The base for most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A silicone that creates a smooth feel and forms a protective barrier on the skin, helping to reduce water loss. Generally well-tolerated but can feel heavy for some.
Usually helps with
Dryness, smoothing
Watch for
Can feel heavy or occlusive for very oily skin types
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
A humectant that also helps to dissolve other ingredients. Can be a mild irritant for some sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation in very sensitive skin
Emulsifier
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
A silicone-based emulsifier that helps blend oil and water ingredients, contributing to the product's texture.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, known for its ability to attract and hold significant amounts of water, providing deep hydration.
Usually helps with
Dryness, plumping
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Yeast Extract
Can offer antioxidant and soothing benefits.
Usually helps with
Soothing
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide AP
A type of lipid that is a natural component of the skin barrier, helping to restore and maintain its integrity.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide EOP
An essential ceramide for maintaining skin barrier function and preventing moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide EOS
A ceramide that works with cholesterol and fatty acids to support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NP
A commonly used ceramide that helps replenish the skin's natural barrier, improving hydration and reducing sensitivity.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NS
Another vital ceramide that helps strengthen the skin barrier and prevent water loss.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
Antioxidant
Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it can help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), it helps bind moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A form of Vitamin E, it's an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
Also known as Pentavitin, it provides long-lasting hydration by binding to the skin's keratin.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Caprooyl Phytosphingosine
A synthetic ceramide that helps restore the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Caprooyl Sphingosine
A synthetic ceramide that mimics natural skin lipids to support barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Saccharomyces/Iron Ferment
A fermented mineral that can help support skin health.
Usually helps with
Skin health
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment
A fermented mineral that can contribute to skin vitality.
Usually helps with
Skin vitality
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Saccharomyces/Silicon Ferment
A fermented mineral that may help strengthen the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin strengthening
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Saccharomyces/Magnesium Ferment
A fermented mineral that can support skin's natural processes.
Usually helps with
Skin support
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment
A fermented mineral that can help with skin balance.
Usually helps with
Skin balance
Antioxidant
Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract
Contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Cholesterol
A lipid that is a natural component of the skin barrier, helping to maintain its structure and function.
Usually helps with
Barrier support
Used to adjust the pH of the product. Can have mild exfoliating properties at higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Watch for
Can be irritating if pH is too low
pH Adjuster
Sodium Citrate
A salt of citric acid used to adjust and buffer the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Humectant
Methyl Gluceth-20
A moisturizing agent derived from glucose, it helps to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Used to adjust the thickness of the product.
Usually helps with
Product texture
A silicone that provides a light, non-greasy feel and helps spread the product.
Usually helps with
Texture, spreadability
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
A common humectant and solvent. Can be a mild irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation in very sensitive skin
An emulsifier that can sometimes be derived from ethoxylated ingredients, which can be a concern for some.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Potential for irritation or contamination concerns for some users
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A widely used preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Preservation
A fatty acid that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
A humectant that also helps improve product texture and penetration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
Emulsifier
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
A silicone-based emulsifier that helps create a smooth texture. Concerns can arise from its silicone base and ethoxylation.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, texture
Watch for
Silicone-based, potential for irritation for some
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, softening and smoothing the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
A mineral that can give products a subtle shimmer or pearlescent effect.
Usually helps with
Appearance
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative. While effective, it can be an irritant for some individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive skin