The base for many skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin that helps to replenish skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, normal skin
Emollient
Diheptyl Succinate
A plant-derived emollient that mimics the feel of silicones, providing a smooth skin feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich butter known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Watch for
Can be heavy for very oily skin
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, also acts as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to stabilize oil and water mixtures in formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive skin
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and minimize the appearance of pores and uneven tone.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially acne-prone and aging skin
Watch for
Can cause flushing or irritation in some individuals, especially at higher concentrations.
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A solvent and preservative booster that also helps to hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A powerful humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Stearate
An emulsifier and surfactant that helps to mix oil and water components.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating for sensitive skin
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
An emollient and emulsifier that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a potent hydrator that attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin
A type of lipid that is naturally found in the skin barrier, helping to retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, sensitive skin, aging skin
Another essential lipid that helps to restore the skin barrier and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, sensitive skin, aging skin
A key component of the skin barrier that supports hydration and resilience.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, sensitive skin, aging skin
Active
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
A stable derivative of Vitamin C that offers antioxidant benefits and can help brighten skin tone.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially those concerned with dullness and uneven tone
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation or sensitivity in some individuals.
A plant extract known for its soothing, moisturizing, and skin-protecting properties.
Usually helps with
Sensitive skin, irritated skin
A component of chamomile oil with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Sensitive skin, irritated skin
Pro-vitamin B5, it acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated skin
Antioxidant
Physalis Angulata Extract
A plant extract with antioxidant properties that may help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Limited research on direct skin benefits
Antioxidant
Castanea Sativa (Chestnut) Seed Extract
Contains antioxidants that may help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Limited research on direct skin benefits
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin
A lipid that is a component of the skin barrier, helping to support its function and reduce inflammation.
Usually helps with
Acne-prone skin, sensitive skin
Emollient
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
A conditioning agent that helps to improve skin texture and provide a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative booster and skin conditioner that enhances the efficacy of other preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation in some individuals
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and performance of the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Soothing Agent
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Known for its soothing and hydrating properties, it can help calm the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive and irritated skin
A fatty alcohol that helps to reinforce the skin barrier and improve moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, aging skin
Emulsifier
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
An emulsifier derived from lactic acid and lauric acid, used to stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations
A polysaccharide used as a thickening and stabilizing agent.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate
A polyethylene glycol derivative of stearic acid, used as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating for sensitive skin; concerns about PEG contamination.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals.