The primary ingredient in most skincare formulations, acting as a base for other components.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin, also helps with product texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some sensitive skin types.
A highly effective humectant that draws water into the skin, promoting hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
A rich emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin, providing moisture.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be too heavy for very oily or acne-prone skin.
A humectant that helps to hydrate the skin and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A versatile ingredient that acts as a humectant, solvent, and preservative booster.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A stable, hydrogenated form of squalene, known for its excellent moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties. It mimics the skin's natural sebum.
Usually helps with
All skin types, including oily and acne-prone
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients, contributing to product texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable emulsions and provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps to create stable formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
A derivative of inulin that can act as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Glyceryl Caprylate
A skin-conditioning agent and emollient that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent that enhances the efficacy of other preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some individuals.
A humectant that helps to hydrate the skin and improve the absorption of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the formulation by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can enhance penetration of other ingredients, which might be a concern if those ingredients are irritating.
A thickening agent used to create gels and improve product texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Film Former
Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer
A polymer that can form a film on the skin, providing a smooth feel and potentially helping with moisture retention.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Some polymers can be non-biodegradable.
Humectant
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
A mushroom extract known for its hydrating properties, often compared to hyaluronic acid.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated
A powerful humectant that attracts and holds moisture in the skin, plumping and hydrating.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A natural thickening agent and stabilizer that improves product texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide NP
A type of ceramide that is essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and preventing moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, compromised skin
Antioxidant
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract
An extract from the camellia flower, known for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Peptide
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
A peptide that can help support skin firmness and elasticity, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
Usually helps with
Mature skin, skin concerned with firmness