The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter))
Softens and moisturizes the skin, providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Watch for
Can be heavy for very oily skin
A form of Vitamin B5 that hydrates, soothes, and helps repair the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and sensitive
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid, it helps to moisturize and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Normal to dry skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone skin
A solvent and humectant that enhances skin hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A fatty alcohol that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Derived from coconut oil, it softens and conditions the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
A fatty alcohol that provides a smooth feel and moisturizes.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Provides emollient properties to soften and moisturize.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A skin-conditioning agent that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Absorbent
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Starch
Helps to absorb excess oil and provides a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
Oily and combination skin
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Distearate
A skin-conditioning agent that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Helps to control oil production and has mild astringent properties.
Usually helps with
Oily and acne-prone skin
Watch for
Can be drying for some
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths skin, also acts as a thickener.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to stabilize emulsions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A skin-conditioning agent that provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emollient and emulsifier that helps to soften skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and moisturizes the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative that helps prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some
Soothing Agent
Centella Asiatica Extract
Calms and repairs the skin, reducing redness and irritation.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, irritated, and post-procedure skin
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle emulsifier derived from plant sugars.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A natural gum used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A solvent and humectant that also has some preservative properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps preserve the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A synthetic preservative.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Potential for skin irritation
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A skin-conditioning agent that provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types