The base of the formula, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Absorbent
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Helps to absorb excess oil and provides a matte finish.
Usually helps with
Oil control
Watch for
Can feel drying for some
A silicone that creates a smooth feel and helps to form a protective barrier on the skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothness, barrier support
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturization
UV Filter
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
A chemical sunscreen agent that helps protect against UV radiation.
Usually helps with
UV protection
Watch for
Potential for skin sensitivity
Emollient
PPG-2 Myristyl Ether Propionate
Provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Texture, emollience
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Helps to soften and smooth the skin, and can also act as a solvent for UV filters.
Usually helps with
Emollience, UV filter solvency
Helps to mix oil and water ingredients, creating a stable emulsion.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Oleate
Helps to stabilize the product's emulsion.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Known for its hydrating, soothing, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Antioxidant
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
A green tea extract rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Soothing Agent
Hypericum Perforatum Extract
Also known as St. John's Wort extract, it has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity in some individuals
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances the effectiveness of preservatives and has mild moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, mild hydration
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate
Used to create and stabilize emulsions, helping oil and water mix.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Used to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Adds a scent to the product.
Watch for
Can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to ensure stability and efficacy.
Usually helps with
Product stability
A chemical sunscreen agent that provides broad-spectrum UVA protection.
Usually helps with
UVA protection
Watch for
Can degrade with UV exposure; often needs stabilizing ingredients
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB radiation.
Usually helps with
UVB protection
Watch for
Concerns about endocrine disruption and environmental impact
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB radiation.
Usually helps with
UVB protection
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB and some UVA radiation, and helps stabilize other filters.
Usually helps with
UVB protection, filter stabilization
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals