The base of the formulation, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A gentle AHA that exfoliates the skin, helping to improve texture, tone, and clarity. Its larger molecular size makes it less irritating than other AHAs.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, dullness, uneven texture, breakouts
Watch for
Can cause mild tingling or redness, especially when first starting.
A humectant that helps to improve the penetration of other ingredients and provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Hydration, ingredient penetration
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formula to ensure the efficacy and stability of the active ingredients.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations, but used in small amounts here.
A form of Vitamin B5 that hydrates, soothes, and helps to repair the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration, barrier support
A common and effective humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Thickener
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
A synthetic polymer used to thicken the formula and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
A natural polysaccharide used as a thickening agent and stabilizer.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
A solvent and humectant that helps to improve product texture and skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Thickener
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
A polymer used to thicken the formulation.
Usually helps with
Texture
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
A smaller molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin for enhanced hydration.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration
A powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture, plumping the skin and improving hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Skin Conditioning Agent
Silanetriol
A silicon-based compound that can help to condition and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A preservative that helps to prevent microbial growth in the product.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some individuals.
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation, often in conjunction with Sodium Hydroxide.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
A chelating agent that improves the stability and efficacy of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Some concerns about environmental impact, but generally considered safe in cosmetics.
A solvent and viscosity-decreasing agent that can also act as a humectant.
Usually helps with
Solvency, texture
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
A skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster that also has emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, preservation
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent bacterial contamination.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
A natural colorant derived from burnt sugar, giving the product its light brown hue.