The base for most cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Soothing
Algae (Seaweed) Extract
Rich in minerals and antioxidants, known for its hydrating and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Methyl Gluceth-20
A moisturizing agent derived from corn sugar.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
A silicone derivative that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
A solvent and humectant that helps other ingredients penetrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Soothing
Hypnea Musciformis (Algae) Extract
A red algae extract known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
A sugar that can help attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A plant-derived humectant that improves skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
A nourishing oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Nourishment, emollience
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some skin types.
Exfoliant
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder
Contains saponins which can have mild exfoliating properties.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation
Watch for
Can be irritating if used too frequently.
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake
A byproduct of sunflower oil extraction, rich in fatty acids.
Usually helps with
Emollience
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.
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
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
A mineral that supports skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier support
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Gluconate
A mineral that can help to calm and soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing
Skin Conditioning
Zinc Gluconate
A mineral with antioxidant properties that can help regulate oil production.
Usually helps with
Oil regulation, antioxidant
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Succinate
A derivative of Vitamin E, providing antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A form of Vitamin B3 that can help improve skin barrier function and reduce inflammation.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, anti-inflammatory
Exfoliant
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Powder
Can provide mild physical exfoliation.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation
Watch for
Potential for micro-tears if used too aggressively.
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract
Contains Vitamin C and antioxidants, but can be photosensitizing.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Watch for
Potential photosensitizer; use with SPF.
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract
Rich in amino acids and peptides, known for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, anti-aging
Watch for
Potential allergen for those with soy allergies.
Peptide
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
A peptide that mimics the effect of Botox, helping to relax facial muscles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Anti-wrinkle
Peptide
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
A peptide that helps to soothe and calm the skin, and can improve skin firmness.
Usually helps with
Soothing, firming
Exfoliant
Sea Salt\Maris Sal\Sel Marin
Provides mineral benefits and can act as a gentle exfoliant.
Usually helps with
Mineralizing, gentle exfoliation
Watch for
Can be drying for some skin types.
Soothing
Codium Tomentosum Extract
A type of green algae known for its hydrating and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
Soothing
Gelidiella Acerosa Extract
A red algae extract that helps to condition and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, moisturizing
Can help to reduce puffiness and redness, and provides antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
De-puffing, antioxidant
Soothing
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
A brown algae extract rich in minerals and vitamins, known for its hydrating and skin-renewing properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin renewal
Humectant
Alcaligenes Polysaccharides
A polysaccharide that helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Soothing
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
A derivative of licorice root, known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, anti-inflammatory
A humectant that provides moisturizing benefits.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Soothing
Laminaria Digitata Extract
A nutrient-rich brown algae extract known for its revitalizing and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Revitalizing, hydration
Skin Conditioning
Plankton Extract
A marine extract rich in nutrients that can help to improve skin texture and radiance.
Usually helps with
Skin texture, radiance
Humectant
Glycosaminoglycans
A group of molecules that help to retain moisture in the skin, contributing to its plumpness.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Soothing
Palmaria Palmata Extract
A red algae extract known for its antioxidant and skin-brightening properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, brightening
A polyethylene glycol that helps to dissolve ingredients.
Usually helps with
Solubilizing
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative that also has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, helping to attract and bind moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A humectant that helps to hydrate and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, softening
Emulsifier
Ppg-5-Ceteth-20
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Emulsifier
Jojoba Wax Peg-120 Esters
A wax ester that acts as an emulsifier and thickener.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, thickening
A surfactant and emulsifier that can help to solubilize fragrances and oils.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, solubilizing
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
A thickening agent used to create gel-like textures.
Usually helps with
Texture
Skin Conditioning
Yeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De Levure
Rich in amino acids and peptides, known for its revitalizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Revitalizing, skin conditioning
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and retains moisture, plumping the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
A natural thickening agent derived from fermented sugar.
Usually helps with
Texture
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
A sugar that helps to protect skin cells from dehydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein
A protein derived from yeast that helps to condition and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, moisturizing
Thickener
Hydroxyethylcellulose
A cellulose derivative used as a thickening and stabilizing agent.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
A humectant that also acts as a preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Fragrance
Fragrance (Parfum)
Adds a scent to the product. Can be a common cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Watch for
Potential irritant and allergen, especially for sensitive skin.
Skin Conditioning
Tourmaline
A semi-precious mineral believed to have energizing properties, though scientific evidence is limited.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Watch for
Effectiveness is largely anecdotal.
Stabilizer
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
A cyclodextrin derivative used to stabilize and deliver active ingredients.
Usually helps with
Stabilizing
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein
A protein derived from soybeans that helps to condition and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, moisturizing
Watch for
Potential allergen for those with soy allergies.
Denatured alcohol can be drying and irritating for some skin types, though it can help ingredients penetrate.
Usually helps with
Solvent
Watch for
Can be drying and irritating, especially for dry or sensitive skin.
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to be compatible with skin.
Usually helps with
pH balance
A phospholipid that acts as an emulsifier and skin conditioner.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, conditioning
Humectant
Polyquaternium-51
A polymer that forms a moisturizing film on the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
Helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the formula.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
A fragrance ingredient that can be a common allergen.
Watch for
Potential allergen.
A fragrance ingredient that can be a common allergen.
Watch for
Potential allergen.
Fragrance
Hydroxycitronellal
A fragrance ingredient that can be a common allergen.
Watch for
Potential allergen.
A fragrance ingredient that can be a common allergen.
Watch for
Potential allergen.
A fragrance ingredient derived from citrus peels that can be a common allergen.
Watch for
Potential allergen and irritant.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative that can sometimes cause skin irritation.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative that can be a mild irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential irritant for sensitive skin.