The base of the formula, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Attracts moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A silicone that creates a smooth feel and forms a barrier to prevent moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, moisture barrier
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some very oily skin types.
A common solvent and humectant that helps ingredients penetrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, penetration
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
An emollient that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Solvent
Dipropylene Glycol
A solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and can improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, solvent
Emollient
Methyl Trimethicone
A silicone derivative that provides a light, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Light feel, smoothing
Emollient
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning
Emollient
Phenyl Trimethicone
A silicone that provides a smooth, non-greasy finish.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, finish
A conditioning agent that helps improve skin's moisture barrier.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, barrier support
Emollient
Caprylyl Methicone
A silicone that offers a light, spreadable texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, spreadability
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
A synthetic emollient that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps improve skin tone, reduce inflammation, and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Brightening, tone, barrier support
Watch for
Can cause flushing or irritation in sensitive individuals at high concentrations.
A silicone that provides a smooth feel and can help with product spreadability.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, texture
A versatile ingredient used for its moisturizing and preservative-boosting properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
An emulsifier that helps mix oil and water. Can be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive skin.
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, and acts as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, softening
A solvent and humectant that enhances skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, penetration
Known for its ability to temporarily constrict blood vessels, reducing puffiness and dark circles.
Usually helps with
Puffiness, dark circles
Watch for
Can be drying for some if not balanced with emollients.
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps create a stable cream.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
A polymer used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
An emollient and emulsifier that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Emulsifier
C14-22 Alcohols
A blend of fatty alcohols that act as emulsifiers and emollients.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, softening
A silicone that provides a smooth, conditioning feel.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, conditioning
Thickener
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
A polymer that provides thickening and stability to the formula.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
A fatty acid that softens and smooths the skin, and acts as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Antioxidant
Malpighia Emarginata (Acerola) Fruit Extract
Rich in Vitamin C, it provides antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Thickener
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
A polymer used to thicken the product and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, thickening
A synthetic polymer that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
A fatty acid that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Antioxidant
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Acai berry extract, rich in antioxidants to protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that acts as an emulsifier and skin conditioner.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, conditioning
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
A rich emollient that moisturizes and softens the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, softening
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some, though less likely in rinse-off or eye products.
Emollient
Glyceryl Caprylate
A fatty acid ester with emollient and antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Emollient, preservation
Emollient
Arachidyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Emollient, emulsifying
Emulsifier
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
A natural-derived emulsifier that provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, smoothing
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent with preservative-boosting properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, conditioning
Fragrance
Fragrance / Parfum
Adds scent to the product. Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Watch for
Potential for irritation, allergies, or photosensitivity.
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, known for its ability to attract and hold moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener.
Usually helps with
Emollient, thickening
Emulsifier
Arachidyl Glucoside
A plant-derived emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
A chelating agent that helps improve the stability and efficacy of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Stability
Watch for
Can enhance penetration of other ingredients.
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
A smaller molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin for hydration.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration
A polysaccharide that hydrates, soothes, and supports the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing, barrier support
Thickener
Sodium Magnesium Silicate
A mineral-derived thickener that can help improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
A simple sugar that can help attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A fatty acid that can act as an emollient and cleansing agent.
Usually helps with
Emollient
A fatty acid that can act as an emollient and has some antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Emollient
A potent antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and can contribute to brightening.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, brightening
Watch for
Stability can be an issue in formulations.
Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
A type of seaweed extract rich in antioxidants and nutrients.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, skin conditioning