The base for most skincare formulations, dissolving other 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
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
A blend of fatty acids that helps to soften and smooth the skin, providing a rich feel.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be heavy for very oily skin
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it replenishes the skin and helps to reduce moisture loss.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A stable, hydrogenated form of squalene, it mimics the skin's natural oils to moisturize and soften without greasiness.
Usually helps with
All skin types, including acne-prone
Emulsifier
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Plant-derived emulsifiers that help to blend oil and water, contributing to a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Lightweight, non-greasy emollients derived from coconut oil that provide a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Emulsifier
C12-16 Alcohols
Fatty alcohols that help to condition the skin and stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
Humectant/Solvent
Propanediol
A hydrating ingredient that also helps to improve the penetration of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
A gentle emulsifier that helps to create a stable formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Emulsifier
Behenyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that conditions and softens the skin, and helps to thicken the product.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
A common ingredient that helps to emulsify oils and water, and also conditions the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths the skin, and helps to stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant/Soothing
Symphoricarpos Albus (Snowberry) Fruit Extract
A botanical extract known for its antioxidant properties and potential to soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Peptide
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
A peptide that mimics the effect of Botox by relaxing facial muscles, reducing the appearance of expression lines.
Usually helps with
Mature skin, anti-aging
Peptide
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Another peptide that helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by inhibiting muscle contractions.
Usually helps with
Mature skin, anti-aging
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide NP
A lipid that is naturally found in the skin barrier, helping to retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, compromised skin
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide EOP
An important ceramide for skin barrier function, helping to prevent water loss and maintain skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, compromised skin
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide NS
A ceramide that plays a role in skin barrier integrity and hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, compromised skin
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide AS
Contributes to the overall structure and function of the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, compromised skin
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide AP
Helps to restore and maintain the skin's protective barrier.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, compromised skin
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate
A complex emulsifier that helps to blend ingredients and provides emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be heavy for oily skin
Humectant/Preservative
1,2-Hexanediol
A hydrating ingredient that also acts as a preservative booster.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Olivate
Derived from olive oil, it helps to create a stable emulsion and mimics the skin's lipid structure.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Skin-Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to stabilize emulsions and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Nephelium Lappaceum Peel Extract
An extract from rambutan peel, rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Surfactant
Palmitic Acid
A fatty acid that can help to soften and smooth the skin, but can also be comedogenic.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Potentially comedogenic
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
A gentle emulsifier derived from stearic acid and lactic acid, used to create stable emulsions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate
Derived from olive oil, it helps to create a stable emulsion and has emollient properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative/Chelating Agent
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
A gentle preservative that also helps to improve the stability of the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut oil that conditions the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener/Stabilizer
Xanthan Gum
A natural polysaccharide used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
A liquid wax that closely resembles the skin's natural sebum, providing excellent moisturization without clogging pores.
Usually helps with
All skin types, including acne-prone
Antioxidant/Soothing
Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
Also known as Tasmanian Pepperberry, it has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to calm the skin.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, irritated skin
A component of chamomile, it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, helping to calm irritated skin.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, irritated skin
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and holds moisture in the skin, providing hydration and plumping.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dehydrated
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 dehydrated
A peptide that supports collagen production, helping to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Mature skin, anti-aging
Skin-Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Pea Protein
A protein derived from peas that can help to condition and improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A hydrating ingredient that helps to improve the skin's moisture content.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative/Skin-Conditioning
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
A natural preservative derived from fermented radish root, it also has skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin-Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
A protein derived from rice that can help to improve skin hydration and texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin-Replenishing
Cholesterol
A lipid that is a natural component of the skin barrier, helping to maintain its structure and function.
Usually helps with
Dry, compromised skin
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types