Derived from various seaweeds, it's known for its hydrating and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
The base for many skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A silicone that creates a smooth, protective barrier on the skin, offering a silky feel.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, barrier support
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some; may clog pores in very acne-prone individuals.
A solvent and emollient that helps create a lightweight, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Texture, spreadability
Watch for
Can be drying for some skin types.
A highly effective humectant that draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
Skin-Conditioning
Yeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De Levure
Rich in amino acids and peptides, it can help to support skin's natural renewal processes and provide antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Revitalizing, antioxidant
Watch for
Potential allergen for some.
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
A synthetic emollient that softens and smooths the skin, providing a pleasant texture.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, emollience
Watch for
Can contribute to a heavier feel.
A silicone that provides a light, non-greasy feel and helps to spread the product evenly.
Usually helps with
Texture, spreadability
Watch for
Similar to other silicones, can be occlusive.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
A blend of fatty acids derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it helps to moisturize and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin conditioning
Film Former
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
A silicone polymer that creates a smooth, matte finish and can help to blur the appearance of pores and fine lines.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, blurring
Watch for
Silicones can be occlusive.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin, it's an excellent emollient that replenishes the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin conditioning
Exfoliant
Sea Salt\Maris Sal\Sel Marin
Rich in minerals, it can offer gentle exfoliation and support skin health.
Usually helps with
Mineralizing, gentle exfoliation
Watch for
Can be drying if overused or for very sensitive skin.
Emollient
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
A rich oil with antioxidant properties that helps to nourish and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishing, antioxidant
Watch for
Potential allergen for some.
Skin-Conditioning
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder
Contains vitamins and minerals that can help to condition and revitalize the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Watch for
Can be abrasive if used as a physical exfoliant.
Skin-Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake
A byproduct of sunflower oil extraction, it contains beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Nourishing, antioxidant
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal
Contains fatty acids and vitamins that help to moisturize and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, softening
Watch for
Potential allergen for those with nut allergies.
Fragrance
Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil
Provides a distinct scent and can have some antimicrobial properties, but can be irritating for sensitive skin.
Watch for
Potential irritant, especially for sensitive skin.
Chelating Agent
Sodium Gluconate
Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Skin-Conditioning
Copper Gluconate
A mineral that plays a role in collagen production and skin repair.
Usually helps with
Skin repair, collagen support
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Skin-Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
A mineral that helps to support skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier support
Skin-Conditioning
Magnesium Gluconate
A mineral that can help to soothe and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, conditioning
Skin-Conditioning
Zinc Gluconate
A mineral that can help to regulate oil production and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Oil regulation, anti-inflammatory
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Succinate
A derivative of Vitamin E that provides antioxidant protection against free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Also known as Vitamin B3, it helps to improve skin barrier function and has antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, antioxidant
Watch for
Can cause flushing in high concentrations, but this form is generally mild.
Exfoliant
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Powder
Provides a mild physical exfoliation.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation
Watch for
Can be abrasive for some.
Antioxidant
Asparagopsis Armata Extract
A red algae extract rich in antioxidants that can help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, skin conditioning
Skin-Conditioning
Laminaria Digitata Extract
A nutrient-rich seaweed extract known for its hydrating and skin-renewing properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin renewal
Skin-Conditioning
Trametes Versicolor Extract
A mushroom extract that can help to soothe and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Ecklonia Cava Extract
A potent antioxidant derived from brown seaweed, known for its anti-inflammatory and protective benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and retains moisture, plumping the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Skin-Conditioning
Aspergillus Ferment
A fermentation product that can help to improve skin texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
Skin texture, hydration
Watch for
Potential allergen for some.
Emollient
Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil
A source of fatty acids that helps to moisturize and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin conditioning
Skin-Conditioning
Polygonum Fagopyrum Seed Extract
Extract from buckwheat seeds, potentially offering antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, antioxidant
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Soothing
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties, it helps to calm redness and even skin tone.
Usually helps with
Soothing, brightening, anti-inflammatory
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract
Adds fragrance and can have astringent properties, but may cause photosensitivity.
Watch for
Potential photosensitizer; can be irritating.
Skin-Conditioning
Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract
A brown seaweed extract rich in minerals and antioxidants, known for its hydrating and protective qualities.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
Peptide
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
A peptide that mimics the action of Botox, helping to relax facial muscles and reduce the appearance of expression lines.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, wrinkle reduction
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Soothing
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Known for its cooling and soothing properties, it helps to calm and hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydrating, calming
Soothing
Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract
Contains mucilage that forms a protective barrier and soothes irritated skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, moisturizing, barrier support
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, it helps to nourish and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishing, antioxidant
Skin-Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract
Contains fatty acids and antioxidants that help to condition and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, antioxidant
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E that provides antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emollient
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
A rich, nourishing oil that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing excellent emollience.
Usually helps with
Emollience, nourishing
Watch for
Potential allergen for those with nut allergies.
Skin-Conditioning
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
A yeast extract that can help to support skin's natural repair processes and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Skin repair, hydration
Watch for
Potential allergen for some.
A peptide that helps to improve lymphatic circulation, reducing the appearance of puffiness and dark circles.
Usually helps with
Anti-puffiness, dark circle reduction
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emollient
Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate
A derivative of castor oil that provides excellent emollience and helps to improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture improvement
Peptide
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
A peptide that helps to reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, firming, anti-inflammatory
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Helps to constrict blood vessels, reducing puffiness and the appearance of dark circles.
Usually helps with
Anti-puffiness, dark circle reduction
Watch for
Can be drying for some.
Skin-Conditioning
Tetraacetylphytosphingosine
A derivative of phytosphingosine, it helps to support the skin's natural barrier function and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Skin-Conditioning
Whey Protein\Lactis Protein\Proteine Du Petit-Lait
Contains amino acids and peptides that can help to nourish and support skin repair.
Usually helps with
Nourishing, skin repair
Watch for
Potential allergen for those with dairy sensitivities.
Emollient
Triethylhexanoin
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, smoothing
A sugar alcohol that attracts moisture to the skin, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Skin-Conditioning
Hordeum Vulgare Extract\Extrait D'Orge
Barley extract, rich in antioxidants and nutrients, that helps to condition and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, antioxidant
Skin-Conditioning
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein
Contains amino acids that help to strengthen and repair the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin repair, strengthening
Watch for
Potential allergen for those with soy allergies.
A lipid that helps to reinforce the skin's natural barrier and improve moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Skin-Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Breaks down yeast proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, which can help to support skin repair and hydration.
Usually helps with
Skin repair, hydration
Watch for
Potential allergen for some.
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate
A synthetic emollient that provides a light, silky feel and helps to improve product spreadability.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Emollient
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
A derivative of propylene glycol and caprylic acid, it provides emollience and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin conditioning
Emulsifier
Cetyl Peg/Ppg-10/1 Dimethicone
An emulsifier that helps to create stable emulsions and provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Formula stability, texture
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some.
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the formula.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
A sugar that can attract and hold moisture, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A silicone that provides a smooth, velvety feel and can help to blur imperfections.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, blurring
Watch for
Silicones can be occlusive.
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
A silicone polymer that creates a smooth, non-greasy feel and can help to mattify the skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, mattifying
Watch for
Silicones can be occlusive.
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3
Similar to Dimethicone Crosspolymer, it provides a smooth, dry-touch finish.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, dry-touch finish
Watch for
Silicones can be occlusive.
Helps to absorb excess oil and can provide a mattifying effect.
Usually helps with
Oil absorption, mattifying
Watch for
Can be drying for some.
A synthetic polymer that absorbs oil and provides a smooth, soft feel.
Usually helps with
Oil absorption, texture
Film Former
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
A silicone that forms a breathable film on the skin, providing long-lasting wear and a smooth finish.
Usually helps with
Film forming, smoothing
Watch for
Silicones can be occlusive.
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Viscosity Controlling Agent
Calcium Chloride
Used to adjust the thickness of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture
Skin-Conditioning
Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone
A flavonoid derivative that may help to strengthen blood vessels and reduce the appearance of dark circles.
Usually helps with
Dark circle reduction, vascular support
Emulsifier
Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone
A silicone-based emulsifier that helps to create stable emulsions and provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Formula stability, texture
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some.
Used as an exfoliant or to provide texture. Can be irritating.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation (in some formulations)
Watch for
Can be abrasive and irritating.
Silicone
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Used to improve the texture and spreadability of powders and pigments.
Usually helps with
Texture, pigment dispersion
Emollient
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Provides emollience and helps to soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, softening
Can help other ingredients penetrate the skin, but can also be drying and irritating, especially in higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
Solvent
Watch for
Can be drying and irritating, especially for sensitive or dry skin.
A humectant that draws moisture to the skin and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration, penetration enhancement
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Fragrance
Fragrance (Parfum)
Adds scent to the product. Can be a common cause of irritation and allergic reactions.
Watch for
Potential irritant and allergen, especially for sensitive skin.
A synthetic antioxidant used to preserve the product. Concerns exist regarding its potential health effects.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential irritant and debated safety profile.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Antiseptic
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
An antimicrobial agent used for its disinfectant properties. Can be irritating.
Usually helps with
Antimicrobial
Watch for
Potential irritant.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
A mineral that adds shimmer and helps to reflect light, giving the skin a luminous appearance.
Usually helps with
Luminosity, color
Colorant
Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)
A white pigment used for color and UV protection. Generally considered safe.
Usually helps with
Color, opacity