The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Surfactant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
A mild surfactant used to create lather and cleanse the skin.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types.
Used in aerosol products to dispense the formula.
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Used in aerosol products to dispense the formula.
Derived from coconut oil, it helps to cleanse the skin by lifting dirt and oil.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid, it helps to moisturize and protect the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, Antioxidant
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
Helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Surfactant
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
A mild, sulfate-free surfactant that creates a creamy lather.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Used to thicken the product.
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Antioxidant
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants and natural acids that can help brighten and gently exfoliate.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, Brightening
Antioxidant
Physalis Pubescens Fruit Juice
A botanical extract with antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, it attracts and retains moisture and has soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, Soothing
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich moisturizer known for its skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A form of Vitamin E, it helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Used to adjust the pH of the formula.
Watch for
Can be an exfoliant at higher concentrations.
A common thickening agent.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin, it replenishes skin lipids.
Usually helps with
Emollience
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formula.
Watch for
Can be irritating if not properly formulated.
A mild, plant-derived surfactant that creates a gentle lather.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Surfactant
Lauryl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant that creates a gentle lather.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
A PHA that also acts as a humectant and has antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, Antioxidant
Watch for
Can be mildly exfoliating.
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearate
Helps to stabilize the emulsion.
A fatty acid that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Surfactant
Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate
A mild surfactant that helps create lather.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Helps to prevent microbial growth in the product.
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product.
Skin Conditioning Agent
Calcium Gluconate
A mineral salt that can help condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin Conditioning
Conditioning Agent
Polyquaternium-73
Helps to condition the skin and hair.
Usually helps with
Conditioning
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent bacterial contamination.
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.