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
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
Softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness
A silicone that creates a smooth feel and can help lock in moisture. It's generally considered non-comedogenic.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, barrier support
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Oleate Citrate
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
A solvent and humectant that can improve product texture and skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Thickener
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
A highly stable and effective emollient that mimics skin's natural sebum, providing excellent hydration and improving skin texture.
Usually helps with
Dryness, smoothing, barrier support
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NP
A type of ceramide that helps restore the skin barrier and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide AS
A type of ceramide that helps restore the skin barrier and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide AP
A type of ceramide that helps restore the skin barrier and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NS
A type of ceramide that helps restore the skin barrier and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide EOP
A type of ceramide that helps restore the skin barrier and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
A form of hyaluronic acid that effectively hydrates the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Emollient
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
A plant-based oil that can nourish and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness
Watch for
Potential allergen for soy sensitivities.
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Cholesterol
A lipid that helps support the skin barrier and improve moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Phytosterols
Plant-derived sterols that can help support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support
Can form a film on the skin, providing a temporary tightening effect and helping to lock in moisture.
Usually helps with
Smoothing
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin that is an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
A mineral that can give a soft-focus effect and improve slip. It's often used in makeup for its light-diffusing properties.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, soft-focus effect
Watch for
Can be drying for some.
Preservative
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
A preservative that also has chelating properties.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative.
Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
Helps to stabilize oil and water mixtures.
A plant-derived ingredient that can help hydrate the skin and potentially improve the appearance of fine lines.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A humectant that also functions as a preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to emulsify ingredients and can also act as an emollient.
Usually helps with
Emollient, barrier support
Colorant
Iron Oxides CI 77491
Pigments used to provide color.
Colorant
Iron Oxides CI 77492
Pigments used to provide color.
Colorant
Iron Oxides CI 77499
Pigments used to provide color.
Colorant
Titanium Dioxide CI 77891
A white pigment used for color and opacity.