The base liquid for the formulation.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Surfactant
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
A cleansing agent that creates lather.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Watch for
Can be drying for some skin types.
Provides gentle physical exfoliation.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation
Surfactant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
A mild surfactant that helps create foam and cleanse the skin.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for very sensitive skin.
Emulsifier
Acrylates Copolymer
Helps to bind ingredients together and create a stable formula.
Usually helps with
Texture
Softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Attracts moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
An AHA that exfoliates the skin's surface, improving texture and tone.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, dullness, texture
Watch for
Can cause stinging or redness, especially when first starting.
An AHA that exfoliates and hydrates, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration, smoothness
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation.
A BHA that penetrates pores to exfoliate and help clear congestion.
Usually helps with
Acne, pores, oiliness
Watch for
Can be drying and may cause peeling or irritation.
Soothing Agent
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Derived from licorice root, it helps to calm and soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, anti-inflammation
Antioxidant
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A stable form of Vitamin C that offers antioxidant protection and can help brighten skin.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but some may experience mild irritation.
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, it helps attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Helps to moisturize and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Watch for
Can be irritating in higher concentrations.
Skin Conditioning Agent
Yeast Amino Acids
A blend of amino acids that help condition and improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A sugar that helps to retain moisture and protect skin cells.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
Skin Conditioning Agent
Inositol
Helps to condition and improve skin's feel.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
An amino acid that can help protect skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A moisturizing ingredient derived from sugar beets.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Used to adjust the pH of the formula, can also have mild exfoliating properties.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Watch for
Can be an irritant in high concentrations.
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formula.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Watch for
Can be corrosive in high concentrations; safe in small amounts for pH adjustment.
Conditioning Agent
Polyquaternium-4
Helps to condition the skin and hair.
Usually helps with
Conditioning
Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Used to thicken the product.
Usually helps with
Texture
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Stability
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium EDTA
Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions. Concerns exist about its environmental impact.
Usually helps with
Stability
Watch for
Environmental concerns.
Preservative
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
A natural preservative derived from fermented radish root.
Usually helps with
Preservation
A form of Vitamin E that helps protect skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative that also has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative that helps prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for sensitive skin, especially in combination with Vitamin C.