The base of most skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A multi-tasking ingredient that hydrates and can act as a preservative booster.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for some sensitive skin types.
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps to smooth and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A classic humectant that draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients, creating a stable emulsion.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths skin, and helps stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Soothing Agent
Panthenol
A form of Vitamin B5 that attracts and retains moisture, and helps to soothe and repair the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and sensitive
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing excellent moisturization without clogging pores.
Usually helps with
All skin types, including acne-prone
A highly effective emollient that moisturizes and softens the skin, improving its suppleness.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Solvent
Propanediol
A hydrating ingredient that also helps to improve the absorption of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for some very sensitive skin types.
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds water, plumping and hydrating the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Exfoliant/Humectant
Gluconolactone
A PHA that offers gentle exfoliation and hydration. It's less irritating than AHAs.
Usually helps with
Most skin types, especially sensitive or dry
Watch for
Can cause mild sensitivity if overused or combined with other strong exfoliants.
Skin Conditioning Agent
Alpha-glucan Oligosaccharide
A prebiotic ingredient that helps to support the skin's natural microbiome.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A form of Vitamin E that protects the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
Used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Helps to create a stable emulsion, blending oil and water components.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant/Brightener
Ascorbyl Glucoside
A stable derivative of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant protection and can help improve skin tone.
Usually helps with
Most skin types, especially those concerned with dullness or uneven tone
Watch for
Can cause mild stinging or irritation in some individuals, especially at higher concentrations or when combined with other actives.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that prevents microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with ascorbic acid.
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich emollient known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin types
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.
Soothing Agent
Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root Extract
Known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, helping to calm irritated skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive or irritated
Skin Conditioning Agent
Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract
An extract with antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin Conditioning Agent
Polygonum Fagopyrum (Buckwheat) Seed Extract
Contains compounds that may offer antioxidant benefits and support skin health.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin Conditioning Agent
Calcium Gluconate
A mineral that can help support skin health and barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and bacteria.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used in small amounts to adjust the pH of the product to be skin-friendly.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
None when used appropriately.