The base of most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Mineral Oil/Paraffinum Liquidum/Huile Minerale
A highly refined occlusive that forms a barrier on the skin to prevent water loss. While effective, some users prefer to avoid it.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some skin types; potential for clogged pores in acne-prone individuals.
A common and effective humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A potent occlusive that creates a strong barrier to prevent moisture loss. It's highly effective for very dry skin.
Usually helps with
Very dry skin, barrier repair
Watch for
Can feel heavy and greasy; not ideal for oily or acne-prone skin.
Emulsifier/Emollient
Stearic Acid
A fatty acid that helps to emulsify ingredients and provides emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, texture
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to create a smooth texture and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture, conditioning
Emollient
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Oil
A plant-based oil that can help to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Watch for
Potential allergen for some.
A humectant that also has mild exfoliating properties at higher concentrations. It helps to hydrate and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening
Watch for
Can cause stinging at higher concentrations or on broken skin.
Derived from wool, it's a rich emollient that helps to soften and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening
Watch for
Potential allergen for some; can be comedogenic.
pH Adjuster
Triethanolamine
Used to adjust the pH of the formula. Can be irritating in high concentrations.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Watch for
Potential for irritation.
Soothing Agent
Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract/Extrait D'Orge
Known for its soothing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, conditioning
Soothing Agent
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Provides a cooling and soothing effect on the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Emollient/Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake
Rich in linoleic acid, it helps to condition and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, conditioning
Emollient
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
A skin-conditioning agent that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it effectively draws moisture into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
A humectant that helps to draw moisture to the skin and also acts as a solvent.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant that also helps to preserve the formula.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Chelating Agent
Trisodium Edta
Helps to improve the stability and texture of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some individuals.
Colorant
Yellow 6 (Ci 15985)
A synthetic colorant used to give the product its yellow hue.
Usually helps with
Appearance
Watch for
Potential for irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Colorant
Yellow 5 (Ci 19140)
A synthetic colorant used to give the product its yellow hue.
Usually helps with
Appearance
Watch for
Potential for irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Colorant
Red 33 (Ci 17200)
A synthetic colorant used to give the product its red hue.
Usually helps with
Appearance
Watch for
Potential for irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.