The primary base for the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Attracts water to the skin, providing hydration and helping to maintain the skin's moisture barrier.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Pentylene Glycol
A multi-functional ingredient that hydrates the skin and helps preserve the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for very sensitive skin
Emollient
Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides
Softens and smooths the skin, providing a pleasant feel.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
A lightweight, plant-derived emollient that improves skin suppleness.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Thickener
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and stabilizes the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Preservative
1,2-Hexanediol
Hydrates the skin and acts as a preservative.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for very sensitive skin
Mimics the skin's natural oils, providing excellent moisturization without greasiness.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and mature
Botanical Extract
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
Part of the Chinese Roots Extract Trio, known for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Mature and dry skin
Botanical Extract
Atractylodes Macrocephala Root Extract
Part of the Chinese Roots Extract Trio, traditionally used for its skin-beneficial properties.
Usually helps with
Mature and dry skin
Botanical Extract
Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
Part of the Chinese Roots Extract Trio, contributing to skin health and vitality.
Usually helps with
Mature and dry skin
Emollient/Emulsifier
C12-16 Alcohols
Helps to moisturize and blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Vitamin C Derivative
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
A stable form of Vitamin C that helps brighten skin and provide antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially those concerned with dullness and uneven tone
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation in some individuals
Emulsifier
Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate
Helps to keep the oil and water phases of the product mixed.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener/Emulsifier
Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum
A natural gum that helps thicken the formula and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
A gentle emulsifier that helps create a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Thickener
Palmitic Acid
A fatty acid that helps moisturize and thicken the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Used to adjust the pH of the formula for optimal performance and stability.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating at high concentrations
Thickener
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
A synthetic polymer used to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A derivative of lecithin that helps emulsify the formula and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and retains moisture, plumping the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated
Binder/Thickener
Maltodextrin
A carbohydrate that can help improve texture and act as a binder.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
O-Cymen- 5-Ol
A preservative that helps prevent microbial growth in the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some individuals
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Helps to moisturize and condition the skin, potentially improving elasticity.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Botanical Extract
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Known for its antioxidant and revitalizing properties, it can help improve skin tone and texture.
Usually helps with
Mature and dull skin
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Vitamin E Derivative
Tocopheryl Acetate
An antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage and moisturizes.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener/Emulsifier
Xanthan Gum
A natural gum used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Fruit Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect the skin and can contribute to a brighter complexion.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Contains antioxidants, but its inclusion in skincare can be debated due to potential for irritation and alcohol content.
Usually helps with
Mature skin
Watch for
Potential for irritation and dryness due to alcohol content
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A preservative that helps prevent bacterial growth.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with Vitamin C
Amino Acid Derivative
Alanyl Glutamine
A derivative of glutamine, an amino acid that can help support skin barrier function and hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types