The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A humectant that helps attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Soothing Agent
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Water
Derived from bergamot fruit, it can provide a refreshing feel and has mild astringent properties.
Usually helps with
Oily skin, refreshing
Watch for
Can be phototoxic in high concentrations or if not properly formulated, but generally safe in rinse-off products or low concentrations.
Humectant
Methylpropanediol
A solvent and humectant that helps improve the skin's moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A classic humectant that draws water to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and holds water, providing excellent hydration.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration, fine lines
A type of starch that can help to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Skin Conditioning Agent
Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract
An extract from a type of red algae, it can have skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration, redness
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, helps with cell turnover, and can improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration, dullness
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; start slowly if new to AHAs.
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) used to adjust pH and provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, brightening
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; start slowly.
A common thickening agent that also helps stabilize emulsions.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
A thickening and suspending agent used to create gel textures.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some individuals.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some individuals, especially when combined with Vitamin C.
Thickener
Hydroxyethylcellulose
A cellulose derivative used as a thickening and stabilizing agent.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
pH Adjuster
Methylglucamine
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant and solvent that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster that can also enhance the feel of the product.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, preservation
Thickener
Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer used as a thickener and film-former, contributing to the jelly texture.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
A solvent that can also be used as a denaturant for ethanol. It's generally considered safe in cosmetic formulations but is a volatile organic compound.
Usually helps with
Solvent properties
Watch for
Can be drying or irritating in high concentrations.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A widely used preservative to prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals.
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