The base for many 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, barrier support
Emollient
Diheptyl Succinate
A plant-derived emollient that mimics the feel of silicones, providing a smooth skin feel.
Usually helps with
Softness, smoothness
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich butter known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier repair
Watch for
Can be heavy for some skin types
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, and also acts as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
An emulsifier and thickener that helps to stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Texture
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps to improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, minimize pores, and even out skin tone.
Usually helps with
Pores, tone, texture, redness
Watch for
Can cause flushing or irritation in sensitive individuals at high concentrations
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A multi-functional ingredient that acts as a humectant, preservative booster, and solvent.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in a formula.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to stabilize the formula and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture, moisturizing
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and holds moisture in the skin, providing hydration and plumping effects.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
A type of ceramide that is a key component of the skin's barrier, helping to retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
A naturally occurring lipid that helps to restore the skin's barrier function and prevent moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
Another type of ceramide that supports skin barrier function and helps to keep skin hydrated and smooth.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
Antioxidant
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
A stable derivative of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant protection and can help brighten the skin.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be less potent than L-Ascorbic Acid
Known for its soothing, moisturizing, and skin-protecting properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
A component of chamomile oil, it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, redness reduction
A provitamin of B5, it attracts and holds moisture, soothes skin, and improves barrier function.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
Botanical Extract
Physalis Angulata Extract
A plant extract with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, soothing
Botanical Extract
Castanea Sativa (Chestnut) Seed Extract
A plant extract that can offer antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, it provides antioxidant protection against free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Less potent than pure tocopherol
A lipid naturally found in the skin that helps to support the skin barrier and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, anti-inflammatory
Emollient
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
A biodegradable emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothness, conditioning
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent that also enhances the efficacy of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and performance of the formula.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Soothing Agent
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Known for its cooling, soothing, and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
A lipid that is a natural component of the skin barrier, helping to maintain hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
Emulsifier
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
An emulsifier derived from lactic acid and lauric acid, used to create stable emulsions.
Usually helps with
Texture
A thickening agent used to create gel-like textures and stabilize emulsions.
Usually helps with
Texture
A natural gum used as a thickener and stabilizer.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water ingredients. Some concerns exist regarding potential impurities, though generally considered safe in cosmetics.
Usually helps with
Texture
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some individuals