The base for most skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
A lightweight, plant-derived emollient that softens and smooths skin without feeling heavy.
Usually helps with
Softening skin, improving spreadability
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E, it helps to moisturize and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, barrier support
A stable, non-comedogenic emollient that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing excellent hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, softening
A classic humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin, keeping it hydrated.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, it nourishes and protects the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishing, antioxidant protection
An ester that can improve skin feel and spreadability, but can be comedogenic for some.
Usually helps with
Improving texture
Watch for
Potential for clogged pores in acne-prone individuals
Emollient
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Rich in vitamins and fatty acids, it deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration, nourishment
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
A gentle emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water phases in a formula.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Viscosity Control Agent
Magnesium Sulfate
Used to adjust the thickness of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which can help soothe and moisturize skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, moisturizing
A form of Vitamin B5 that attracts and holds moisture, also known for its soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate
A gentle emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water phases in a formula.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Helps to regulate sebum production and has mild astringent properties. Can be drying for some.
Usually helps with
Oil control
Watch for
Potential for dryness or irritation
Emulsifier
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
A gentle emulsifier that helps to create stable emulsions.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
A common humectant and solvent that helps improve product texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich emollient known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, softening
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common and generally safe preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A widely used preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
A form of Vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and retains moisture, plumping the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Skin Conditioning Agent
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Helps to hydrate and soothe the skin, improving its overall condition.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
Viscosity Control Agent
Maltodextrin
A polysaccharide used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation to be optimal for skin.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants that help protect skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to stabilize emulsions and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Formula stability, skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E that provides antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A common thickening agent that improves product texture and stability.
Usually helps with
Texture, formula stability
Amino Acid
Alanyl Glutamine
An amino acid derivative that can help support skin barrier function and hydration.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier support, hydration
An amino acid that helps to maintain skin hydration and can support collagen production.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin conditioning
A peptide that is part of the TFC8® complex, designed to support skin regeneration and repair.
Usually helps with
Skin regeneration, repair
An essential amino acid that plays a role in skin health and appearance.
Usually helps with
Skin health
Emollient
Sisymbrium Irio Seed Oil
A plant-derived oil that contributes to the moisturizing properties of the cream.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Viscosity Control Agent
Sodium Chloride
Used to adjust the thickness of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Texture
Skin Conditioning Agent
Dextran
A polysaccharide that can help improve skin hydration and texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin conditioning
Peptide
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8
A peptide that helps to soothe the skin and reduce the appearance of redness and irritation.
Usually helps with
Soothing, anti-redness