The primary solvent in cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Dissolving other ingredients
Solvent
Dipropylene Glycol
A solvent that can also help to improve the texture of the product.
Usually helps with
Improving product feel
A humectant that draws moisture to the skin, and also acts as a solvent.
Usually helps with
Hydration, improving texture
A classic humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and plump.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A stable, skin-identical lipid that moisturizes and helps to reinforce the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and can help to temporarily fill fine lines. It's a volatile silicone, meaning it evaporates from the skin.
Usually helps with
Improving texture, smooth application
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones
Emollient
Caprylyl Trimethicone
A silicone that offers a light, non-greasy feel and helps to improve spreadability.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones
A silicone that forms a breathable barrier on the skin, helping to lock in moisture and provide a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Moisture retention, smooth feel
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones
Film Former
HDI/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
A polymer that forms a film on the skin, which can help with texture and longevity of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture, product feel
A versatile ingredient that acts as a humectant, solvent, and preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Hydration, product preservation
Emulsifier
Sucrose Polystearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
Stabilizing the formula
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
A common emulsifier and emollient derived from glycerin and stearic acid.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, softening skin
A form of Vitamin B5, it's a humectant that also has soothing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
A silicone derivative that can help with conditioning and improving skin feel.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, texture
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones
Emollient
Triethylhexanoin
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Softening skin, improving texture
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
A silicone elastomer that provides a smooth, velvety feel and can help to mattify the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture, mattifying
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones
Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate
A polyethylene glycol derivative used as an emulsifier. Can sometimes cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive skin
Emulsifier
C14-22 Alcohols
A blend of fatty alcohols that act as emulsifiers and emollients.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, softening skin
A mineral that can absorb excess oil and provide a matte finish.
Usually helps with
Oil control, mattifying
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NP
A lipid naturally found in the skin barrier, crucial for maintaining hydration and integrity.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that acts as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, skin conditioning
Fragrance Ingredient
Cedrol
A fragrance component derived from cedarwood oil, used for its scent.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential for skin sensitivity due to fragrance
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps to moisturize.
Usually helps with
Softening skin, hydration
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A copolymer used as an emulsifier and thickener, providing a pleasant texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, stabilizing formula
Emulsifier
PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol
An emulsifier derived from rapeseed oil.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
A common thickening agent used to give products a gel-like consistency.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Emulsifier
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
A non-ionic emulsifier derived from plant-based ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Stabilizing pH
A non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier. Can sometimes cause irritation.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive skin
A polyethylene glycol ether of glycerin used as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
A natural polymer used as a thickener or texturizer.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Chelating Agent
Trisodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
A plant-derived ingredient with antioxidant properties, often seen as a gentler alternative to retinol for improving skin texture and tone.
Usually helps with
Skin texture, antioxidant support
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Caffeine
Can temporarily constrict blood vessels, helping to reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles.
Usually helps with
Reducing puffiness, temporary firming
Watch for
Effect is temporary
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Known for its soothing and antioxidant properties, it can help calm the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant support
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
A botanical extract known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Oat extract is known for its soothing and anti-itch properties, beneficial for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Nepeta Cataria Extract
Also known as catnip extract, it has antioxidant and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant support
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Leaf Extract
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it can help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract
A botanical extract with potential antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Stellaria Media (Chickweed) Extract
Known for its soothing properties, it can help calm irritated skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract
A botanical extract with antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Marshmallow root extract is known for its soothing and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Rosa Damascena Flower Extract
Rose extract can have antioxidant and soothing properties, but is also a fragrance component.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant support
Watch for
Potential for irritation due to fragrance
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract
Meadowsweet extract has antioxidant and astringent properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support, toning
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Viola Tricolor Extract
Pansy extract has soothing and moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Achillea Millefolium Flower Extract
Yarrow extract has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support, soothing
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Symphytum Officinale Leaf Extract
Comfrey leaf extract has soothing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, skin conditioning
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Trifolium Pratense (Clover) Flower Extract
Red clover extract has antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support, skin conditioning
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Menyanthes Trifoliata Leaf Extract
Buckbean leaf extract has antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract
Contains natural salicylates, which can offer mild exfoliation and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Usually helps with
Mild exfoliation, soothing
A salt of lactic acid, it's a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and helps to hydrate.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A non-ionic surfactant and emulsifier. Can sometimes cause irritation.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive skin
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Peptide
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A signaling peptide that can help stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness and reducing wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Firming, anti-aging
Peptide
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
A peptide that mimics the effects of Botox by relaxing facial muscles, helping to reduce the appearance of expression lines.
Usually helps with
Reducing expression lines
Peptide
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Works synergistically with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 to reduce inflammation and support collagen production, improving skin firmness.
Usually helps with
Firming, anti-aging
Fragrance Ingredient
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Provides a natural citrus scent. Can be phototoxic and cause skin sensitivity.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential for photosensitivity and irritation
Fragrance Ingredient
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil
Provides a natural citrus scent. Can be phototoxic and cause skin sensitivity.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential for photosensitivity and irritation
Fragrance Ingredient
Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Rose geranium oil, used for its floral scent.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential for skin sensitivity due to fragrance
Fragrance Ingredient
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Rosemary oil has a distinct scent and some antioxidant properties, but is primarily used for fragrance here.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential for skin sensitivity due to fragrance
Fragrance Ingredient
Limonene
A common component of citrus peel oils, used for its scent. It is a known allergen and can cause skin irritation.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Known allergen, potential for irritation
Fragrance Ingredient
Citronellol
A common fragrance ingredient with a rosy scent. Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen
Fragrance Ingredient
Geraniol
A fragrance ingredient with a rosy scent. Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen
Fragrance Ingredient
Citral
A component of citrus oils, used for its scent. Can cause allergic reactions and irritation.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen, potential for irritation
Fragrance Ingredient
Linalool
A common fragrance ingredient with a floral scent. Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen