The primary solvent in the formula, providing the necessary base for all other ingredients to be dissolved and dispersed evenly.
Usually helps with
Creating a lightweight, easy-to-spread texture.
Watch for
A neutral ingredient that does not offer direct skin benefits but is essential for product formulation.
A powerful humectant that draws water from the environment into the skin, helping to maintain hydration and prevent dryness during cleansing.
Usually helps with
Keeping skin moisturized and soft, even after rinsing.
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but can feel slightly sticky in very high humidity if not properly rinsed.
A mild amphoteric surfactant known for its gentle cleansing properties and ability to create a soft lather. It helps lift dirt and oil without stripping the skin.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing, suitable for sensitive and dry skin types.
Watch for
While mild, some individuals with extreme sensitivities might react.
Surfactant
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
An amino acid-based surfactant that provides excellent cleansing with a mild profile. It helps create a stable lather and is known for its skin-friendly properties.
Usually helps with
Effective yet gentle cleansing, good for maintaining skin barrier integrity.
Watch for
Generally very well tolerated, but as with any surfactant, individual reactions are possible.
Thickener and film former
Acrylates Copolymer
A polymer used to thicken the product and create a smooth, gel-like texture. It can also form a light film on the skin.
Usually helps with
Achieving the desired gel consistency and smooth application.
Watch for
Can sometimes contribute to pilling if too much product is used or layered with other heavy products.
Solvent and preservative booster
1,2-Hexanediol
A multifunctional ingredient that acts as a solvent, humectant, and preservative booster, helping to keep the formula stable and effective.
Usually helps with
Enhancing formula stability and providing some moisturizing benefits.
Watch for
Generally safe, but can be a mild irritant for some very sensitive individuals.
Viscosity adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Commonly known as salt, it's used here primarily to adjust the viscosity of the formula, helping to achieve the desired texture.
Usually helps with
Controlling the thickness of the cleanser.
Watch for
In rinse-off products, it's generally not a concern for skin.
Emollient and preservative booster
Glyceryl Caprylate
A fatty acid derivative that acts as an emollient and also helps to boost the preservative system, contributing to the overall stability and feel of the product.
Usually helps with
Improving skin feel and supporting formula preservation.
Watch for
Typically well-tolerated and beneficial for skin conditioning.
Used to adjust the pH of the formula to be optimal for skin compatibility and product stability.
Usually helps with
Ensuring the product is balanced and safe for use.
Watch for
At low concentrations for pH adjustment, it's usually not an issue, but high concentrations can be irritating.
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, known for its ability to attract and hold large amounts of water, providing hydration to the skin.
Usually helps with
Boosting skin hydration and plumping effect.
Watch for
While beneficial, its effect in a rinse-off product is temporary.
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
A smaller molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate the skin more effectively to provide hydration.
Usually helps with
Deeper hydration and improved skin suppleness.
Watch for
Like sodium hyaluronate, the benefits are short-lived in a cleanser.
Humectant and solvent
Butylene Glycol
A common solvent and humectant that helps to improve product texture and draw moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Enhancing hydration and improving the feel of the product.
Watch for
Generally safe, but can be a mild irritant for some individuals.
Soothing agent and humectant
Panthenol
Also known as Vitamin B5, it's a humectant that also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydrating and soothing the skin.
Watch for
Well-tolerated and beneficial for skin health.
Chelating agent
Disodium EDTA
A chelating agent that binds to metal ions, helping to improve the stability and performance of the product by preventing them from interacting with formula ingredients.
Usually helps with
Stabilizing the formula and enhancing preservative efficacy.
Watch for
Can be a concern for some in leave-on products, but generally considered safe in rinse-off formulas.
Adds a scent to the product. While often pleasant, fragrance is a common cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Usually helps with
Providing a pleasant sensory experience.
Watch for
Potential irritant for sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema. Opt for fragrance-free if this is a concern.