A silicone that provides a smooth feel and helps to lock in moisture.
Usually helps with
Creating a smooth texture, skin conditioning
Watch for
Can feel heavy on very oily skin if not formulated well.
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A solvent and humectant that helps to draw moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, improving product texture
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
A fatty alcohol that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, improving texture
Watch for
Rarely causes irritation.
Emollient
Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
A derivative used for its emollient properties and potential to enhance UV filter stability.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, texture enhancement
Watch for
Generally considered safe.
A volatile hydrocarbon that evaporates quickly, contributing to a lightweight feel.
Usually helps with
Creating a non-greasy finish
Watch for
Can be drying for some skin types.
Film Former
Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
A polymer that helps to form a film on the skin, contributing to water resistance and a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Improving wear, creating a smooth finish
Watch for
Can contribute to a silicone-like feel.
Used to absorb excess oil and improve the texture of the product.
Usually helps with
Mattifying, improving texture
Watch for
Generally safe and non-irritating.
Surfactant
Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate
A mild surfactant used for cleansing.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Watch for
Typically well-tolerated.
A thickening agent used to create gel-like consistencies.
Usually helps with
Product texture and stability
Fragrance
Parfum (Fragrance)
Adds a scent to the product.
Usually helps with
Pleasant aroma
Watch for
Can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some.
Emulsifier
Peg-100 Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water.
Usually helps with
Creating stable emulsions
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some, and concerns exist about potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane.
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, texture enhancement
Watch for
Generally considered safe.
Soothing Agent
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Derived from licorice root, it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Calming skin, reducing redness
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A polymer used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that helps to protect the formula and skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, skin conditioning
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations, but safe in small amounts for pH adjustment.
Chelating Agent
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability of the product.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Generally considered safe.
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A salt form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds water, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping skin
Watch for
Very well-tolerated.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A fatty acid derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it replenishes skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, skin conditioning
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Skin Conditioning Agent
Sphingomonas Ferment Extract
A biotechnological ingredient that can help to support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier support
Watch for
Generally considered safe.
Antioxidant
Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Fruit Extract
An extract from lingonberry, rich in antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Preservative
Phenethyl Alcohol
A preservative with antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Thickener
Sodium Carrageenan
A polysaccharide derived from seaweed, used as a thickener and emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some.
A polysaccharide used as a thickening agent.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Can be an exfoliant in higher concentrations; safe for pH adjustment.
A PHA that acts as a humectant and has mild exfoliating properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, gentle exfoliation
Watch for
Gentle exfoliant, well-tolerated.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with Vitamin C.
Exfoliant
Maris Sal (Sea Salt)
Sea salt can have exfoliating properties and contains minerals.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, mineral content
Watch for
Can be drying or irritating for some skin types.
Skin Conditioning Agent
Calcium Gluconate
A mineral salt that can help condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning