Active Sunscreen Filter
Zinc Oxide
A mineral sunscreen agent that provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. It's generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Sun protection, sensitive skin
Watch for
Can sometimes leave a white cast, though formulations are improving.
The base for many skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps to dissolve UV filters.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dry skin
Emollient
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
A synthetic emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types, oily skin
A plant-derived humectant that enhances the absorption of other ingredients and provides hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate
An emollient that helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Thickener
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to create stable emulsions and thicken formulations. It can be a potential irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation in very sensitive individuals.
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A derivative of lecithin, used to help mix oil and water ingredients. It also has emollient properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Dispersing Agent
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Used to help disperse mineral sunscreen particles evenly.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Film Former
Acrylates Copolymer
A synthetic polymer that forms a film on the skin, often used for texture and longevity. Can be a potential irritant.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation in very sensitive individuals.
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and minimize the appearance of pores and uneven tone.
Usually helps with
All skin types, oiliness, redness, uneven tone
Watch for
Can cause temporary flushing or irritation in some individuals, especially at higher concentrations.
Surfactant
Lauryl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing and emulsifying.
Usually helps with
All skin types, sensitive skin
Absorbent/Opacifier
Silica
A mineral powder that can absorb excess oil and provide a matte finish.
Usually helps with
Oily skin, mattifying
Antioxidant
Ethyl Ferulate
A derivative of ferulic acid, it acts as an antioxidant to help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types, anti-aging
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
A natural emulsifier derived from castor oil, used to blend oil and water phases.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Xylitylglucoside
A plant-derived ingredient that helps skin retain moisture by improving its water-binding capacity.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dry skin
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types, anti-aging
A derivative of xylitol, it helps the skin bind water and improves its barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dry skin
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing and foaming.
Usually helps with
All skin types, sensitive skin
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that also has skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract
A plant extract with antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
A derivative of inulin, used as an emulsifier and stabilizer.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A humectant that also has preservative-boosting properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A sugar alcohol that helps skin retain moisture and supports the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dry skin
Emollient/Thickener
Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
A polymer that can improve texture and provide emollience.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Botanical Extract
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Extract
A plant extract that may have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Potential for irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals.
Botanical Extract
Solidago Virgaurea (Goldenrod) Extract
A plant extract with potential antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
An emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
A synthetic antioxidant used to prevent oxidation and degradation of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient, softening and smoothing the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Preservative Booster
1,2-Hexanediol
A humectant that also helps to preserve the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier used to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Chelating Agent
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
A chelating agent that helps to stabilize the formulation by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dry skin, dehydrated skin
Botanical Extract
Rhodiola Rosea Extract
An adaptogenic herb extract known for its antioxidant and skin-balancing properties, helping to absorb excess oil.
Usually helps with
All skin types, oily skin
Botanical Extract
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
A plant extract known for its soothing and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, sensitive skin
A polysaccharide that can help absorb excess oil and improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Oily skin
Buffering Agent
Sodium Citrate
A salt of citric acid used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A polysaccharide used to thicken and stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used to adjust the pH of the product. In low concentrations, it's generally safe.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can cause irritation at higher concentrations or if skin is already compromised.
Colorant
Iron Oxides (Ci 77492, Ci 77499, Ci 77491)
Mineral pigments used to provide color and tint to the product, helping it blend into the skin tone.
Usually helps with
All skin types