The primary solvent in cosmetic formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It's an excellent emollient and can help to replenish the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A humectant that draws moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient, thickener, and emulsifier. It is not drying like some other alcohols.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollients derived from coconut oil that help to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Emollients that help to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Fragrance
Parfum/Fragrance
Adds scent to the product. Fragrance can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Those who enjoy fragranced products
Watch for
Skin sensitivity or irritation
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener. It is not drying.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water, and also acts as an emollient.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A silicone that forms a breathable barrier on the skin, providing a smooth feel and helping to prevent moisture loss. Generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can feel heavy on very oily skin
Emollient
Tridecyl Neopentanoate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Surfactant
Ppg-26-Buteth-26
An emulsifier and surfactant. While generally considered safe, some sources flag it for potential irritation.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation in very sensitive individuals
A powerful humectant that attracts water to the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone
A silicone-based emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps with skin conditioning.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can feel heavy on very oily skin
A form of vitamin A that is highly effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin texture, and promoting cell turnover. Can cause irritation, redness, and peeling, especially when first introduced.
Usually helps with
Aging skin, acne-prone skin, texture concerns
Watch for
Redness, peeling, dryness, increased sun sensitivity. Start slowly and use sunscreen.
A pure form of Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that brightens skin, fades dark spots, and supports collagen production. Can be unstable and may cause mild stinging in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Dull skin, uneven tone, dark spots, anti-aging
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation or stinging. Best used in the morning.
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage and can aid in moisturization.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A provitamin of B5, it acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin. Also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry or irritated skin
Antioxidant
Physalis Angulata Extract
An extract from a plant known for its antioxidant properties, helping to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Often used in skincare for its purifying and exfoliating properties, it can help to absorb excess oil and impurities.
Usually helps with
Oily or congested skin
Watch for
Can be drying if overused or for very dry skin types
Pure Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Adenosine
A soothing and skin-restoring ingredient that can help improve the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A powerful humectant that can hold many times its weight in water, providing intense hydration and plumping the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dehydrated or dry skin
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative and skin-conditioning agent that also has antimicrobial properties. Generally well-tolerated.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A polysaccharide used as a thickening agent.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Peg-40 Stearate
An emulsifier and surfactant. Some concerns exist regarding potential skin irritation and contamination.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive individuals
Emulsifier
Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
An emulsifier and surfactant derived from castor oil. Similar concerns to PEG-40 Stearate regarding potential irritation.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive individuals
A humectant and preservative booster that also helps improve the texture of formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
A synthetic polymer used as a thickening agent to improve product texture and stability.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A surfactant and emulsifier. Can be a mild irritant for some sensitive skin types.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation
An emulsifier and surfactant. Can be a mild irritant for some sensitive skin types.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and can help to create a barrier on the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can feel heavy on very oily skin
Preservative
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
A preservative that helps prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. Generally considered gentle.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Arachidyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and emulsifier. Not drying.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A solvent used in formulations. Generally considered safe in small concentrations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Beta Hydroxy Acid (Salicylic Acid). Exfoliates inside the pores, helping to clear congestion and improve skin texture. Can cause dryness or irritation.
Usually helps with
Oily, acne-prone, congested skin
Watch for
Dryness, peeling, increased sun sensitivity. Start slowly.
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) used to adjust pH and provide mild exfoliation. Can increase sun sensitivity.
Usually helps with
Most skin types, especially for exfoliation
Watch for
Increased sun sensitivity. Use sunscreen.
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
A chelating agent that enhances the stability of the product by binding to metal ions. Generally considered safe.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient, thickener, and emulsifier. It is not drying.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Butylated Hydroxytoluene. A synthetic antioxidant used to prevent oxidation. Some debate exists regarding its safety, with potential for irritation or endocrine disruption in high doses.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive individuals
Fragrance Ingredient
Linalool
A naturally occurring fragrance compound found in many plants. Can be a potential allergen and irritant for some individuals.
Usually helps with
Those who enjoy fragranced products
Watch for
Skin sensitivity or allergic reactions
Fragrance Ingredient
Limonene
A naturally occurring fragrance compound found in citrus peels. Can be a potential allergen and irritant for some individuals.
Usually helps with
Those who enjoy fragranced products
Watch for
Skin sensitivity or allergic reactions