The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A silicone that creates a smooth feel and can help seal in moisture. Generally considered safe and non-irritating for most.
Usually helps with
Dryness, smoothing skin texture
Watch for
Can be occlusive for very oily or acne-prone skin if not properly cleansed off.
Surfactant
Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate
A mild surfactant derived from amino acids, known for its gentle cleansing properties and good foaming ability.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing, all skin types
Surfactant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
A mild amphoteric surfactant that helps to create foam and cleanse the skin gently.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing, all skin types
Watch for
Can be a potential irritant for a small percentage of people.
Surfactant
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
A mild anionic surfactant known for its gentle cleansing and good foaming characteristics.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing, all skin types
Emulsifier
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
An emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water, aiding in the removal of makeup and impurities.
Usually helps with
Makeup removal, cleansing
Surfactant
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
A mild surfactant that helps to cleanse the skin and create lather.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
A solvent and humectant that helps to improve the absorption of other ingredients and hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, improving texture
Film Former
Acrylates Copolymer
A polymer used to create a film on the skin, often to thicken the product or improve texture.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A thickening agent that helps to give the product its desired consistency.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Film Former
Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer
A polymer that can form a film on the skin, contributing to product texture and stability.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Skin Conditioning Agent
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
A protein derivative that can help to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Common salt, used here to adjust the thickness of the product.
Usually helps with
Product texture
A well-known humectant that attracts water to the skin, providing hydration and helping to maintain the skin's moisture barrier.
Usually helps with
Hydration, dry skin
A disaccharide that helps to retain moisture and protect skin cells from dehydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protecting skin
Used to adjust the pH of the product to be compatible with the skin.
Usually helps with
Balancing pH
Watch for
Can be an exfoliant at higher concentrations, but not in this context.
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Balancing pH
Preservative
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
A preservative that helps to prevent microbial growth in the product.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can interact with certain ingredients to form benzene, but this is rare in cosmetic formulations.
A natural colorant that gives the product its light brown hue.
Usually helps with
Coloring