Solvent
Water / Aqua / Eau
The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A plant-derived humectant that helps ingredients penetrate the skin and provides hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for some very sensitive skin types.
A classic humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Stearyl Dimethicone
A silicone that provides a smooth feel and helps to occlude moisture.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Some individuals prefer to avoid silicones.
Emollient
Methyl Trimethicone
A volatile silicone that gives a lightweight, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Some individuals prefer to avoid silicones.
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
An emollient that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Emollient
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
An emollient that conditions the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Emollient
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
An emollient that helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A solvent and humectant that also has preservative properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for some sensitive skin.
Emollient
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
A silicone that provides a smooth, matte finish.
Usually helps with
Oily, combination skin
Watch for
Some individuals prefer to avoid silicones.
A skin-identical lipid that moisturizes and helps prevent water loss.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer that helps to stabilize emulsions and provides a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Some individuals prefer to avoid synthetic polymers.
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A thickening agent that gives the product its gel-like consistency.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to emulsify and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A skin-identical lipid that helps to reinforce the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to soften the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
A mild, plant-derived emulsifier.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
A probiotic ingredient that can help to support the skin's microbiome and barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially compromised barriers
Watch for
Some individuals may be sensitive to fermented ingredients.
A powerful humectant that attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated
Also known as Vitamin B5, it hydrates, soothes, and aids in skin barrier repair.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and sensitive
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Soothes, protects, and promotes skin healing.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive and irritated
Chelating Agent
Sodium Metaphosphate
Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
A nourishing oil rich in antioxidants, providing moisture and protection.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths the skin, and acts as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A natural thickening agent that improves product texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Caprylate
A multifunctional ingredient that acts as an emulsifier and skin conditioner.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A solvent and humectant that helps with product texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for some sensitive skin.
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative that also has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and holds moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants to protect skin from environmental damage and soothe inflammation.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone
Skin Conditioning
Madecassoside
A compound derived from Centella Asiatica, known for its soothing and healing properties.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, irritated, or compromised skin
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates and hydrates. At lower concentrations, it can support barrier function.
Usually helps with
Most skin types, especially dull or dry
Watch for
Can cause sensitivity, especially when first introduced or combined with other actives. Use sunscreen.
A carbohydrate that can help to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
Contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
A smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin for enhanced hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
A cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that forms a hydrating film on the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract
Extract from green tea seeds, providing antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
A type of ceramide that is crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and preventing moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Dry, compromised, or aging skin
A form of Vitamin E, it's an antioxidant that protects skin from damage and helps stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
A lipid that is naturally found in the skin, it helps to support the skin barrier and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially compromised or acne-prone
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
A derivative of hyaluronic acid that offers excellent hydration and moisture retention.
Usually helps with
All skin types