Solvent
Water / Aqua / Eau
The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Attracts moisture to the skin and helps other ingredients penetrate.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types in high concentrations.
A plant-derived humectant that enhances moisture absorption.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
A classic humectant that draws water into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A skin-identical lipid that moisturizes and helps prevent water loss.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, barrier support
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
Used as a solvent and humectant, can be a skin irritant in higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Potential for irritation.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it's an excellent emollient that softens and smooths skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturization
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Mimics skin's natural sebum, providing moisture and improving suppleness.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, balancing
A versatile ingredient that acts as a humectant and preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to mix oil and water components, also has emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, softening
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
A fatty acid ester that provides a smooth feel but can be comedogenic for some.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Watch for
Potential to clog pores.
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and thickens the product.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, thickening
Emollient
Methyl Trimethicone
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel but can be occlusive.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Watch for
Can feel heavy or occlusive for some.
A silicone that forms a protective barrier, smoothing skin and preventing moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, barrier formation
Watch for
Can feel heavy or occlusive for some.
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
An emollient that provides a soft, smooth feel but can be comedogenic.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Watch for
Potential to clog pores.
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Olivate
An emulsifier derived from olive oil, it helps blend oil and water and has moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, moisturization
Emollient
Dicaprylyl Ether
A light emollient that improves skin feel and spreadability.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
A natural emulsifier that creates stable oil-in-water emulsions.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Soothing Agent
Colloidal Oatmeal
Soothes irritated and itchy skin, providing a protective barrier.
Usually helps with
Soothing, redness relief
A fatty acid that moisturizes and conditions the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturization
A fatty acid that helps emulsify and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, conditioning
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate
Derived from olive oil, it helps to stabilize the emulsion and has emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, moisturizing
Emollient
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps prevent water loss.
Usually helps with
Moisturization
A thickening agent used to create gel-like consistencies.
Usually helps with
Texture
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
A silicone elastomer that provides a smooth, velvety feel and can help with pore appearance.
Usually helps with
Texture, smoothing
Watch for
Can feel occlusive for some.
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable emulsions.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
A natural thickening agent that improves product texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the formula.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide Np
A type of ceramide that helps restore the skin barrier and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, moisturization
Chelating Agent
Sodium Metaphosphate
Used to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps stabilize emulsions and has emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, moisturizing
A natural compound that helps protect skin from environmental stress and dehydration.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration, protection
Ceramide
Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide
A synthetic ceramide that mimics natural ceramides to support skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
A mild, plant-derived emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Skin-Conditioning
Phytosterols
Plant-derived sterols that help condition and soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, conditioning
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Nourishing oil from green tea seeds, rich in antioxidants and fatty acids.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, antioxidant protection
Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Skin-Replenishing
Phytosphingosine
A lipid that is a component of the skin barrier, helping to restore and maintain its function.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants that protect skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide Ns
A type of ceramide that helps maintain skin barrier integrity and hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, moisturization
Skin-Replenishing
Cholesterol
A lipid that is a crucial component of the skin barrier, helping to maintain its structure and function.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide Ap
A type of ceramide that helps reinforce the skin barrier and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, moisturization
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide As
A type of ceramide that contributes to the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, moisturization
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide Eop
An essential ceramide for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and preventing water loss.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, moisturization