The base of most cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Surfactant
Decyl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant that creates lather and cleanses the skin.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Surfactant
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
A mild amphoteric surfactant that helps to create foam and cleanse.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
A mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from coconut oil and sugar, used for cleansing and foam boosting.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
An emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
A moisturizing ingredient derived from sugar beets that helps to hydrate and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
A biodegradable emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Surfactant
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
A mild, biodegradable surfactant that helps to cleanse the skin.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, softening the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing
Emollient
Glycol Distearate
A pearlescent agent and emollient that gives products a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Olivate
An emulsifier derived from olive oil that helps to stabilize the formula and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
A highly stable and effective emollient that mimics skin's natural sebum, providing excellent hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
A plant-derived emollient that provides a light, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Softening
Thickener
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
A modified starch used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate
An emulsifier derived from olive oil that helps to blend oil and water phases.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate SE
An emulsifier derived from glycerin and stearic acid that helps to create a stable emulsion.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Lipids that help to reinforce the skin's natural barrier and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps to improve skin tone, reduce inflammation, and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Uneven tone, redness, barrier support
Watch for
Can cause flushing or irritation in some individuals at higher concentrations.
Surfactant
Sodium Cocoamphoacetate
A mild amphoteric surfactant that is gentle on the skin and helps to create foam.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Active
Crocus Sativus (Saffron) Flower Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it helps to visibly brighten skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection
Active
Haematococcus Pluvialis (Micro Algae) Extract
A source of astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Active
Yeast Ferment Extract
Contains beneficial compounds that can help to soothe and revitalize the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, revitalization
Active
Lactobacillus Ferment
A probiotic ingredient that can help to balance the skin's microbiome and support barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, balancing
Active
Avena Strigosa (Black Oat) Seed Extract
Rich in antioxidants and beta-glucans, it helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress and support a calm barrier.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, barrier support
Active
Rubia Cordifolia Root Extract
Traditionally used for its skin-soothing and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant
Active
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Contains curcumin, known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, which can help with brightening.
Usually helps with
Brightening, anti-inflammatory
Watch for
Can potentially stain skin or fabrics if used in high concentrations or left on too long.
Active
Beta Vulgaris (Beet) Root Extract
A source of antioxidants and betalains, which can help to hydrate and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, antioxidant
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice Powder
Known for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Emollient
Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil
Provides a pleasant scent and has emollient properties that can soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, scent
Watch for
Can be a potential allergen for some individuals.
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
A plant-derived humectant that binds moisture to the skin, providing long-lasting hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Fructooligosaccharides
A type of sugar that acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Surfactant
Lauryl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Surfactant
Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate
A mild surfactant that creates a creamy lather and cleanses effectively without stripping.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Surfactant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
A common surfactant that creates foam and cleanses, but can be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Cleansing, foam boosting
Watch for
Potential for irritation or allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Surfactant
Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate
A mild anionic surfactant that provides good cleansing and foaming properties.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), it helps to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Sodium Polygamma-Glutamate
A form of polyglutamic acid that offers superior hydration and moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Intense hydration
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and holds a significant amount of water, providing deep hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A provitamin of B5 that acts as a humectant, soothing and improving skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
Plant-derived sterols that help to condition and soften the skin, and can support barrier function.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, barrier support
A form of Vitamin E with potent antioxidant properties, helping to protect skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A form of Vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A light, non-greasy emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening
A phospholipid that acts as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent, helping to improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, conditioning
A polysaccharide used as a thickening and stabilizing agent.
Usually helps with
Texture
Chelating Agent
Sodium Gluconate
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and effectiveness of the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Humectant
Potassium Lactate
A salt of lactic acid that acts as a humectant, helping to hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, improves texture, and can help with hydration. It's generally gentler than glycolic acid.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration, texture improvement
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
pH adjustment, mild exfoliation
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity.
pH Adjuster
Sodium Citrate
A salt of citric acid used to adjust the pH of the formula.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Preservative
Dehydroacetic Acid
A broad-spectrum preservative that helps to prevent microbial growth in the product.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative used to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can interact with certain ingredients to form benzene, though typically not a concern in rinse-off products.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative that prevents the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
A preservative that can also act as a solvent and fragrance ingredient. It can be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation or allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
A chemical compound used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent. It can be an allergen for some.
Watch for
Potential allergen.
A common fragrance ingredient derived from plants, known for its rosy scent. It can be an allergen.
Watch for
Potential allergen.
A fragrance ingredient with a rosy scent, found in essential oils. It can be an allergen.
Watch for
Potential allergen.
A fragrance compound found in clove oil, with a spicy scent. It can be an allergen.
Watch for
Potential allergen.
A naturally occurring terpene alcohol with a floral scent, commonly used in fragrances. It can be an allergen.
Watch for
Potential allergen.