydration and barrier support.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal, sensitive skin
Watch for
Rare allergic reactions
Emulsifier
HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer used to create stable emulsions and thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
ARACHIDYL GLUCOSIDE
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients, also providing some emollient properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A fatty acid derivative that acts as an emollient and thickener, providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Thickener
ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A humectant and emollient that also has preservative-boosting properties, helping to keep skin hydrated.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
CHLORPHENESIN
A preservative that helps prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. Can be a mild skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Emollient
DILINOLEIC ACID/BUTANEDIOL COPOLYMER
A synthetic emollient that helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
SODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE
A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
TOCOPHERYL ACETATE
A stable form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
SODIUM HYALURONATE
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a potent humectant that attracts and retains moisture, plumping the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
pH Adjuster
SODIUM CITRATE
Used to adjust the pH of the product, making it more compatible with the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
POLYGLYCERYL-3 BEESWAX
A derivative of beeswax that acts as an emulsifier and emollient, helping to create a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used to adjust pH. In low concentrations, it can have mild exfoliating benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Sensitive skin (in higher concentrations)
A natural polysaccharide used as a thickening agent to improve product texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
HYDROGENATED OLIVE OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES
A derivative of olive oil that provides emollient properties, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
pH Adjuster
SODIUM HYDROXIDE
Used in small amounts to adjust the pH of the product to be skin-friendly.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin-Conditioning Agent
CERAMIDE NG
A type of ceramide that helps to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier, improving hydration and resilience.
Usually helps with
Dry, mature, compromised skin
Emulsifier
PEG-10 PHYTOSTEROL
An emulsifier derived from plant sterols, helping to stabilize the formula and providing skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water. Can be a mild irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Emulsifier
SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE
An emulsifier and surfactant that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Colorant
CI 77492 (IRON OXIDES)
Mineral pigments used for color. Generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, improves texture, and boosts hydration. Can increase sun sensitivity.
Usually helps with
Most skin types, especially dry or dull
Watch for
Sensitive skin, use with sunscreen
Film Former
CASTOR OIL/IPDI COPOLYMER
A synthetic polymer derived from castor oil, used to form a film on the skin and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A mineral powder that can help absorb excess oil and improve product texture.
Usually helps with
Oily, combination skin
Peptide
PALMITOYL HEXAPEPTIDE-12
A peptide that signals the skin to produce more collagen, helping to improve firmness and reduce wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Mature skin, loss of firmness
Colorant
CI 77491 (IRON OXIDES)
Mineral pigments used for color. Generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Usually helps with
All skin types