Solvent
Water / Aqua / Eau
The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Attracts water to the skin, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal, oily skin
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Helps to hydrate the skin and improve product texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Solvent
Dipropylene Glycol
A solvent that can also act as a humectant. Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types.
Usually helps with
Normal to oily skin
Watch for
Potential irritation for very sensitive skin
A moisturizing ingredient derived from sugar beets that helps retain water.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A multi-tasking ingredient that helps with redness, barrier support, and tone.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially acne-prone and sensitive
Watch for
Can cause flushing in high concentrations for some individuals
Exfoliant/Humectant
Gluconolactone
A PHA that offers gentle exfoliation and hydration. Less irritating than AHAs.
Usually helps with
All skin types, including sensitive
Preservative/Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
A versatile ingredient that acts as a preservative booster and humectant.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
Helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Emollient
Sucrose Stearate
Helps to blend oil and water and provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A stable, plant-derived oil that mimics skin's natural sebum, providing hydration and barrier support.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and mature
Emulsifier/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A phospholipid that helps to stabilize emulsions and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
A gentle emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water components.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
A mild emulsifier used to create stable formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A thickening agent that gives products their gel-like consistency. Can be irritating in high concentrations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Caprylyl Methicone
Provides a smooth, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative booster and skin conditioner that also has some antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Cholesterol
A lipid that helps to support the skin barrier and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Thickener/Emulsifier
Xanthan Gum
A natural polysaccharide used to thicken and stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A compound from Centella Asiatica known for its soothing and wound-healing properties.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, irritated skin
Another component of Centella Asiatica, it aids in skin repair and has anti-inflammatory benefits.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, irritated skin
The third key compound from Centella Asiatica, known for its antioxidant and skin-soothing effects.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, irritated skin
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, which effectively hydrates the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated
A plant-derived thickening agent.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant/Brightener
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
A stable derivative of Vitamin C that helps brighten skin and provide antioxidant protection. Can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Dull skin, uneven tone
Watch for
Potential for irritation, especially when starting
Helps to control oil production and has mild antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Oily, acne-prone skin
Chelating Agent
Sodium Gluconate
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Preservative Booster
Glyceryl Caprylate
A multi-functional ingredient that helps stabilize emulsions and boost preservation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A purified compound from Centella Asiatica, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, irritated skin
Chelating Agent
Sodium Trimetaphosphate
Used to bind metal ions and improve product stability.
Usually helps with
All skin types