The primary ingredient in most skincare formulations, acting as a solvent for other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A common humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
A humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A lightweight emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it helps to replenish the skin's surface and improve its feel.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening skin
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Urea
A derivative of urea that acts as a powerful humectant, increasing skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Emollient
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil
An emollient derived from palm kernel oil, it can help to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening skin
Watch for
Potential environmental concerns related to palm oil sourcing.
A multifunctional ingredient used as a humectant, solvent, and preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Solvent
Dipropylene Glycol
A solvent and viscosity-decreasing agent.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some.
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients in a formulation.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Emollient
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
An emollient derived from palm oil, it helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening skin
Watch for
Potential environmental concerns related to palm oil sourcing.
Used to adjust the pH of cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to stabilize formulations and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Product texture, softening skin
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that can help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin, product texture
A stable, plant-derived emollient that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing hydration and improving skin suppleness.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration, barrier support
A humectant and emollient that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Derived from jojoba oil, these esters act as emollients, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening skin
Emollient
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
A non-fragrant plant oil known for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, softening skin
A plant extract known for its soothing, moisturizing, and skin-protecting properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing irritation, hydration
Antioxidant
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract
Contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative and skin-conditioning agent that enhances the effectiveness of other preservatives.
Usually helps with
Preservation
A polysaccharide used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Emollient
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
A rich emollient oil that helps to soften and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening skin
A naturally occurring compound that plays a role in cellular energy. In skincare, it's used for its potential anti-aging and skin-restoring benefits.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, skin repair
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it's a potent humectant that draws moisture into the skin, providing hydration and plumping effects.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Skin-Conditioning
Ceramide NP
A type of ceramide that is a key component of the skin's natural barrier, helping to retain moisture and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability of cosmetic formulations by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
A common humectant and solvent that helps to improve product texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, product texture
Skin-Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
A lipid that is a component of the skin's barrier, it helps to restore and maintain skin health.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, skin repair
A form of Vitamin A that promotes cell turnover, boosts collagen production, and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores. Fermented form for reduced irritation.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, texture improvement, pore appearance
Watch for
Can cause dryness, peeling, or increased sun sensitivity, especially when first starting. Use with caution if you have sensitive skin.
A clear, colorless liquid that acts as an emollient, providing a smooth feel to the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that acts as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Product texture, skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help to revitalize and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, skin revitalization
Soothing Agent
Coptis Japonica Root Extract
Traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing irritation
A form of Vitamin E, it's a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect the skin from oxidative damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Soothing Agent
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
A derivative of licorice root, it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing irritation, redness reduction
Emollient
Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
A fermented ingredient that can provide emollient and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Softening skin, hydration
Skin-Conditioning
Glycolipids
Lipids combined with carbohydrates that play a role in skin barrier function and hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration