The base for most skincare formulations, it dissolves other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A common humectant that draws water into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
Hydration, softening
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
A skin-conditioning agent that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it's an excellent emollient that replenishes skin.
Usually helps with
Replenishing, softening
A solvent and humectant that can improve the penetration of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration, penetration enhancement
A humectant and preservative booster that also has some emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water, and also acts as an emollient.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, softening
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to soften and smooth skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Thickener
Microcrystalline Cellulose
A plant-derived ingredient used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Thickener
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
A natural gum used as a thickening and stabilizing agent.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
A triglyceride derived from oleic acid, it acts as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Softening, conditioning
Emulsifier
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
An emulsifier that helps to stabilize oil-in-water formulations.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener.
Usually helps with
Softening, thickening
Known for its soothing and skin-conditioning properties, it helps to calm irritation and promote healing.
Usually helps with
Soothing, healing, moisturizing
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide NP
A type of ceramide that is a key component of the skin's natural barrier, helping to retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
Emollient
Glyceryl Dioleate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
A common thickening agent derived from cellulose.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
A plant-derived chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and efficacy of formulations by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Stabilizing
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the formulation.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
A derivative of hyaluronic acid that has excellent moisturizing properties and can penetrate the skin more effectively.
Usually helps with
Intense hydration, plumping
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and holds moisture in the skin, providing hydration and plumping.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
A cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that forms a hydrating film on the skin's surface, providing long-lasting moisture.
Usually helps with
Long-lasting hydration
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Hyaluronic acid that has been broken down into smaller molecules, allowing for deeper penetration and hydration.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster that also has some deodorizing properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations