The base for most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A form of Vitamin B5 that attracts and holds moisture, also known for its soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
A stable, plant-derived lipid that mimics skin's natural oils, providing hydration and improving suppleness.
Usually helps with
Dryness, suppleness
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A multi-functional ingredient used for hydration and as a preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Emollient
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
A derivative of olive oil that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
A plant-derived solvent and humectant that enhances skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Triethylhexanoin
A synthetic emollient that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil
A nourishing oil rich in fatty acids that softens and conditions the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishment, softening
Watch for
Potential allergen for those with nut allergies
Emollient
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Provides a smooth feel and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Helps to mix oil and water, creating a stable emulsion.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, and also acts as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, softening
Emollient
Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps with product spreadability.
Usually helps with
Texture, spreadability
Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate
A common emulsifier used to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Texture
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some, and may have trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to stabilize oil and water mixtures in formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E that helps protect skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that helps protect the formula and skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Soothing Agent
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Derived from licorice root, it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, anti-inflammatory
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, known for its ability to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Also known as Coenzyme Q10, it's a potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, anti-aging
Antioxidant
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Contains antioxidants that help protect skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid, it helps to maintain the skin's barrier function and provides moisture.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Antioxidant
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
Contains antioxidants, but can be photosensitizing and irritating.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Watch for
Photosensitivity, potential irritation
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Contains antioxidants but can be photosensitizing and cause irritation.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Watch for
Photosensitivity, potential irritation
Antioxidant
Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil
Known for its antioxidant properties and potential skin-soothing benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, soothing
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
Contains antioxidants but can be photosensitizing and irritating.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Watch for
Photosensitivity, potential irritation
Soothing Agent
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Antioxidant
Viola Odorata Leaf Extract
Contains antioxidants that help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emollient
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
A rich emollient that helps to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, conditioning
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Contains antioxidants and can help soothe and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, soothing, moisturizing
Helps to absorb excess oil and provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Oil absorption, texture
Active
Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Contains saponins and flavonoids that may help with skin texture and firmness.
Usually helps with
Texture, firmness
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract
Provides antioxidant benefits and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, conditioning
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder
Green tea extract known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
Soothing Agent
Sphingomonas Ferment Extract
A fermented ingredient that can help soothe and hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Active
Spilanthes Acmella Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Often referred to as 'natural botox', it can help relax facial muscles for a smoothing effect.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, anti-wrinkle
Watch for
Can cause a tingling sensation
Antioxidant
Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
An adaptogen known for its antioxidant and potential skin-strengthening properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, strengthening
Soothing Agent
Hordeum Vulgare Seed Extract
Barley extract known for its soothing and moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, moisturizing
Emollient
Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
A fermented ingredient that can provide moisturizing and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, conditioning
Antioxidant
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil
Contains antioxidants but can be a potential irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Watch for
Potential irritation
Soothing Agent
Lavandula Spica (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Known for its calming scent and potential soothing properties, though some find it irritating.
Usually helps with
Calming, soothing
Watch for
Potential irritation for sensitive skin
Antioxidant
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
Contains antioxidants but can be photosensitizing and irritating.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Watch for
Photosensitivity, potential irritation
Antioxidant
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Contains antioxidants and has warming properties, but can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Watch for
Potential irritation
Emollient
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Derived from olive oil, it helps to soften and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, moisturizing
Soothing Agent
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil
Can provide a cooling sensation but may be irritating for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Cooling sensation
Watch for
Potential irritation
A form of Vitamin E that helps protect skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A dipeptide that acts as an antioxidant and may help protect against glycation.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, anti-aging
Known for its skin-soothing, moisturizing, and cell-regenerating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, healing
A skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster that also has humectant properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Active
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
A peptide that helps to support skin's structure and firmness.
Usually helps with
Firming, anti-aging
A polysaccharide that hydrates, soothes, and can help support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing, barrier support
Can help temporarily constrict blood vessels, reducing the appearance of puffiness and dark circles.
Usually helps with
Reducing puffiness
Watch for
Temporary effect
A sugar alcohol that helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A component of chamomile, it's known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
A sugar that helps to retain moisture and protect skin cells.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
Soothing Agent
Lactobacillus Ferment
A probiotic-derived ingredient that can help soothe and strengthen the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Soothing, barrier support
A solvent and humectant that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
An emulsifier that helps to create stable formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some, and may have trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to be skin-compatible.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations
pH Adjuster
Aminomethyl Propanol
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant
A thickening agent that gives products a gel-like consistency.
Usually helps with
Texture
Thickener
Microcrystalline Cellulose
A plant-derived ingredient used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, thickening
A plant-derived ingredient used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture, thickening
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that prevents microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some, especially when combined with acidic ingredients
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
A common fragrance component derived from citrus peels; a potential allergen and irritant.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Allergen, irritant, photosensitizer
A common fragrance ingredient with a floral scent; can be an irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential irritant
A fragrance component derived from citrus; a potential allergen and irritant.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Allergen, irritant, photosensitizer