The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Surfactant
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
A cleansing agent that creates foam. It can be moderately stripping for some skin types.
Usually helps with
Oily and combination skin
Watch for
Potential dryness or irritation if used alone on very dry or sensitive skin
Surfactant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
A milder surfactant that helps create foam and cleanse the skin, often used to balance harsher surfactants.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Rarely, can cause sensitivity in some individuals
Surfactant
Lauryl Glucoside
A very mild, plant-derived surfactant that contributes to gentle cleansing and foam.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Helps to hydrate the skin and improve the texture of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Film Former/Thickener
Acrylates Copolymer
Used to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Used to thicken the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A classic humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to be skin-friendly.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations, but safe when used correctly in formulations.
Surfactant/Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Sulfate
Can contribute to cleansing and help adjust product thickness.
Usually helps with
Normal to oily skin
Watch for
Can be drying for some.
Known for its skin-soothing, moisturizing, and protective properties. It helps to calm irritation.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive or irritated
Humectant/Soothing Agent
Panthenol
Pro-vitamin B5, it hydrates, nourishes, and helps to repair the skin barrier. It has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry, sensitive, or compromised
A powerful hydrator that can hold many times its weight in water, plumping the skin and providing lasting moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry or dehydrated
A preservative that can be a skin sensitizer and allergen for some individuals. Its use is restricted in some regions.
Usually helps with
Not ideal for sensitive skin
Watch for
Potential for allergic reactions or skin irritation.
pH Adjuster/Exfoliant
Citric Acid
Used to adjust the pH of the formula. In higher concentrations, it can act as an AHA exfoliant.
Usually helps with
All skin types (as pH adjuster)
Watch for
Can cause mild stinging or irritation if skin is sensitive or barrier is compromised.
Preservative Booster/Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances the efficacy of other preservatives and can have mild moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Rarely, can cause skin sensitivity.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some sensitive individuals.
Used to give the product a light brown color.
Usually helps with
All skin types