The primary solvent in cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Solvent
Dipropylene Glycol
A solvent that can also help to improve the texture of formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softness
Helps to improve skin barrier function, reduce redness, and minimize the appearance of pores.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, pore appearance, redness
Watch for
Can cause flushing in some individuals.
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Emollient
Chondrus Crispus Extract
A seaweed extract that can help to hydrate and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, conditioning
Thickener
Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum
A plant-derived gum used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
A sugar beet derivative that helps to hydrate and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich emollient that moisturizes and softens the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisture, softness
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone skin types.
A plant-derived thickener that improves product texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Olivate
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth feel on the skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothness
A common thickener and stabilizer in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Texture
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations. Can be difficult to biodegrade.
Usually helps with
Texture
Watch for
Environmental persistence.
A humectant that helps to draw moisture into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
An emulsifier that helps to stabilize oil-in-water formulations.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability
Thickener
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations. Can be difficult to biodegrade.
Usually helps with
Texture
Watch for
Environmental persistence.
A seaweed-derived thickener and stabilizer.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
A gentle emulsifier derived from polyglycerol and oleic acid.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative booster that also has skin conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
A carbohydrate that can help to bind moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Skin Conditioning
Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract
A fruit extract that can help to condition and soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A soluble fiber derived from the konjac root, used as a thickener.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
A gentle, water-soluble emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Known for its anti-wrinkle properties, it can help to smooth skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, wrinkle reduction
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
A synthetic emollient that gives products a smooth, silky feel.
Usually helps with
Texture, emollience
A sugar that helps to protect skin cells from dehydration and environmental stress.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
Solvent
Dimethyl Isosorbide
A solvent that can help to improve the penetration of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Ingredient delivery
Thickener
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations. Can be difficult to biodegrade.
Usually helps with
Texture
Watch for
Environmental persistence.
Skin Conditioning
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Rose water known for its soothing and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Emollient
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
A plant-based oil that can help to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisture, conditioning
Viscosity Controlling Agent
Potassium Chloride
Used to adjust the viscosity of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
Helps to improve the stability of the formulation by binding metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Emollient
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Texture
Skin Conditioning
Iris Florentina Root Extract
An extract known for its skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
A mild, water-soluble emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability
Skin Conditioning
Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract
A fruit extract that can help to condition and soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
An emollient that can provide a smooth feel but may be comedogenic for some.
Usually helps with
Smoothness
Watch for
Potential for pore-clogging.
Skin Conditioning
Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract
An extract that can help to soothe and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, conditioning
Skin Conditioning
Kojyl Methylenedioxycinnamate
A derivative of kojic acid, often used for its skin-brightening properties. Potential for irritation.
Usually helps with
Brightening
Watch for
Irritation, photosensitivity.
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier used to stabilize oil-in-water formulations.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability
Skin Conditioning
Coptis Japonica Root Extract
An extract known for its soothing and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant that also has preservative-boosting properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Skin Conditioning
Collagen Extract
A protein extract that can help to hydrate and improve skin's appearance.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin appearance
Active
Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate
A derivative of retinoic acid, often considered gentler than retinol. It works to improve skin texture and reduce signs of aging.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, texture improvement
Watch for
Can still cause irritation, especially when combined with other actives.
A derivative of Vitamin A that helps to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and promote skin firmness. Can cause irritation, dryness, and peeling, especially when first introduced.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, firmness, texture
Watch for
Irritation, dryness, peeling, photosensitivity. Always use SPF.
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation. Can have mild exfoliating properties at higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Watch for
Can be irritating if pH is too low.
A natural compound known for its protective and hydrating properties, helping skin adapt to stress.
Usually helps with
Protection, hydration
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and retains moisture, helping to hydrate and plump the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations. Concerns about environmental impact.
Usually helps with
Texture
Watch for
Environmental persistence.
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Dna
A form of DNA that can help to condition and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, moisture
A synthetic antioxidant. Some concerns about potential endocrine disruption and environmental impact.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Potential for skin sensitivity.
Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Thickener
Acacia Senegal Gum
A natural gum used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Thickener
Propylene Glycol Alginate
A thickening agent derived from seaweed.
Usually helps with
Texture