The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Dicaprylyl Ether
Softens and smooths the skin, contributing to a pleasant feel.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it helps replenish skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, barrier support
A sugar beet derivative that helps skin retain moisture and can reduce irritation.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
A classic humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient/Thickener
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and thickens the product, generally considered non-irritating.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, texture enhancement
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, minimize pores, and even out skin tone.
Usually helps with
Pores, texture, tone, barrier support
Watch for
Can cause flushing or irritation in some individuals, especially at higher concentrations or when combined with other actives.
Occlusive/Emollient
Dimethicone
A silicone that forms a breathable barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and providing a smooth feel. Can sometimes cause breakouts for acne-prone skin.
Usually helps with
Moisture retention, smoothing
Watch for
May clog pores for some individuals.
Thickener
Ammonium Cryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to mix oil and water components, and also softens the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, skin conditioning
Emulsifier
Peg-100 Stearate
A polyethylene glycol derivative that helps to blend oil and water ingredients. Concerns exist regarding potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Potential for contamination with 1,4-dioxane.
Fragrance
Parfum/Fragrance
Adds scent to the product. Can be a common cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Usually helps with
Sensory experience
Watch for
Potential for irritation, redness, and allergic reactions.
Humectant/Solvent
Propylene Glycol
A humectant that draws moisture to the skin, but can also be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Thickener/Absorbent
Cellulose
A plant-derived ingredient used to thicken formulations or absorb excess oil.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle emulsifier derived from glucose and coconut alcohol, used to stabilize oil and water in formulations.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, skin conditioning
Emollient/Preservative Booster
Caprylyl Glycol
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps to preserve the product. Can be a mild skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, preservation
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation.
Antioxidant/Preservative Booster
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that helps protect the formula and can boost the efficacy of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, preservation
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
A humectant that helps ingredients penetrate the skin and also acts as a solvent. Can be an irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Hydration, penetration enhancement
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive skin.
Emollient/Film Former
Polysilicone-11
A silicone that provides a smooth feel and can form a protective film on the skin. Concerns exist about environmental persistence.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, moisture retention
Watch for
Environmental concerns; may not be suitable for those avoiding silicones.
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative that helps prevent microbial growth. Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
Helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the product by binding to metal ions. Concerns exist regarding its environmental impact and potential to enhance penetration of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Environmental concerns; potential to increase penetration of other ingredients.
Botanical Extract
Eryngium Maritimum Extract
Sea Holly extract, known for its skin-regenerating and protective properties.
Usually helps with
Skin regeneration, protection
Botanical Extract
Marrubium Vulgare Extract
White horehound extract, used for its antioxidant and purifying properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, purifying
Preservative/Fragrance
Phenethyl Alcohol
A preservative with a mild floral scent. Can be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation, fragrance
Watch for
Potential for skin irritation.
Surfactant
Decyl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing and foaming.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Botanical Extract
Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract
A red algae extract known for its hydrating and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin conditioning
Botanical Extract
Arbutus Unedo Fruit Extract
Strawberry tree fruit extract, known for its antioxidant and skin-refining properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, pore refinement
Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Botanical Extract
Lapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
A plant extract known for its soothing and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant
Exfoliant/Mineralizing Agent
Maris Sal/Sea Salt/Sel Marin
Sea salt can provide gentle exfoliation and mineral benefits to the skin.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, mineralizing
Watch for
Can be drying or irritating for some skin types.
Peptide
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
A peptide that mimics natural skin processes to help improve skin firmness and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Firming, elasticity
A polysaccharide that can help bind ingredients and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture