The base for many skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A silicone that provides a smooth feel and helps lock in moisture. Can sometimes feel heavy on oily skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, moisture retention
Watch for
Potential for pore-clogging in very acne-prone individuals
A solvent and humectant that helps ingredients penetrate the skin and draws moisture to it.
Usually helps with
Hydration, improving texture
A classic humectant that attracts water to the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
A silicone that provides a light, non-greasy feel and helps spread the product.
Usually helps with
Texture, spreadability
A sugar that helps skin retain moisture and protects it from dehydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
A sugar that can help hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Thickener
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Urea
A derivative of urea that is a highly effective humectant, providing significant hydration.
Usually helps with
Intense hydration
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect skin from environmental damage and can soothe irritation.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Antioxidant
Silybum Marianum (Lady'S Thistle) Extract
Contains silymarin, a potent antioxidant that can help protect skin from oxidative stress.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Soothing
Betula Alba (Birch) Bark Extract
Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Skin-Conditioning
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
A yeast extract that can help condition and improve the skin's appearance.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Soothing
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Known for its hydrating and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
Soothing
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Provides soothing and hydrating benefits to the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Antioxidant
Thermus Thermophillus Ferment
A heat-stable enzyme that can help protect skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Can help reduce puffiness and has antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, reducing puffiness
A sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Peptide
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
A peptide that may help improve skin firmness and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Firmness, elasticity
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
A humectant that also acts as a preservative booster and emollient.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
An emulsifier that can sometimes be associated with skin irritation or contamination concerns.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Potential for irritation
Film Former
Sodium Polyaspartate
A polymer that can form a film on the skin, providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Texture
Soothing
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Polysaccharides
Components of aloe vera known for their hydrating and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
Skin-Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
A probiotic-derived ingredient that can help support the skin's natural barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, skin conditioning
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
A plant-derived ingredient that binds to skin cells and provides long-lasting hydration.
Usually helps with
Long-lasting hydration
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to emulsify oil and water components in a formula.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, softening
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
A polyethylene glycol that can help solubilize ingredients. Some PEG compounds can be associated with irritation.
Usually helps with
Solubilizing
Watch for
Potential for irritation
A solvent that can also act as a humectant. Can be a mild irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Solvent, hydration
Watch for
Potential for irritation
Active
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A stable, water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C that helps brighten skin and fade dark spots.
Usually helps with
Brightening, dark spots
Watch for
May take time to see results
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used to adjust pH and can provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment, mild exfoliation
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity
A synthetic antioxidant preservative that has raised some health concerns.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential health concerns
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
pH Adjuster
Sodium Citrate
A salt of citric acid used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A widely used preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative that helps prevent bacterial contamination.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
A synthetic colorant used to give the product its red hue.
Colorant
Yellow 5 (Ci 19140)
A synthetic colorant used to give the product its yellow hue.