Active Sunscreen
Titanium Dioxide
A mineral sunscreen agent that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It is non-irritating and generally well-tolerated.
Usually helps with
Sun protection
Watch for
Can sometimes leave a white cast, though formulations are improving.
Active Sunscreen
Zinc Oxide
A mineral sunscreen agent that offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Sun protection, soothing skin
Watch for
Similar to titanium dioxide, can leave a white cast if not well-formulated.
The base for many skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A powerful humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and can also act as a solvent for UV filters.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It's an excellent emollient and replenishes skin's surface lipids.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Emollient
Ethyl Macadamiate
An ester derived from macadamia nut oil, providing a light, non-greasy feel and improving skin softness.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Watch for
Nut-derived, though highly refined.
Emollient
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil
Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, argan oil is deeply moisturizing and has antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, anti-aging
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing excellent moisturization without clogging pores.
Usually helps with
All skin types, balancing oil
Emollient
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
A rich source of linoleic acid, which helps to maintain the skin's barrier function and prevent dryness.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some.
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A derivative of lecithin that helps to stabilize oil and water mixtures in formulations. It also acts as a skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, skin conditioning
A stable, saturated form of squalene, a lipid naturally found in skin. It's an excellent moisturizer and helps improve skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
Dryness, anti-aging
A component of chamomile oil known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Redness, irritation
UV Filter Stabilizer
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
A stabilizing agent for UV filters, helping to maintain the efficacy of the sunscreen over time.
Usually helps with
Sunscreen stability
Watch for
Generally considered safe, but its primary role is formulation stability.
Emollient
Diheptyl Succinate
A plant-derived emollient that provides a smooth, silky feel to the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin softening
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive individuals.
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
An emulsifier derived from castor oil, used to blend oil and water phases in formulations.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
A highly moisturizing oil, but can be comedogenic for some individuals, potentially leading to breakouts.
Usually helps with
Dryness
Watch for
Can clog pores for acne-prone skin.
Emollient
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, it provides moisturizing and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Dryness, antioxidant support
A polysaccharide used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
A fatty acid that helps to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness
Emulsifier
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
An emulsifier that helps to create stable oil-in-water formulations.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Used to adjust the pH of the product, making it more compatible with the skin's natural pH. Can also act as a mild exfoliant.
Usually helps with
pH balance, mild exfoliation
Watch for
Can cause irritation at higher concentrations.
Soothing Agent
Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract
Known for its emollient and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to soothe and hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Soothing Agent
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
A botanical extract with anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, known for its ability to calm irritated skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming irritation
Emulsifier
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
An emulsifier that helps to disperse mineral sunscreen particles evenly, reducing the likelihood of a white cast.
Usually helps with
Sunscreen dispersion
Emollient
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
A rich emollient that helps to moisturize and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening
Watch for
Can be heavy for some skin types.
Fragrance
Fragrance (Parfum)
Adds a scent to the product. Can be a common cause of irritation and allergic reactions for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Sensory experience
Watch for
Potential for irritation, especially for sensitive or reactive skin.
Used to adjust the pH of cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Surface Modifier
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
A coupling agent that improves the adhesion and dispersion of pigments and UV filters on the skin.
Usually helps with
Sunscreen adhesion
Watch for
Primarily a formulation aid.
Antioxidant
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Leaf Extract
Contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Can help absorb excess oil and improve the texture of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Mattifying, texture
Watch for
Can be drying if used in high concentrations.
Surface Modifier
Aminopropyl Triethoxysilane
A silane coupling agent that enhances the adhesion and water resistance of sunscreen filters.
Usually helps with
Sunscreen adhesion, water resistance
Watch for
Primarily a formulation aid.
A fatty acid that acts as an emulsifier and emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, softening skin
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent that also enhances the efficacy of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
A natural phospholipid that helps to emulsify ingredients and is also a skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, skin conditioning
A natural gum used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Antioxidant
Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract
Extremely rich in Vitamin C, it provides potent antioxidant protection and helps brighten the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, brightening
A polysaccharide that can form a film on the skin, providing a tightening effect and helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Usually helps with
Film-forming, temporary tightening
Emollient
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
A biodegradable emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Skin softening, texture improvement
Antioxidant
Pleiogynium Timoriense (Burkedin Plum) Fruit Extract
A superfruit extract rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Podocarpus Elatus (Illawarra Plum) Fruit Extract
Contains potent antioxidants that help combat free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Fragrance Component
Linalool
A naturally occurring fragrance compound found in many plants. It can be a potential allergen for some individuals.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen for sensitive skin.
Film Former
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Forms a protective film on the skin, helping to shield it from environmental pollutants.
Usually helps with
Environmental protection
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice
Known for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration, calming irritation
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin, emulsifying
Fragrance Component
Limonene
A common fragrance ingredient derived from citrus peels. It can be a potential allergen and irritant.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen and irritant for sensitive skin.
Fragrance Component
Cinnamal
A fragrance ingredient with a cinnamon-like scent. It is a known allergen and can cause skin sensitization.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Known allergen and potential irritant.
A form of Vitamin E, it's a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, skin conditioning
