A mineral sunscreen filter that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It's generally considered gentle and non-irritating.
Usually helps with
Sun protection, sensitive skin
Watch for
Can sometimes leave a white cast, though formulations vary.
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polydecene
A synthetic emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin, improving texture and spreadability.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
A highly stable and effective emollient that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing hydration and improving skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
The base solvent for many cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Formulation base
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A fractionated coconut oil derivative that acts as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, helping to replenish the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin conditioning
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Used to absorb excess oil and improve the texture of the product, giving it a smoother feel.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement, oil absorption
Watch for
Can potentially be drying in high concentrations.
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and solvent, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin conditioning
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Opacifier
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
A synthetic mica used to provide a pearlescent or luminous effect. It can also act as a bulking agent.
Usually helps with
Luminosity, texture
Watch for
Primarily for aesthetic purposes; not a primary skincare active.
A plant-derived humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, improving hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Film Former
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
A synthetic polymer that can form a film on the skin, potentially helping with product texture and longevity.
Usually helps with
Texture, film-forming
Watch for
Some individuals may be sensitive to synthetic polymers.
A plant-derived ester that acts as an emollient, providing a light, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
A cross-linked form of sodium hyaluronate that provides sustained hydration and helps to plump the skin.
Usually helps with
Long-lasting hydration
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
A smaller molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate the skin more effectively to provide hydration.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors and can soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, skin soothing
Watch for
Can be irritating for some individuals with very sensitive skin.
Pure Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be irritating for some individuals with very sensitive skin.
Emollient
Aleurites Moluccanus Seed Oil
Kukui nut oil, rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, known for its soothing and nourishing properties.
Usually helps with
Nourishment, skin soothing
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emollient
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
A plant-based oil with emollient properties that can help condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin conditioning
Watch for
Soy is a common allergen; individuals with soy allergies should exercise caution.
Antioxidant
Physalis Angulata Extract
An extract from a plant known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant and preservative booster that helps attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients, creating a stable formulation.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Extract from rice, known for its antioxidant and skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, soothing
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Extract
Extract from the germ of rice, offering antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
A derivative of hyaluronic acid that offers excellent moisturizing properties and can help improve skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Viscosity Control Agent
Disteardimonium Hectorite
A clay-based ingredient used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Watch for
Can potentially be drying in high concentrations.
Emulsifier
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
An emulsifier derived from plant oils that helps to disperse mineral sunscreen particles and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, texture
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Argan oil, rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E, known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, nourishing
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate
An emulsifier that helps to create stable emulsions in cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Solvent
Propylene Carbonate
A solvent that can help improve the texture and spreadability of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Watch for
Can be irritating for some individuals.
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative and skin-conditioning agent that helps to inhibit microbial growth and improve skin feel.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Emulsifier
Isostearic Acid
A fatty acid used as an emulsifier and emollient, helping to create smooth textures.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, emollience
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
A natural emulsifier derived from soybeans or eggs, used to stabilize oil and water mixtures.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Soy lecithin may be a concern for those with soy allergies.
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
An emulsifier derived from castor oil, used to create stable emulsions.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
An emulsifier used to blend oil and water phases in cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Film Former
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
A synthetic polymer that can form a film on the skin, potentially improving product texture and wear.
Usually helps with
Texture, film-forming
Watch for
Some individuals may be sensitive to synthetic polymers.
A component of chamomile oil known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, anti-inflammatory
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A synthetic preservative used to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
A synthetic antioxidant that helps protect the formulation from degradation due to oxidation.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.