A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and can help create a protective barrier on the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Watch for
Some individuals may prefer to avoid silicones.
Emollient
Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate
A derivative of castor oil that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Watch for
None significant.
Emollient
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
A rich, nourishing plant oil high in oleic acid, known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, nourishment
Watch for
None significant.
Emollient
Diethylhexyl Succinate
An ester that provides a smooth feel and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Watch for
None significant.
A classic humectant that draws water into the skin, providing hydration and helping to maintain the skin's moisture balance.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin barrier support
Watch for
None significant.
Emollient
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
A nourishing oil rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Dryness, antioxidant support
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
Antioxidant
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder
Contains compounds that may offer antioxidant benefits to the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Watch for
Limited research on topical benefits.
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake
A byproduct of sunflower oil extraction, it contains fatty acids and antioxidants beneficial for skin conditioning.
Usually helps with
Emollience, antioxidant support
Watch for
None significant.
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal
Contains fatty acids that help to soften and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Watch for
Potential allergen for those with nut allergies.
Antioxidant
Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil
Known for its aromatic properties and potential antioxidant benefits. Can be irritating in higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Watch for
Can cause irritation or sensitization for some skin types.
Chelating Agent
Sodium Gluconate
Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Watch for
None significant.
Skin Conditioning
Copper Gluconate
A mineral salt that may play a role in skin health and repair processes.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Watch for
Limited direct topical benefits shown.
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
A mineral salt that may contribute to skin health.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Watch for
Limited direct topical benefits shown.
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Gluconate
A mineral salt that may support skin health.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Watch for
Limited direct topical benefits shown.
Skin Conditioning
Zinc Gluconate
A mineral salt with potential antioxidant and skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, antioxidant support
Watch for
Limited direct topical benefits shown.
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Succinate
A derivative of Vitamin E, providing antioxidant protection against free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
None significant.
Also known as Vitamin B3, it helps to improve skin's barrier function, texture, and tone.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier, texture, tone
Watch for
None significant.
Exfoliant
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Powder
May provide mild physical exfoliation, but its primary role here is likely textural.
Usually helps with
Texture
Watch for
Can be abrasive if particles are large.
The base solvent for the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation base
Watch for
None significant.
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract
Contains antioxidants and may have brightening properties. Can be phototoxic or irritating in high concentrations.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Watch for
Potential for photosensitivity and irritation.
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Digitata Extract
A type of seaweed extract rich in minerals and antioxidants, known for its skin-conditioning and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, soothing
Watch for
None significant.
Skin Conditioning
Crithmum Maritimum Extract
A marine plant extract rich in antioxidants and minerals, known for its revitalizing and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, revitalization
Watch for
None significant.
Skin Conditioning
Salicornia Herbacea Extract
A succulent plant extract known for its hydrating and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin conditioning
Watch for
None significant.
Skin Conditioning
Plankton Extract
A marine-derived ingredient that can offer antioxidant and skin-renewing benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, renewal
Watch for
Limited research on topical benefits.
Skin Conditioning
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
An algae extract rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, known for its skin-nourishing properties.
Usually helps with
Skin nourishment, antioxidant support
Watch for
None significant.
Antioxidant
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Contains antioxidant compounds that help protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some.
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture, plumping the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Watch for
None significant.
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E that provides antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
None significant.
Peptide
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
A peptide that mimics the effect of Botox, aiming to reduce the appearance of expression lines.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, fine lines
Watch for
Results can vary; not a replacement for medical procedures.
Can help to temporarily reduce puffiness and redness, and offers antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant support
Watch for
Can be drying for some.
Antioxidant
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
A fat-soluble form of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant protection and may help brighten the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, brightening
Watch for
None significant.
Peptide
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
A peptide that works with ceramides to help improve skin barrier function and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier, elasticity
Watch for
None significant.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin that replenishes the skin's surface and improves moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Emollience, hydration
Watch for
None significant.
Emollient
Triethylhexanoin
A synthetic emollient that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Watch for
None significant.
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, it helps to attract and bind moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin barrier
Watch for
None significant.
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, softening and smoothing the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some.
Emollient
Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate
An emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Watch for
None significant.
Skin Conditioning
Cyanocobalamin
Vitamin B12, known for its role in cell regeneration and skin health.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, renewal
Watch for
None significant.
Emollient
C13-14 Isoparaffin
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps to spread the product.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Watch for
None significant.
Surfactant
Distearyldimonium Chloride
A quaternary ammonium compound used as a conditioning agent and emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, emulsification
Watch for
Can be irritating for some.
Skin Conditioning
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
A derivative of an amino acid that helps to firm and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Firming, moisturizing
Watch for
None significant.
A sugar that can act as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
None significant.
Emollient
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oil that has been hydrogenated to create a more stable, solid-like texture, acting as an emollient.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Watch for
None significant.
A disaccharide that helps to protect skin cells from dehydration and environmental stress.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
Watch for
None significant.
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Algin
A derivative of alginic acid from seaweed, known for its hydrating and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin conditioning
Watch for
None significant.
Skin Conditioning
Micrococcus Lysate
An extract from a specific type of bacteria, often used for its DNA-repairing and photoprotective properties.
Usually helps with
Skin repair, protection
Watch for
Effectiveness can be debated; often found in high-end products.
An enzyme that works with glucose oxidase to help preserve the formula and potentially offer mild antimicrobial benefits.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Limited direct skin benefits.
An enzyme that works with lactoperoxidase to help preserve the formula.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Limited direct skin benefits.
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, it helps to hydrate and soften the skin. Can be exfoliating at higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
Hydration, softening
Watch for
Can cause stinging if skin is broken or sensitive.
A simple sugar that can help attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
None significant.
Skin Conditioning
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
A type of brown algae extract known for its hydrating and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin conditioning
Watch for
None significant.
Skin Conditioning
Sea Water\Aqua Maris\Maris Aqua
Rich in minerals, it can help to condition and support skin health.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, mineral support
Watch for
None significant.
A polymer used to create stable emulsions and provide a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
Watch for
None significant.
Emollient
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
A polymer that helps to condition and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, conditioning
Watch for
None significant.
A polyethylene glycol derivative used as a solvent and humectant. Concerns exist regarding potential contamination.
Usually helps with
Solvent, humectant
Watch for
Potential for irritation or contamination concerns.
A surfactant used to help mix oil and water. Can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Potential for irritation.
A phospholipid that acts as an emulsifier and skin conditioner, helping to improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, hydration
Watch for
None significant.
A triester of glycerol, used as a solvent and plasticizer.
Usually helps with
Solvent
Watch for
None significant.
Viscosity Controlling Agent
Sodium Chloride
Common salt, used to adjust the viscosity of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture
Watch for
None significant.
Film Former
Polyquaternium-51
A conditioning agent that forms a protective film on the skin, helping to retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Moisture retention, conditioning
Watch for
None significant.
Buffering Agent
Potassium Phosphate
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Watch for
None significant.
Denatured alcohol, used as a solvent. Can be drying and irritating for some skin types, especially in higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
Solvent
Watch for
Can be drying and irritating.
Fragrance
Fragrance (Parfum)
Adds scent to the product. Can be a common cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
A common fragrance ingredient derived from citrus peels. Can be a skin irritant and allergen.
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
A common fragrance ingredient found in many plants. Can be a skin irritant and allergen.
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
Fragrance
Hydroxycitronellal
A synthetic fragrance ingredient with a floral scent. Can be a skin irritant and allergen.
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
A fragrance ingredient with a rose-like scent. Can be a skin irritant and allergen.
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
A fragrance ingredient with a rose-like scent. Can be a skin irritant and allergen.
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
Butylated hydroxytoluene, a synthetic antioxidant used to preserve the formula. Concerns exist about its potential health effects.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential health concerns; can be irritating for some.
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
Used to improve the stability of the formula by binding metal ions. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Watch for
Can enhance penetration of other ingredients.
A preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative that helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent bacterial contamination. Can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative. Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.