The base of the formulation, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A silicone that creates a smooth feel and can form a protective barrier on the skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, barrier support
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some skin types.
A solvent and humectant that helps ingredients penetrate the skin and draws moisture to it.
Usually helps with
Hydration, penetration enhancement
Solvent
Dimethyl Isosorbide
A solvent that can help improve the delivery and efficacy of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Ingredient delivery
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Proteins derived from plants that can help to condition and improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Watch for
Potential allergen for some.
A classic humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and can help to create a breathable barrier.
Usually helps with
Texture, barrier support
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some skin types.
Thickener
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
A humectant that helps to draw moisture to the skin and can also act as a solvent.
Usually helps with
Hydration, solvent
Emollient
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
A silicone that provides a matte finish and a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, mattifying
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some skin types.
A sugar that helps to retain moisture and protect skin cells from dehydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
A sugar beet derivative that acts as a humectant, helping to hydrate and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, conditioning
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
A smaller molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin for hydration.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration, plumping
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, excellent at attracting and retaining moisture.
Usually helps with
Surface hydration, plumping
Skin Conditioning
Disodium Acetyl Glucosamine Phosphate
A derivative of glucosamine that can help to improve skin texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
Skin texture, hydration
Humectant
Polyglutamic Acid
A powerful humectant that forms a film on the skin to lock in moisture.
Usually helps with
Intense surface hydration, barrier support
Active
Zanthoxylum Bungeanum Fruit Extract
Derived from Sichuan pepper, this extract is used to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Wrinkle reduction
Watch for
Can cause temporary flushing in some individuals.
Active
Copper Lysinate/Prolinate
A peptide complex that supports collagen production and skin firmness.
Usually helps with
Firmness, anti-aging
Watch for
Peptides can sometimes cause sensitivity.
Skin Conditioning
Methylglucoside Phosphate
A derivative of glucose that helps to condition and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, hydration
Emollient
Chondrus Crispus Extract
A type of red algae that provides hydration and forms a protective film on the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, film-forming
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract
Contains isoflavones that can help to improve skin texture and firmness.
Usually helps with
Skin texture, firmness
Watch for
Soy allergen potential.
Soothing
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Known for its soothing and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
A yeast-derived ingredient that can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles and skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, elasticity
Emulsifier
PEG-12 Dimethicone
A water-soluble silicone that helps to emulsify oils and water, contributing to a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, emulsification
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some skin types.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be an irritant for sensitive skin.
Film Former
HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
A polymer that forms a film on the skin, providing a smooth feel and helping to lock in moisture.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, moisture retention
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Surfactant
Decyl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing and emulsifying.
Usually helps with
Cleansing, emulsifying
Fragrance
Parfum/Fragrance
Adds scent to the product. Can be a common cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Watch for
Potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative that also acts as a skin conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the formulation by binding metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
A PHA that provides gentle exfoliation and hydration.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, hydration
Fragrance
Benzyl Salicylate
A common fragrance ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen.
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment
A common fragrance ingredient that can cause allergic reactions.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A preservative that helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Preservation
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
A humectant that helps to draw moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A fragrance ingredient that can cause allergic reactions.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen.
A fragrance ingredient that can cause allergic reactions.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen.