The primary base for most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin that helps to replenish the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening skin
Draws moisture from the air into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
A common solvent and humectant that helps improve product texture and skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture enhancement
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Emollient
Heptyl Undecylenate
A plant-derived emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps improve skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Softening skin, barrier support
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to mix oil and water components and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability, skin softening
Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate
A synthetic emulsifier used to blend oil and water. Concerns exist regarding potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane, though levels are typically very low in cosmetic use.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability
Watch for
Potential for irritation or contamination concerns
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
A gentle emulsifier that helps create stable formulations and can also act as a skin conditioner.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability, skin conditioning
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used as an emulsifier and thickener, providing a smooth texture. Concerns exist about microplastic pollution.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement, emulsion stability
Watch for
Microplastic concerns
A fatty acid that acts as an emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin softening
A fatty acid that acts as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to soften and stabilize the product.
Usually helps with
Skin softening, emulsion stability
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that helps protect the formula from degradation.
Usually helps with
Formula preservation
Thickener
Microcrystalline Cellulose
A plant-derived thickening agent that improves product texture.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
A skin-conditioning agent that also acts as a preservative booster, helping to retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservative support
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A synthetic preservative that also has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
A rich emollient known for its high linoleic acid content, which helps to support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Thickener
Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum
A natural gum derived from the tara plant, used as a thickening and stabilizing agent.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, providing antioxidant benefits to protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A component of chamomile, known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming irritation
A plant-derived thickening agent that improves product texture and stability.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
A synthetic emulsifier that can sometimes be derived from ethoxylated ingredients, raising concerns about potential contaminants like 1,4-dioxane.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability
Watch for
Potential for irritation or contamination concerns
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
A synthetic emulsifier used to stabilize oil-in-water formulations.
Usually helps with
Emulsion stability
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
A plant-derived ingredient that helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
An amino acid that helps to maintain skin hydration and can support skin repair.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin repair
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
A stable derivative of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant benefits and can help brighten the skin.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for some