Solvent
Water / Aqua / Eau
The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Attracts moisture to the skin, improving hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for very sensitive skin
A classic humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
Rich in fatty acids, it moisturizes and softens the skin, helping to prevent water loss.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be too heavy for very oily or acne-prone skin
A hydrating ingredient that helps to retain moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Preservative Booster
1,2-Hexanediol
Enhances skin hydration and helps to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A stable, plant-derived oil that mimics skin's natural sebum, providing lightweight moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types, including oily and acne-prone
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
An emulsifier that helps create a stable mixture of oil and water.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
A gentle emulsifier that helps stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Conditioning Agent
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
A conditioning agent that also helps to stabilize the emulsion.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Preservative Booster
Glyceryl Caprylate
Has emollient properties and helps boost the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative Booster/Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances preservative efficacy and provides some moisturizing benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation in some individuals
A hydrating ingredient that also helps improve the texture of the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Concerns about environmental impact
Used to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A sugar alcohol that helps to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Film Former/Thickener
Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Helps to create a smooth feel on the skin and thicken the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
A natural source of hyaluronic acid, providing excellent hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
A powerful humectant that draws moisture to the skin, plumping and hydrating.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A natural gum used to thicken and stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide Np
A lipid that is naturally found in the skin barrier, helping to restore and maintain its integrity.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, mature skin
Antioxidant/Soothing
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract
Known for its antioxidant and soothing properties, it helps to calm and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Peptide
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
A peptide that can help improve skin's firmness and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Mature, normal skin