The base for most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Surfactant
Sodium Lauroamphoacetate
A mild amphoteric surfactant that gently cleanses the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive
Watch for
Can be slightly irritating in high concentrations, but generally well-tolerated.
Surfactant
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
A mild anionic surfactant derived from coconut oil, known for its creamy lather and gentle cleansing properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, including dry and sensitive
Watch for
Generally very mild.
Emollient/Emulsifier
Stearic Acid
A fatty acid that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and also aids in emulsifying ingredients.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals in high concentrations, but typically safe in cleansers.
A common and effective humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Opacifier
Glycol Distearate
A waxy ingredient that provides a smooth feel and can give products an opaque appearance.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
A rich emollient oil high in linoleic acid, which can help support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
Film Former/Thickener
Acrylates Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and create a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, and helps to stabilize emulsions. It is not drying like simple alcohols.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a potent humectant that attracts and retains moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dehydrated
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NP
A naturally occurring lipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and compromised
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide AP
A naturally occurring lipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and compromised
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide EOP
A naturally occurring lipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and compromised
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Phytosphingosine
A lipid that is a component of the skin's natural barrier, helping to soothe and repair.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive and irritated
Emollient/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Phospholipids
Essential components of cell membranes that help to moisturize and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Sphingolipids
Lipids that are crucial for maintaining the skin's barrier function and hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Lecithin
A phospholipid that helps to emulsify ingredients and also has emollient properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be derived from soy or egg; potential allergen for some.
An amino acid that helps to maintain skin hydration and can support collagen production.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Cholesterol
A lipid that is a natural component of the skin barrier, helping to maintain its structure and hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive and irritated
Watch for
Rarely, some individuals may have sensitivities.
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can enhance penetration of other ingredients; some concerns about environmental impact.
Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Common salt, used here to adjust the thickness of the cleanser.
Usually helps with
All skin types
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation to be skin-friendly.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating if not properly formulated.
Emulsifier/Surfactant
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
A mild emulsifier and surfactant that helps to create a stable foam and cleanse the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener/Emulsifier
Xanthan Gum
A polysaccharide used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Solvent/Viscosity Adjuster
Hexylene Glycol
A solvent and viscosity-decreasing agent that can also act as a humectant.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some individuals.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some individuals, especially in higher concentrations.
Emollient/Preservative Booster
Caprylyl Glycol
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps to boost the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some individuals.