The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Helps to blend oil and water components, creating a stable emulsion.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
A rich, nourishing oil that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening
Watch for
Can be heavy for very oily skin
Draws moisture from the air into the skin, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A light, non-greasy emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin that replenishes skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, replenishing
A hydrating ingredient that also helps other ingredients penetrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, penetration
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, and also acts as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, softening
Derived from coconut oil, it helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Texture, softening
Antioxidant
Lactobacillus/Portulaca Oleracea Ferment Extract
Contains antioxidants from purslane extract, known for its soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant protection
A light, naturally derived emollient that improves skin softness.
Usually helps with
Softening, light feel
A stable, plant-derived lipid that mimics skin's natural oils, providing hydration and barrier support.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E that provides antioxidant protection against free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Skin Conditioning
Maris Aqua/Sea Water (Maris Aqua)
Contains minerals from sea water that can help condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types
A form of Vitamin B5 that hydrates, soothes, and helps improve skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing, barrier support
A thickening agent that helps create the desired texture of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture
A polysaccharide that can help bind ingredients and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
A natural gum used to thicken and stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Sebum Regulator
Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
An extract known for its ability to help reduce sebum production and refine pores.
Usually helps with
Oil control, pore refinement
Watch for
May cause dryness if skin is already very dry
A phospholipid that helps stabilize emulsions and can improve skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, barrier support
A salt of lactic acid that acts as a humectant, helping to retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), it attracts and binds moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Soothes and protects the skin, promoting healing and reducing irritation.
Usually helps with
Soothing, healing
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative that also has emollient properties, helping to improve skin feel.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin feel
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some
A synthetic antioxidant that may help with skin regeneration and anti-aging effects.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging
Watch for
Limited research on long-term effects
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and holds significant amounts of water, hydrating the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to ensure stability and efficacy.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Can help with product absorption but may be drying or irritating for some skin types.
Usually helps with
Absorption
Watch for
Drying, potential irritation
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Algae Extract
Derived from algae, it can help to condition and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, hydration
Preservative
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
A natural preservative derived from fermented radish root.
Usually helps with
Natural preservation
A derivative of pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) that acts as a humectant.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
A fat-soluble form of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Less potent than L-Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
Contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, may help soothe skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for sensitive skin
Used to adjust the pH of the product, can also have mild exfoliating properties.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment, mild exfoliation
A natural sugar that can help attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
An amino acid that helps build proteins and supports skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin structure
A form of Vitamin E that protects skin from oxidative stress.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A carbohydrate compound that can help improve skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, improves texture, and hydrates.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration, texture
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; start slowly
Skin Restoring
Niacinamide
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and minimize pores.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, redness, pores, tone
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but high concentrations can cause flushing in some
A natural component of the skin's NMF, it attracts and retains moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Sebum Regulator
Oleanolic Acid
Works with Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract to help control sebum production and reduce skin oiliness.
Usually helps with
Oil control
Pure Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that brightens skin and fights free radicals.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be unstable and irritating for some; best used in lower concentrations or derivatives
Antioxidant
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
A plant extract rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection