The base for many skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A lightweight emollient that provides a smooth feel and can help with spreadability.
Usually helps with
Texture
Watch for
Can be occlusive for some skin types.
Helps draw moisture to the skin and improves product texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Can form a thin film on the skin, potentially providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Texture
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and can help create a barrier.
Usually helps with
Texture, barrier support
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones.
Emulsifier
Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients in the formula.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
A classic humectant that draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Thickener
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Helps to give the product its gel-like consistency.
Usually helps with
Texture
Antioxidant
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Contains resveratrol, known for its antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Soothing Agent
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Known for its cooling and calming properties, it can help reduce redness and irritation.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Skin Conditioning Agent
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
A type of seaweed extract that can help condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Skin Conditioning Agent
Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract/Extrait D'Orge
Contains antioxidants and can help condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Skin Conditioning Agent
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
A yeast extract that can help condition and support the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Skin Conditioning Agent
Lactobacillus Ferment
A probiotic ferment that can help support the skin's natural balance.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Soothing Agent
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria)
Known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake
Provides emollient properties to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, softening
Can help to temporarily reduce puffiness and provide antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, temporary de-puffing
Watch for
Can be irritating for some.
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A salt form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A sugar that helps retain moisture and protect cells from dehydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
An emulsifier that can also be a surfactant; some sources flag it for potential irritation.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Watch for
Potential for irritation.
A skin-conditioning agent that also has preservative properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
A silicone that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and can help with product texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones.
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E, offering antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be irritating for some.
Emollient
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
A lightweight emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Used as a solvent and viscosity-decreasing agent. Can be a mild irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Formula texture
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation.
An emulsifier that can be a skin irritant for some individuals.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Watch for
Potential for irritation.
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
An emulsifier that can be a skin irritant for some individuals.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Watch for
Potential for irritation.
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A polymer used to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Can help absorb excess oil and provide a matte finish.
Usually helps with
Oil absorption, mattifying
Watch for
Can be drying if overused.
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
Helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Watch for
Some concerns about environmental impact.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth. Can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation.
Colorant
Yellow 6 (Ci 15985)
Artificial colorant. Some individuals may be sensitive.
Usually helps with
Appearance
Watch for
Potential for sensitivity.
Artificial colorant. Some individuals may be sensitive.
Usually helps with
Appearance
Watch for
Potential for sensitivity.
Colorant
Yellow 5 (Ci 19140)
Artificial colorant. Some individuals may be sensitive.
Usually helps with
Appearance
Watch for
Potential for sensitivity.