The base for many cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A common ingredient used to attract moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness
Emollient
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Provides a smooth feel and can help with product spreadability.
Usually helps with
Texture
A highly effective humectant that draws water into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
Helps to retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Surfactant
Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
An emulsifier and solubilizer.
Usually helps with
Formulation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for sensitive skin.
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Can help other ingredients penetrate the skin, but can also be drying.
Usually helps with
Penetration
Watch for
Drying and potential irritation, especially for dry or sensitive skin.
Used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Buffering Agent
Sodium Citrate
Helps to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Fragrance
Fragrance (Parfum)
Adds scent to the product.
Usually helps with
Sensory experience
Watch for
Can be a common cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
A synthetic antioxidant.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for skin irritation and endocrine disruption concerns.
A moisturizing ingredient that mimics the skin's natural oils.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A natural thickening agent.
Usually helps with
Texture
pH Adjuster
Potassium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations.
A form of Vitamin A that helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, wrinkles
Watch for
Can cause redness, peeling, and increased sun sensitivity. Start slowly and use sunscreen.
Helps to mix oil and water.
Usually helps with
Formulation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant and may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating in higher concentrations.
Chelating Agent
Trisodium Edta
Helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the product.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Antioxidant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A stable derivative of Vitamin C that offers antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant
Fragrance Ingredient
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
A synthetic fragrance compound.
Watch for
Potential allergen and irritant.
Botanical Extract
Sapindus Mukurossi Peel Extract (Sapindus Mukurossi)
A natural ingredient with cleansing properties.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Fragrance Ingredient
Limonene
A common fragrance component derived from citrus.
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant and allergen.
Fragrance Ingredient
Linalool
A naturally occurring fragrance compound found in many plants.
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant and allergen.
Botanical Extract
Uncaria Gambir Extract (Uncaria Gambir)
An extract with antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Fragrance Ingredient
Citronellol
A fragrance compound with a floral scent.
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant and allergen.
Fragrance Ingredient
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
A synthetic fragrance compound with a floral scent.
Watch for
Potential allergen and irritant.
Botanical Extract
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Known for its soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing
Fragrance Ingredient
Geraniol
A fragrance compound with a rosy scent.
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant and allergen.
Fragrance Ingredient
Benzyl Benzoate
A compound used as a fragrance ingredient and solvent.
Usually helps with
Scent, Solvent
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant.
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
A derivative of hyaluronic acid that provides hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
An amino acid that plays a role in collagen formation.
Usually helps with
Skin structure
Botanical Extract
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
An extract from algae, known for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, Conditioning
Colorant
Beta-Carotene (Ci 75130)
A pigment that gives color to the product.