The base for most skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps spread the product.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, hydration
A stable, plant-derived oil that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing excellent hydration and improving suppleness without feeling heavy.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration, barrier support
A plant-derived humectant that draws moisture to the skin and helps improve the absorption of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-5 Polyricinoleate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients, creating a stable formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Derived from chamomile, this ingredient has anti-inflammatory and calming properties, helping to reduce redness and irritation.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
A light, naturally derived emollient that softens and conditions the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, conditioning
A classic humectant that draws water into the skin, providing essential hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Viscosity Adjuster
Magnesium Sulfate
Used to adjust the viscosity of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Texture
A form of Vitamin B5 that hydrates, soothes, and helps improve skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing, barrier support
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Behenate
An emulsifier that helps stabilize the product's texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
A solvent and humectant that can also have preservative properties. Generally considered safe in low concentrations.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation in high concentrations
A common humectant and solvent that helps improve product texture and skin hydration. Can be a penetration enhancer.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive individuals
A peptide that supports skin firmness and elasticity, aiming to reduce the appearance of sagging.
Usually helps with
Firming, lifting
Active
Acetyl Sh-Hexapeptide-5 Amide Acetate
A peptide that works to smooth the skin's surface and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, anti-wrinkle
Active
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76
A synthetic peptide that mimics growth factors to promote skin regeneration and improve firmness.
Usually helps with
Firming, regeneration
A type of lipid that is a key component of the skin barrier, helping to retain moisture and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Another essential lipid for skin barrier function, working with other ceramides to maintain hydration and skin health.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
A widely used ceramide that helps restore the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Active
Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract
A hydrating extract known for its ability to hold moisture, providing a plumping effect.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Soothes and protects the skin, promoting healing and reducing irritation.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Emollient
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
A nourishing oil rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, which helps to soften and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishing, softening
An amino acid that helps to hydrate and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, conditioning
Lipids that are part of the skin's natural barrier, helping to maintain hydration and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
A lipid that plays a role in skin barrier function and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, anti-inflammatory
A lipid that is a natural component of the skin barrier, helping to maintain moisture and structure.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Active
Tetraacetylphytosphingosine
A derivative of phytosphingosine that supports skin barrier function and hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-6 Octastearate
An emulsifier that helps create a stable and smooth texture in the product.
Usually helps with
Texture
A fatty acid that acts as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, helping to moisturize and improve product texture.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, texture
Humectant
Glyceryl Glucoside
A compound that helps skin retain moisture and improves its overall hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to stabilize the product and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, softening
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polydecene
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps to moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, moisturizing
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that acts as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, conditioning
A natural emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent that helps to stabilize formulations and improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, conditioning
A natural polysaccharide used as a thickener and stabilizer to improve product texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A dipeptide with antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from damage and may have anti-aging effects.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, anti-aging
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. Generally considered safe in low concentrations.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive individuals
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi. Can potentially form benzene in the presence of Vitamin C.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation, interaction with Vitamin C
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A broad-spectrum preservative that is effective against bacteria, yeast, and mold. Can be irritating to some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation, especially around the eyes
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation, making it more skin-friendly.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Viscosity Adjuster
Quaternium-90 Bentonite
A clay-based ingredient used to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
A mineral that provides shimmer and color to cosmetics. Generally considered safe.
Usually helps with
Appearance
Fragrance Ingredient
Triethyl Citrate
A solvent and fragrance ingredient that can help mask odors.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential for fragrance sensitivity
Viscosity Adjuster
Zinc Stearate
Used to control the viscosity and texture of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent that also enhances the effectiveness of preservatives. Can be a mild irritant.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation
A PHA that gently exfoliates and hydrates the skin, suitable for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, hydration
Skin Conditioning Agent
Calcium Gluconate
A mineral salt that helps condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
An antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stress and can also act as a preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
