Solvent
Water / Aqua / Eau
The base of the formula.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
A fatty acid that helps to create lather and cleanse the skin.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Watch for
Can be slightly stripping for very dry skin
Helps to stabilize the formula and provides a creamy texture.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Helps to retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some
pH Adjuster
Potassium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations
A solvent that also helps to draw moisture into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
Helps to create lather and cleanse.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
A fatty acid that contributes to the cleansing and lathering properties.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Watch for
Can be drying for some skin types
Surfactant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
A gentle cleansing agent that helps create foam.
Usually helps with
Cleansing, foaming
Watch for
Potential allergen for sensitive skin
A mild physical exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation
Watch for
Can be too abrasive for sensitive skin
Surfactant
Lauryl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant that creates foam.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to blend oil and water components and provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, skin conditioning
Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate
Helps to mix oil and water and provides a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some
Fragrance
Fragrance / Parfum
Adds a pleasant scent to the product.
Usually helps with
Sensory experience
Watch for
Can be irritating or cause allergic reactions for sensitive skin
Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Used to thicken the product.
Usually helps with
Texture
Helps to absorb excess oil.
Usually helps with
Oil control
A BHA that exfoliates inside pores to help with congestion and breakouts.
Usually helps with
Acne, blackheads, oiliness
Watch for
Can cause dryness or irritation, especially when starting
Conditioning Agent
Polyquaternium-7
Helps to condition the skin and hair.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Helps to control oil production and has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Oiliness, acne
A natural ingredient known for its ability to absorb impurities and excess sebum.
Usually helps with
Detoxifying, oil control
Chelating Agent
Sodium Metaphosphate
Helps to prevent metal ions from affecting the product's stability.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Helps to prevent microbial growth in the product.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some, especially when combined with acidic ingredients
An AHA that exfoliates the skin's surface, improving texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration, brightening
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity
Active
Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
A combination of lactic and glycolic acids for enhanced exfoliation.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, texture improvement
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity
A potent AHA that exfoliates the skin, helping to improve tone and texture.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, brightening, anti-aging
Watch for
Can cause irritation and increase sun sensitivity
Soothing Agent
Madecassoside
A derivative of Centella Asiatica, known for its calming and healing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Used to adjust the pH of the formula and can offer mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
pH balance, mild exfoliation
Conditioning Agent
Polyquaternium-10
Helps to condition and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning