The base of most skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it's an excellent emollient that helps replenish skin lipids and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Emollient/Thickener
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, also used to thicken formulations. It is not drying like some other alcohols.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A stable, hydrogenated form of squalene, it's an excellent moisturizer that mimics the skin's natural oils, improving suppleness and barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and mature
Humectant/Solvent
Propanediol
A plant-derived humectant that helps ingredients penetrate the skin and provides hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A fatty acid ester that helps to soften and smooth the skin, contributing to the creamy texture.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Emollient
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
A lightweight emollient that improves spreadability and leaves a non-greasy feel on the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
C10-18 Triglycerides
A blend of fatty acids that provides emollience and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create a stable cream formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant/Preservative Booster
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that also helps to boost the efficacy of preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener/Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken the formula and stabilize emulsions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Preservative Booster
1,2-Hexanediol
A multifunctional ingredient that provides hydration and helps to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
A skin-conditioning agent that also has preservative-boosting properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polydecene
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps to prevent moisture loss.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener/Binder
Microcrystalline Cellulose
A plant-derived ingredient used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps to create a stable and pleasant texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types, especially in high concentrations or acidic pH.
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide Np
A type of ceramide that is naturally found in the skin and is vital for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and preventing moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, and mature skin
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A synthetic emulsifier used to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a source of ethoxylation concerns for some consumers.
A form of Vitamin E, it's a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide Ap
Another type of ceramide that plays a role in maintaining the skin's barrier function and hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, and mature skin
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Cholesterol
A lipid that is a natural component of the skin barrier, helping to reinforce its structure and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Dry and compromised skin
Emollient/Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid, it's an emollient that helps to strengthen the skin barrier and has antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and sensitive
Emulsifier/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that acts as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent, improving texture and aiding in ingredient delivery.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Phytosphingosine
A lipid that is a component of ceramides, it helps to support the skin barrier and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
A non-ionic emulsifier used to stabilize oil-in-water formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Emulsifier
Stearic Acid
A fatty acid that helps to soften and smooth the skin, also acting as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Tetraacetylphytosphingosine
A derivative of phytosphingosine that helps to reinforce the skin barrier and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry and mature skin
Used to give the product a desirable color.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A natural polysaccharide used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation to be optimal for skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation to be optimal for skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide Eop
A synthetic ceramide that helps to restore the skin barrier and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry and compromised skin
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Glycosphingolipids
A type of lipid that is a component of the skin's outer layer, helping to maintain its structure and hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry and mature skin