The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A silicone that provides a smooth feel and helps lock in moisture.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, moisture barrier
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some very oily skin types
Draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A silicone that contributes to the product's smooth texture and helps with spreadability.
Usually helps with
Texture, moisture barrier
A sugar that helps skin retain moisture and protects it from dehydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
A sugar that can help attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Thickener
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken the product.
Usually helps with
Texture
Humectant
Hydroxyethyl Urea
A derivative of urea that helps to hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
Contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Silybum Marianum (Lady's Thistle) Extract
A plant extract with antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Soothing
Betula Alba (Birch) Bark Extract
Known for its soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
A yeast extract that can help condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Watch for
Some yeast derivatives can be sensitizing for very reactive skin
Soothing
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
Hydrating and soothing properties from aloe vera.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Soothing
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Known for its calming and hydrating benefits.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Antioxidant
Thermus Thermophillus Ferment
A fermented ingredient derived from bacteria found in hot springs, known for antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be a potential irritant for some individuals
Can help to temporarily reduce puffiness and has antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, temporary de-puffing
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types
A sugar alcohol that attracts and holds moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Peptide
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
A peptide that may help support skin's natural collagen production.
Usually helps with
Skin firming
Watch for
Peptides are generally well-tolerated, but individual results vary
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A skin-conditioning agent that also acts as a preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
An emulsifier that can sometimes be derived from ethoxylated ingredients, which may be a concern for some.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Watch for
Potential for ethoxylation concerns
Film Former
Sodium Polyaspartate
Helps to form a film on the skin, potentially aiding in moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Moisture retention
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides from aloe vera that help bind moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
A probiotic-derived ingredient that can help support the skin's natural barrier.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier support
Watch for
Some individuals may experience sensitivity
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
A carbohydrate complex that binds moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to emulsify ingredients and can have emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, providing antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken the product and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Helps to condition the skin and can contribute to a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
A polyethylene glycol that can help dissolve other ingredients. Concerns exist regarding potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane during manufacturing.
Usually helps with
Solubilizing
Watch for
Potential for ethoxylation concerns and contamination
A solvent and humectant that can also act as a preservative booster. Can be drying in higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Potential for skin irritation or dryness in sensitive individuals
Antioxidant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C, offering antioxidant benefits and potential brightening effects.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, brightening
Watch for
Less potent than L-Ascorbic Acid, but generally more stable and less irritating
Used to adjust the pH of the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
A synthetic antioxidant that can be a skin irritant for some and has environmental concerns.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation and environmental concerns
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
pH Adjuster
Sodium Citrate
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A widely used preservative, though some individuals may find it irritating.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive skin
A synthetic colorant. Some individuals may be sensitive to artificial colors.
Usually helps with
Product appearance
Watch for
Potential for sensitivity or allergic reactions
Colorant
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
A synthetic colorant. Some individuals may be sensitive to artificial colors.
Usually helps with
Product appearance
Watch for
Potential for sensitivity or allergic reactions