The base liquid for the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Active
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A stable, water-soluble form of Vitamin C. It functions as an antioxidant, helps to brighten skin tone, and supports collagen synthesis. It's often preferred for its stability and lower potential for irritation compared to L-Ascorbic Acid.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection, uneven tone
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but can sometimes cause mild irritation in high concentrations.
Antioxidant
Dimethyl Sulfone
An organosulfur compound that can have antioxidant properties and may help with skin conditioning.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used to adjust pH and provide exfoliation. It can help to brighten skin and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, brightening
Watch for
Can cause irritation or stinging, especially at higher concentrations or on sensitive skin.
A surfactant and emulsifier used to help mix oil and water ingredients. It can sometimes be a mild irritant for very sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
Hydration, all skin types
A polysaccharide used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Astringent
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract
Known for its astringent properties, it can help to temporarily tighten skin and reduce the appearance of pores. Some formulations can be drying or irritating due to alcohol content, but this extract is generally milder.
Usually helps with
Pore appearance, oil control
Watch for
Can be drying or irritating for some, especially if it contains alcohol.
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A multifunctional ingredient used as a humectant, preservative booster, and solvent. It helps improve the skin's moisture barrier.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
A common solvent and humectant that helps to improve product texture and skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture enhancement
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Fragrance
Methyldihydrojasmonate
A synthetic fragrance ingredient that provides a floral, jasmine-like scent. Fragrance can be a potential allergen for sensitive skin.
Watch for
Potential allergen for sensitive skin.
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, which is excellent at attracting and retaining moisture, helping to hydrate and plump the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Derived from the aloe vera plant, it's known for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Soothing Agent
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
A synthetic compound often used for its skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, similar to avenanthramides found in oats.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. It can be a mild irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with acidic ingredients.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and fungi. Generally considered safe and less irritating than some other preservatives.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
A fat-soluble derivative of Vitamin C. It has antioxidant properties but is less potent and stable than other forms of Vitamin C.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Watch for
Less potent than other Vitamin C forms.
Derived from jojoba oil, these esters act as emollients, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin softening
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax
A plant-derived wax that acts as an emollient and texturizer, helping to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
An essential fatty acid (Omega-3) that helps to maintain the skin's barrier function and keep it hydrated.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier support, hydration
An essential fatty acid (Omega-6) that is crucial for maintaining a healthy skin barrier and preventing water loss.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier support, hydration
A form of Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Surfactant
Decyl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing and foaming. It's generally considered gentle on the skin.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
A rich emollient oil known for its high linoleic acid content, which helps to support the skin barrier and hydrate.
Usually helps with
Emollience, hydration, barrier support
Emollient
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax
A plant-derived wax used to improve texture and provide emollience.
Usually helps with
Texture, emollience
A derivative of glycerin that acts as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, improving skin feel.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin conditioning
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
A smaller molecular weight version of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin to provide hydration.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration
A gentle form of retinol (Vitamin A). It's a weaker retinoid that needs to be converted by the skin into retinoic acid to be effective. While less irritating, it's also less potent than other retinoids.
Usually helps with
Gentle anti-aging, texture improvement
Watch for
Less potent than other retinoids; can still cause sensitivity.
A potent antioxidant naturally found in the body. In skincare, it's used to help protect against free radical damage and can contribute to skin brightening.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, brightening
Watch for
Can be unstable in formulations.
Antioxidant
Superoxide Dismutase
An enzyme that acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) with a larger molecular size, making it a gentler exfoliant. It's effective for improving skin texture and tone, and is often well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, texture, tone
Watch for
Can still cause mild irritation or sensitivity.
Exfoliant
Lactobionic Acid
A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) known for its exfoliating and hydrating properties. It's gentler than AHAs and can help improve skin texture and barrier function.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, hydration, barrier support
A potent alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that effectively exfoliates the skin's surface, revealing brighter, smoother skin. It can help with texture, tone, and the appearance of fine lines.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, brightening, texture, tone
Watch for
Can cause irritation, redness, and increased sun sensitivity, especially at higher concentrations.
A skin-conditioning agent and humectant that also has some preservative properties. It helps improve product texture and skin feel.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, hydration
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Peptide
N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate
A synthetic peptide designed to help improve skin barrier function and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier support, anti-aging
Preservative
Dehydroacetic Acid
A preservative that helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. It is often used in combination with other preservatives.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
A preservative and solvent that can also act as a fragrance component. It can be a potential allergen and irritant for some people.
Usually helps with
Preservation, fragrance
Watch for
Potential irritant and allergen, especially for sensitive skin.