The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Attracts water to the skin, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
A common humectant that also helps with product texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Mimics skin's natural oils to moisturize and soften.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Emollient
Dicaprylyl Ether
Provides a smooth feel and helps with moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Softness, hydration
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Methyl Trimethicone
A silicone derivative that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Texture
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to stabilize the emulsion and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture, skin conditioning
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softness
A humectant that also has preservative properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Emollient
Stearyl Dimethicone
A silicone that provides a smooth feel and helps with moisture.
Usually helps with
Texture, hydration
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones
Emollient
Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone
A silicone that conditions the skin and improves texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, skin conditioning
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softness, skin conditioning
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
A probiotic ingredient that can help support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
A blend of fatty acids that moisturizes and softens.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softness
A fatty acid that helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A fatty acid that helps to condition and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Pro-vitamin B5, known for its hydrating and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing, barrier support
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Helps to create a stable emulsion and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
A humectant that enhances the absorption of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Helps to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
A natural gum used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Glyceryl Caprylate
A fatty acid derivative with skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A carbohydrate that can help with hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative that also has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability of the product.
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Texture
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Soothes and protects the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, skin protection
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
A smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate the skin for deeper hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
A lipid that is a key component of the skin barrier, helping to retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Fragrance
Fragrance/Parfum
Adds a scent to the product.
Watch for
Can be irritating for sensitive skin
A polysaccharide that hydrates and soothes the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
A lipid that helps to support the skin barrier and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
A sugar alcohol that can help to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Peptide
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11
A peptide that can help to support skin firmness and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Firmness, elasticity
Skin Conditioning
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
An extract from seaweed that can offer antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning