The primary solvent in cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
A light emollient derived from coconut oil and caprylic acid, providing a smooth feel and improving spreadability.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid, it helps to maintain the skin's natural barrier and has antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
A stable, saturated form of squalene, it mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing excellent moisturization without greasiness.
Usually helps with
Hydration, softening
A common and effective humectant that draws water to the skin, improving hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, it moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishment, hydration
An ester that can act as an emollient and solvent. It is generally considered safe but can be comedogenic for some.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Watch for
Potential for comedogenicity
Emollient
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, it deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishment, hydration
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Viscosity controlling agent
Magnesium Sulfate
Often used to adjust the viscosity of formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), it helps to soothe and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
A provitamin of B5, it hydrates, soothes, and helps to improve skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Helps to regulate sebum production and has mild astringent properties. Can be beneficial for oily skin, but may be drying for others.
Usually helps with
Oil control
Watch for
Potential for dryness
Emulsifier
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
A gentle emulsifier that helps to stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
A common humectant and solvent that can enhance the penetration of other ingredients. Generally safe, but some prefer to avoid it.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
Watch for
Some users prefer to avoid
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich emollient known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Intense hydration, softening
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A widely used preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
A form of Vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it effectively attracts and retains moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Skin conditioning agent
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Helps to moisturize and condition the skin, contributing to a smoother complexion.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
Viscosity controlling agent
Maltodextrin
A polysaccharide that can help to control the viscosity of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation to ensure optimal efficacy and stability.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants that help to protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that acts as an effective emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability, skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable derivative of Vitamin E, it provides antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A common thickening agent that improves the texture and stability of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture
Amino acid
Alanyl Glutamine
A dipeptide that can help to support skin barrier function and hydration.
Usually helps with
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 plays a role in skin repair and regeneration, contributing to a smoother appearance.
Usually helps with
Skin repair, anti-aging
An essential amino acid that can contribute to skin health and appearance.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Emollient
Sisymbrium Irio Seed Oil
A plant-derived oil that helps to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishment, hydration
Viscosity controlling agent
Sodium Chloride
Used to adjust the viscosity of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Texture
Skin conditioning agent
Dextran
A polysaccharide that can help to 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