The base of the formulation, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Emollient
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil/Apricot Kernel Oil
A plant-based oil that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin that replenishes the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
Replenishing, softening
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
A synthetic emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, and also acts as a thickener.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, thickening
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
Absorbent
Zea Mays Starch/Corn Starch
Helps to absorb excess oil and provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Oil absorption, texture enhancement
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter/Shea Butter
A rich butter that moisturizes, soothes, and helps improve skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, soothing, elasticity
A solvent that can help other ingredients penetrate the skin, but can also be drying and irritating.
Usually helps with
Solvent
Watch for
Drying, potential irritation
Forms a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Occlusion, moisture retention
Watch for
Can feel heavy, potential for clogged pores
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A multi-functional ingredient that acts as a humectant and preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to mix oil and water, and also acts as an emollient.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, softening
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and helps to lock in moisture.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, occlusive
Emulsifier
Peg-40 Stearate
An emulsifier that can sometimes be contaminated with ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Potential contamination
Emollient
Cera Alba/Beeswax/Cire Dabeille
A natural wax that helps to soften and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, protecting
Buffering Agent
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment
A synthetic red dye that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Coloring
Watch for
Potential allergen
Colorant
Ci 19140/Yellow 5
A synthetic yellow dye that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Coloring
Watch for
Potential allergen
Antioxidant
Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
A fermented black tea extract that may help brighten and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Brightening, smoothing
Skin Conditioning Agent
Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract
Derived from flaxseed, it may help improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Firming, anti-wrinkle
Skin Conditioning Agent
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, softening
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
A smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate the skin to provide hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential irritant
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A widely used preservative that can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential allergen
Skin Conditioning Agent
Adenosine
Known for its anti-aging properties, it can help soothe skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, soothing
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, softening
Peptide
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
A peptide that helps support collagen synthesis, contributing to firmer-looking skin.
Usually helps with
Firming, anti-aging
A surfactant and emulsifier that can be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Potential irritant
A silicone derivative that provides a smooth feel and helps condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, conditioning
Fragrance Component
Limonene
A common fragrance ingredient that can be a skin irritant and allergen.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen, irritant
A natural gum used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Thickening
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
An antioxidant that helps protect the formula from degradation.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
A preservative that can cause allergic reactions and irritation.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential allergen, irritant
A skin-conditioning agent that also has preservative properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Fragrance Component
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
A synthetic fragrance ingredient that is a common allergen.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Tristearate
An emulsifier that can be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Potential irritant
Emollient
Myristyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, softening
Fragrance Component
Geraniol
A common fragrance ingredient that can be a skin irritant and allergen.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen, irritant
Fragrance Component
Hexyl Cinnamal
A synthetic fragrance ingredient that can cause allergic reactions.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen
Fragrance
Parfum/Fragrance
A blend of various scent ingredients, which can be a common cause of skin irritation and allergies.
Watch for
Potential allergen, irritant