The base for most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A volatile alcohol that can help other ingredients penetrate the skin, but can also be drying and irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Watch for
Dryness, irritation, redness
A common humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Triethylhexanoin
A synthetic emollient that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, this is a lightweight emollient that replenishes skin.
Usually helps with
Replenishing skin
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
A humectant that also acts as a solvent. Can be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A humectant and preservative booster that is generally well-tolerated.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to stabilize oil and water in formulations and can have skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A form of Vitamin B5 that acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin, while also offering soothing benefits.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
A thickening agent used to create gels and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Used to adjust the pH of formulations.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Emulsifier
C14-22 Alcohols
A blend of fatty alcohols that help to emulsify and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, conditioning
A highly effective emollient that mimics the skin's natural oils, providing hydration and improving skin's suppleness without feeling heavy.
Usually helps with
Hydration, softening skin
A humectant that also helps to improve product texture and penetration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
An emulsifier that can sometimes be associated with skin irritation.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Potential irritation
Emollient
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
A rich, nourishing oil that is high in fatty acids and helps to soften and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishing, moisturizing
Emulsifier
Arachidyl Glucoside
A plant-derived emulsifier that is gentle and effective.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich butter known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, conditioning
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient derived from glycerin and stearic acid.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, softening
A fatty acid that acts as an emulsifier and emollient.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, softening
Skin-Identical
Ceramide NP
A skin-identical lipid that helps to restore the skin's barrier function, preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
A skin-conditioning agent that helps to maintain the skin's barrier and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
A silicone that forms a barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss and provide a smooth feel. Can be comedogenic for some.
Usually helps with
Occlusion, smoothing
Watch for
Potential pore-clogging
Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate
A polyethylene glycol ether of stearic acid, used as an emulsifier. Can be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Potential irritation
Botanical
Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract
Known for its antioxidant and astringent properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Botanical
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Known for its soothing and moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, moisturizing
Botanical
Viola Tricolor Extract
Contains antioxidants and is known for its soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing
Botanical
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Known for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, healing
Botanical
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, moisturizing
Botanical
Nepeta Cataria Extract
Also known as catnip extract, it has antioxidant and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, soothing
Botanical
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Botanical
Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract
Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing
Botanical
Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract
Traditionally used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antiseptic
Botanical
Euphrasia Officinalis Extract
Also known as eyebright, it has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Astringent, anti-inflammatory
Botanical
Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract
Traditionally used for its antiseptic properties.
Usually helps with
Antiseptic
Botanical
Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract
Comfrey extract, known for its soothing and healing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, healing
Botanical
Achillea Millefolium Flower Extract
Yarrow extract, known for its anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties.
Usually helps with
Anti-inflammatory, healing
Botanical
Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract
Contains antioxidants and is known for its soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing
Botanical
Menyanthes Trifoliata Leaf Extract
Buckbean extract, traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Anti-inflammatory
Botanical
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Contains salicin, a precursor to salicylic acid, known for its exfoliating and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Exfoliating, anti-inflammatory
Watch for
Potential sensitivity
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
A natural fragrance ingredient that can cause photosensitivity and irritation in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Photosensitivity, irritation
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil
A natural fragrance ingredient that can cause photosensitivity and irritation in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Photosensitivity, irritation
Fragrance
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
A natural fragrance ingredient derived from geranium, can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential irritation
Fragrance
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
A natural fragrance ingredient with antioxidant properties, but can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Fragrance, antioxidant
Watch for
Potential irritation
A common component of citrus peel oils, used for fragrance. Can be a skin irritant and allergen.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Irritation, allergy
A fragrance ingredient found in rose and geranium oils. Can cause allergic reactions.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Allergic reactions
A fragrance ingredient found in rose and geranium oils. Can cause allergic reactions.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Allergic reactions
A component of citrus oils, used for fragrance. Can be a skin irritant and allergen.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Irritation, allergy
A fragrance ingredient found in many flowers and spices. Can cause allergic reactions.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Allergic reactions