The primary solvent in cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
A lightweight emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin without feeling heavy.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A naturally derived humectant that helps to hydrate and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin protection
Emollient/Thickener
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and also acts as a thickener.
Usually helps with
Skin softening, texture enhancement
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps improve skin tone, reduce the appearance of pores, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Pores, skin tone, barrier support
Watch for
Can cause temporary flushing or redness in some individuals, especially at higher concentrations.
Occlusive/Emollient
Dimethicone
A silicone that forms a breathable barrier on the skin, helping to reduce moisture loss and provide a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, moisture retention
Watch for
Some individuals may find it can contribute to breakouts if not properly cleansed.
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water, and also acts as an emollient to soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, skin softening
Emulsifier
Peg-100 Stearate
A water-soluble emulsifier used to create stable formulations.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Emollient
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
A lightweight emollient that conditions the skin and improves spreadability.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, texture
Thickener/Stabilizer
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and stabilize emulsions.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement, stability
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps create stable and pleasant-feeling formulations.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, skin feel
Humectant/Solvent
Propylene Glycol
A humectant that helps draw moisture into the skin and acts as a solvent for other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration, ingredient delivery
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Fragrance
Parfum/Fragrance
Adds scent to the product. Can be a common cause of skin sensitivity or allergic reactions.
Watch for
Potential for irritation, allergies, and photosensitivity in some individuals.
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Caprylyl Glycol
A humectant that also helps to preserve the product and improve its feel on the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation in some.
Botanical Extract
Dipsacus Sylvestris Extract
A plant extract with antioxidant properties that may help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant/Preservative Booster
Hydroxyacetophenone
An antioxidant that helps protect the skin and also boosts the efficacy of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, preservation
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
A mineral that provides shimmer and color to the product.
Usually helps with
Appearance
Colorant
Ci 77891/Titanium Dioxide
A white pigment used for color and opacity.
Emollient/Film Former
Polysilicone-11
A silicone that provides a smooth feel and can form a light film on the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture, skin feel
Watch for
Similar concerns to dimethicone for some individuals.
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
A humectant that helps draw moisture to the skin and acts as a solvent.
Usually helps with
Hydration, ingredient delivery
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Can enhance penetration of other ingredients, which may be a concern if those ingredients are irritating.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin that is a good emollient and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, emollience
pH Adjuster/Exfoliant
Citric Acid
Used to adjust the pH of the product. In higher concentrations, it can act as an exfoliant.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Watch for
Can cause irritation at higher concentrations or for sensitive skin.
Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Botanical Extract
Eryngium Maritimum Extract
An extract from sea holly, known for its potential skin-strengthening and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Skin strengthening, antioxidant
Botanical Extract
Marrubium Vulgare Extract
An extract from white horehound, which has antioxidant and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, soothing
Preservative/Fragrance Component
Phenethyl Alcohol
A preservative with a mild floral scent, used to prevent microbial contamination.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals.
Surfactant/Cleanser
Decyl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Botanical Extract
Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract
An extract from red algae, known for its hydrating and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin conditioning
pH Adjuster/Chelating Agent
Sodium Citrate
Used to adjust the pH of the product and can also act as a chelating agent.
Usually helps with
pH balance, stability
Botanical Extract
Arbutus Unedo Fruit Extract
An extract from the fruit of the strawberry tree, potentially offering antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Botanical Extract
Lapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
An extract from nipplewort, traditionally used for its skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing
Exfoliant/Mineral Source
Maris Sal/Sea Salt/Sel Marin
Sea salt can provide gentle exfoliation and is a source of minerals.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, minerals
Watch for
Can be drying or irritating for some, especially in high concentrations.
A synthetic red colorant.