The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Attracts moisture to the skin, improving hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types in high concentrations.
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Botanical Extract
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem (Prickly Pear Cactus) Extract
Known for its hydrating and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive skin
Peptide
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A signaling peptide that can help stimulate collagen production.
Usually helps with
Mature skin, anti-aging
Peptide
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
A peptide that may help reduce inflammation and support skin repair.
Usually helps with
Mature skin, anti-aging
Peptide
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-28
A peptide that may help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Mature skin, anti-aging
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, known for its ability to attract and hold moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dehydrated skin
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
A smaller molecule of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dehydrated skin
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
A cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that forms a hydrating film on the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dehydrated skin
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
An acetylated derivative of hyaluronic acid, known for its superior skin penetration and moisture retention.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dehydrated skin
Skin Conditioning Agent
Synthetic Sapphire
A mineral ingredient that can provide a smooth feel and subtle light reflection.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Minimal potential for irritation.
Botanical Extract
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
Rich in antioxidants and amino acids, it helps hydrate and soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Botanical Extract
Lens Esculenta (Lentil) Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants and nutrients that can benefit skin health.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Botanical Extract
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants and can help with skin conditioning.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Botanical Extract
Nephelium Lappaceum Peel (Rambutan) Extract
A fruit extract known for its hydrating and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, it helps attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dry skin
A potent antioxidant that can help protect skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Some concerns about its stability and efficacy in topical formulations.
Mineral Extract
Malachite Extract
A copper-rich mineral extract believed to have antioxidant and detoxifying properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used to adjust pH and provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
All skin types (in low concentrations)
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; potential for irritation if used in high concentrations.
Thickener
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
A cellulose derivative used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Polyglutamic Acid
A powerful humectant that can hold more water than hyaluronic acid.
Usually helps with
All skin types, very dry skin
A solvent and humectant that also has preservative properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
A humectant that also acts as a preservative booster.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
A salt of lactic acid, it's a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dry skin
A gelling agent used to thicken cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations.
A solvent and humectant that improves the absorption of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
A surfactant that helps to mix oil and water, but can be a skin irritant and is often derived from ethoxylated sources.
Usually helps with
Oily skin
Watch for
Potential for irritation and contamination with 1,4-dioxane.
Thickener
Hydroxyethylcellulose
A cellulose derivative used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A natural polysaccharide used as a thickening and stabilizing agent.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative that can be irritating and allergenic for some.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative that also acts as a skin conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A salt of sorbic acid used as a preservative.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
pH Adjuster
Disodium Phosphate
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A surfactant that helps to mix oil and water, but can be a skin irritant and is often derived from ethoxylated sources.
Usually helps with
Oily skin
Watch for
Potential for irritation and contamination with 1,4-dioxane.
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
A preservative that can also act as a solvent and fragrance ingredient. It can be an allergen and irritant.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation to a skin-friendly level.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations, but is safe at low levels used in skincare.
Emollient
Glyceryl Caprylate
A skin-conditioning agent with antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Buffering Agent
Sodium Formate
Used to help maintain the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Buffering Agent
Sodium Glycolate
Used to help maintain the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
pH Adjuster
Sodium Phosphate
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A preservative that can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.