The base for many cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Methyl Trimethicone
A silicone that provides a smooth feel and helps spread the product.
Usually helps with
Smoothness
A stable form of squalene, a lipid naturally found in skin, known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, softening
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it's an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, skin-conditioning
Helps to mix oil and water ingredients. Can sometimes be a skin irritant for sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Potential irritation
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, and also acts as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, softening
A common solvent and humectant that helps ingredients penetrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, penetration
A silicone that forms a breathable barrier on the skin, providing a smooth feel and preventing moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Smoothness, moisture barrier
Emollient
Myristyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Moisturization
Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate
A common emulsifier that can sometimes be contaminated with ethylene oxide, a potential carcinogen, though levels are usually safe in cosmetics.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Potential contamination
Derived from jojoba oil, these esters provide moisturizing and emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, skin-conditioning
A powerful humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration, softening
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Peel Oil*
Provides a natural fragrance. Can be a potential irritant or allergen for some individuals.
Watch for
Potential irritation/allergy
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*
Adds a citrus scent. Like other essential oils, it can be phototoxic or irritating for some.
Watch for
Potential irritation/phototoxicity
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil*
Contributes to the fragrance profile. Essential oils can be sensitizing.
Watch for
Potential sensitization
Fragrance
Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Leaf Oil*
A potent essential oil used for fragrance. Can be a strong irritant and sensitizer.
Watch for
High potential for irritation/sensitization
Fragrance
Valeriana Officinalis Root Oil*
Used for its scent. Essential oils can cause irritation.
Watch for
Potential irritation
Fragrance
Ferula Galbaniflua (Galbanum) Resin Oil*
Adds a unique scent note. Essential oils can be sensitizing.
Watch for
Potential sensitization
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants and can contribute to skin brightening. May contain natural fragrance components.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, brightening
Watch for
Potential fragrance sensitivity
Fragrance
Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Provides a sweet scent. Can be a mild irritant for some.
Watch for
Potential mild irritation
A common component of citrus essential oils, used for fragrance. It's a known allergen and irritant.
Watch for
Allergen, irritant
A naturally occurring fragrance compound found in many plants. It's a common allergen and can cause skin irritation.
Watch for
Allergen, irritant
A component of citrus oils, used for fragrance. It can be an irritant and allergen.
Watch for
Irritant, allergen
A fragrance compound found in rose and citrus oils. It's a potential allergen and irritant.
Watch for
Potential allergen, irritant
Antioxidant
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract
Contains antioxidants and can have stimulating properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, helps with cell turnover, and can improve skin texture and tone. Can cause irritation at higher concentrations or for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, brightening, texture improvement
Watch for
Potential irritation, sun sensitivity
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, aiding in cell turnover and improving texture. Can cause irritation.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, texture improvement
Watch for
Potential irritation, sun sensitivity
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates and hydrates the skin. It's generally considered gentler than glycolic acid but can still cause irritation and increase sun sensitivity.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration, brightening
Watch for
Potential irritation, sun sensitivity
A Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that exfoliates inside pores. Effective for acne and blackheads, but can be drying and irritating, especially when combined with AHAs.
Usually helps with
Pore cleansing, acne
Watch for
Drying, irritation, sun sensitivity
A B vitamin that helps maintain skin health.
Usually helps with
Skin health
Antioxidant
Castanea Sativa (Chestnut) Seed Extract
Contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E, it's an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A stable, water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. It's an antioxidant that can help brighten skin and support collagen production. Less irritating than L-Ascorbic Acid.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant
Opacifier
Calcium Carbonate
Used to make the product opaque.
Usually helps with
Product appearance
Soothing
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Sugar that can act as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
A plant-derived oil that can be moisturizing. Concerns exist regarding the sustainability of palm oil production.
Usually helps with
Moisturization
Watch for
Sustainability concerns
Skin Conditioning
Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract
Contains antioxidants and can help condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Skin Conditioning
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract
Rich in vitamins and minerals, it helps condition and nourish the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, nourishment
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to stabilize the product and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Product stability, softening
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Butter
A rich emollient derived from jojoba oil, it helps to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, conditioning
Skin Conditioning
Hypnea Musciformis (Algae) Extract
An extract from red algae known for its skin-conditioning and moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, hydration
Skin Conditioning
Linoleic Acid
An essential fatty acid that helps maintain the skin's barrier function and hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Skin Conditioning
Gelidiella Acerosa Extract
Another algae extract that provides skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Essential components of skin cell membranes, they help to moisturize and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, barrier support
Plant-derived sterols that help to condition and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, skin conditioning
A form of Vitamin E with antioxidant properties, helping to protect skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative that also acts as a skin conditioner. Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Watch for
Potential allergic reactions
A gelling agent used to thicken formulations. Generally considered safe.
Usually helps with
Product texture
A sugar that helps retain moisture and protect skin cells.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), it helps bind moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
An amino acid that helps with skin conditioning and repair.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, repair
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, and acts as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, softening
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it's a potent humectant that draws and holds moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Intense hydration
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from oxidative stress.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
An emulsifier that can sometimes be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen. Generally considered safe in low concentrations.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Potential contamination
A solvent and viscosity-decreasing agent. Can be a mild irritant.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Watch for
Potential mild irritation
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Preservative
Sodium Dehydroacetate
A preservative that can be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential irritation
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative that can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential irritation/allergy
Included in the source ingredient list. Glass treats this as part of the supporting formula unless it overlaps with a known active, preservative, or fragrance flag.
Usually helps with
Formula completeness and routine context
Watch for
Personal sensitivity, especially if your skin is reactive or the ingredient overlaps with other products in your routine