Soothing
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice*
Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, aloe vera is a gentle base for skincare.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
A common and effective humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil Phytosterol Esters
A plant-derived emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Nourishing
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Extract*
Rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, it nourishes and comforts the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishing, comforting
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
The base for many skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Antioxidant
Morinda Citrifolia (Noni) Fruit Extract*
Rich in antioxidants, it helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Some find the scent strong
Brightening
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
A source of Vitamin C, known for its brightening and antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant
Watch for
Can be unstable in formulations
Hydrator
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
A natural humectant that can hold more water than hyaluronic acid, providing superior hydration and plumping.
Usually helps with
Intense hydration, plumping
Exfoliant
Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Contains natural AHAs (fruit acids) that gently exfoliate and improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, skin texture
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation or redness
A seaweed-derived ingredient used to thicken formulations and provide a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Thickener
Cyamposis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum
A natural thickening agent derived from guar beans.
Usually helps with
Texture
A common thickening agent that also helps stabilize emulsions.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
Antioxidant
Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract
Contains natural salicylates and antioxidants, offering mild skin benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*
A rich emollient that helps to moisturize and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, barrier support
Fragrance
Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil
Adds a herbaceous scent to the product.
Watch for
Potential for skin sensitivity due to fragrance
Fragrance
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Provides a floral scent, often used in aromatherapy.
Watch for
Potential for skin sensitivity due to fragrance
Fragrance
Rosa Centifolia Flower Oil
A luxurious floral oil known for its scent.
Watch for
Potential for skin sensitivity due to fragrance
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
A smaller molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper for hydration.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration
Humectant
Sodium Polyglutamate
A powerful humectant that can hold significantly more water than hyaluronic acid.
Usually helps with
Intense hydration
A BHA that exfoliates inside pores and on the skin's surface, helping with congestion and texture.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, pores, texture
Watch for
Can be drying or irritating if overused or for sensitive skin
Thickener
Acacia Senegal Gum
A plant-derived gum used to thicken and stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Glyceryl Caprylate
A skin-conditioning agent that also has emulsifying properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, emulsifying
Emollient
Glyceryl Undecylenate
A skin-conditioning agent derived from castor oil.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with low pH
A simple sugar that can act as a humectant.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A preservative that helps prevent the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation in some individuals
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
A derivative of phytic acid that helps to improve the stability and efficacy of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Stabilization
Absorbent
Maltodextrin (Tapioca Starch)
A carbohydrate derived from starch, used here to absorb excess oil and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, oil absorption
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
A preservative and solvent with antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant and allergen for some
A sugar beet derivative that acts as a humectant and skin conditioner.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin conditioning
Can be drying and stripping to the skin in higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
Solvent
Watch for
Can cause dryness and irritation, especially for dry or sensitive skin types
A mineral exfoliant that can be too abrasive for facial skin, potentially causing micro-tears.
Usually helps with
Physical exfoliation
Watch for
Potential for irritation and micro-tears
A common fragrance ingredient derived from plants, known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Watch for
Potential allergen and irritant