The base liquid for the formulation.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and helps to occlude moisture.
Usually helps with
Smoothness, moisture retention
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some oily skin types
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin that softens and smooths skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin conditioning
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)
A rich plant-based butter known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, skin barrier support
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
Supports the skin barrier, helps with oil balance, and can improve tone and texture.
Usually helps with
Oiliness, visible pores, uneven tone, barrier support
Watch for
Can cause flushing or irritation in high concentrations for sensitive skin
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A multi-functional ingredient that acts as a humectant and preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Hydration, formulation stability
Antioxidant
Castanea Sativa (Chestnut) Seed Extract
Contains antioxidants that may help protect skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths skin, and acts as a thickener.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture enhancement
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Helps to bind oil and water ingredients together, creating a stable emulsion.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Active
Ascorbyl Glucoside (Vitamin C)
A stable derivative of Vitamin C that brightens skin and provides antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection, uneven tone
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation for some; always use SPF with Vitamin C
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
A lipid that is a natural component of the skin barrier, helping to restore and maintain hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Another type of ceramide that reinforces the skin barrier and improves moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
A ceramide that works with cholesterol and fatty acids to maintain skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
A sugar that helps skin retain moisture and protects it from dehydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
Active
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A peptide that signals skin to repair itself, promoting collagen production and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, fine lines
Active
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Works with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 to reduce inflammation and support collagen production.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, fine lines
Soothing Agent
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Known for its soothing and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Antioxidant
Vaccinium Myrtillus (Bilberry) Fruit Extract
Rich in antioxidants that help protect skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Exfoliant
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract
A source of glycolic acid, which helps to exfoliate the skin and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, texture improvement
Watch for
Can cause irritation if overused or if skin is sensitive
Antioxidant
Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract
Contains antioxidants and natural alpha hydroxy acids.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, mild exfoliation
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Contains Vitamin C and antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, brightening
Antioxidant
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Contains Vitamin C and citric acid, which can help brighten and exfoliate.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, improves texture, and can help with hydration.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration, texture improvement
Watch for
Can cause sun sensitivity and irritation; start slowly
A potent AHA that exfoliates deeply, improving skin tone and texture.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, brightening, texture improvement
Watch for
Can cause sun sensitivity and irritation; start slowly
An AHA that exfoliates and brightens the skin.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, brightening
Watch for
Can cause sun sensitivity and irritation
An AHA found in apples that exfoliates and can help with skin texture.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, texture improvement
Watch for
Can cause sun sensitivity and irritation
An AHA found in grapes that exfoliates and has antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can cause sun sensitivity and irritation
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to create a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement, emollience
Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate
A cleansing agent and emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), helping to attract and hold moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl (Vitamin E) Acetate
A form of Vitamin E that provides antioxidant protection and helps to moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, moisturization
A solvent and humectant that helps ingredients penetrate the skin and draws moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, penetration enhancement
A lipid that is a component of the skin barrier, helping to reduce inflammation and support barrier repair.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, anti-inflammatory
A fatty alcohol that helps to restore the skin's barrier function and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Emulsifier
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
An emulsifier derived from lactic acid and lauric acid, used to create stable emulsions.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Buffering Agent
Sodium Citrate
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
pH balance
A thickening agent used to create gel-like textures.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
A natural thickening agent derived from fermented sugar.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
A surfactant and emulsifier used to help mix oil and water.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some
A mineral that provides shimmer and can be used as a colorant.
Usually helps with
Aesthetics
A white mineral pigment used as a colorant.
Iron oxide pigment used for color.
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative that also acts as a skin conditioner.
Usually helps with
Product preservation, skin conditioning