The base for most skincare formulations, dissolving ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Attracts water to the skin, providing hydration and improving skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Softens and smooths the skin, improving texture and reducing water loss.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin, it replenishes skin and helps restore its surface.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Humectant/Solvent
Propanediol
A plant-derived humectant that enhances the absorption of other ingredients and provides hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Preservative Booster
1,2-Hexanediol
A versatile ingredient that hydrates and helps preserve the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for very sensitive skin
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to mix oil and water, and also softens the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and stabilizes the formula. Not drying like some other alcohols.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener/Stabilizer
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener/Absorbent
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
Helps to thicken the product and absorb excess oil.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially oily
Thickener/Stabilizer
Sclerotium Gum
A natural gum that helps thicken and stabilize the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A triglyceride that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Emulsifier
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Emulsifier
Behenyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and helps stabilize the emulsion.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Soothing Agent/Moisturizer
Allantoin
Soothes irritation, promotes healing, and moisturizes the skin.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, irritated, dry skin
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide NP
A type of ceramide that helps restore the skin's natural barrier, improving moisture retention and protection.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, compromised skin
Emollient
Glyceryl Dioleate
Helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Thickener/Stabilizer
Cellulose Gum
A plant-derived ingredient used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant that also enhances the efficacy of preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for very sensitive skin
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
A derivative of hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeply and provides long-lasting hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A salt form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
A cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that forms a film on the skin, providing sustained hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
A smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin for enhanced hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Emollient/Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances preservation and provides mild moisturizing benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for very sensitive skin