The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for very acne-prone skin
Emollient/Emulsifier
Palmitic Acid
A fatty acid that helps to condition and emulsify the product.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic
Provides a smooth feel and helps to hydrate.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Emollient/Emulsifier
Stearic Acid
A fatty acid that helps to condition and emulsify the product.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Attracts moisture to the skin and helps other ingredients penetrate.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations
A classic humectant that draws water into the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Helps improve skin texture, tone, and barrier function. Can also help with oil control and redness.
Usually helps with
Most skin types, especially dull, textured, or redness-prone
Watch for
Can cause temporary flushing or irritation in some individuals, especially at higher concentrations
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that conditions and softens skin, and helps stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it deeply moisturizes and conditions the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry and very dry skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
A moisture-binding ingredient that helps improve skin hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it's a lightweight emollient that replenishes skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A simple sugar that can help hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Emollient
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to stabilize the emulsion and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A type of ceramide that helps to restore the skin's barrier function.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, and compromised skin
A type of ceramide that helps to restore the skin's barrier function.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, and compromised skin
A type of ceramide that helps to restore the skin's barrier function.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, and compromised skin
Active
Acetyl Heptapeptide-4
A peptide that may help improve skin firmness and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Mature skin, skin concerned with firmness
Watch for
Peptides can sometimes cause sensitivity in very reactive skin
A type of ceramide that helps to restore the skin's barrier function.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, and compromised skin
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle emulsifier derived from plant sugars.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Used to thicken the product's texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations, but generally safe in cosmetic formulations
Thickener/Stabilizer
Xanthan Gum
A natural gum used to thicken and stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Pentylene Glycol
Helps to hydrate the skin and can boost the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
Helps to improve the stability of the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant/Soothing
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Contains natural salicylates, offering mild exfoliation and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin
Watch for
Contains natural salicylates which can be irritating for some
Humectant/Soothing
Beta-Glucan
A polysaccharide that hydrates and soothes the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, and irritated skin
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
A gentle emulsifier derived from plant-based ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Preservative Booster
1,2-Hexanediol
A versatile ingredient that hydrates and helps preserve the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
pH Adjuster/Chelating Agent
Sodium Citrate
Helps to adjust the pH and improve product stability.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant/Preservative Booster
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that also helps boost the preservative system.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Emollient/Preservative Booster
Caprylyl Glycol
A multi-functional ingredient that hydrates, softens, and helps preserve the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
pH Adjuster/Exfoliant
Citric Acid
Used to adjust pH and can provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause irritation in high concentrations or on sensitive skin