The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Helps to reduce redness, support the skin barrier, and improve skin texture. Can also help with oil control.
Usually helps with
Redness, barrier support, texture
Watch for
Can cause flushing or irritation in some individuals, especially at higher concentrations.
A common solvent and humectant that helps ingredients penetrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, penetration
A natural compound that helps protect skin cells from environmental stressors and supports the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, redness reduction
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A salt form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
A smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin for enhanced hydration.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration, plumping
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
A modified form of hyaluronic acid that has improved skin penetration and retention.
Usually helps with
Long-lasting hydration, plumping
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
A cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that forms a film on the skin's surface to prevent moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Surface hydration, barrier support
Peptide
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
A peptide that mimics the effects of Botox, helping to relax facial muscles and reduce the appearance of expression lines.
Usually helps with
Expression lines, anti-aging
Peptide
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A peptide that stimulates collagen production, helping to improve skin firmness and reduce wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Firmness, wrinkles
Peptide
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
A peptide that helps to reduce inflammation and support skin repair, contributing to a smoother complexion.
Usually helps with
Skin repair, anti-aging
A signaling peptide that promotes cell regeneration and helps to improve skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
Elasticity, anti-aging
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
A plant-derived ingredient that binds to skin cells to provide long-lasting hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, dry skin
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect the skin from environmental damage and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract
Similar to green tea, it provides antioxidant benefits and helps to calm the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Soothing Agent
Centella Asiatica Extract
Known for its wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to soothe and repair the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, repair, redness
Antioxidant
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract
A potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Soothing Agent
Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
A derivative of beta-glucan that helps to soothe and condition the skin, while also supporting barrier function.
Usually helps with
Soothing, barrier support
A plant-based ingredient often considered a natural alternative to retinol, it helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, texture improvement
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation or peeling in some individuals, similar to retinol.
Antioxidant
Inonotus Obliquus (Mushroom) Extract
Contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Tetrahydrocurcumin
A derivative of curcumin with antioxidant and brightening properties.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can potentially cause staining due to its color.
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide NP
A type of lipid that is a natural component of the skin barrier, helping to restore and maintain hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide AP
Another type of ceramide that supports the skin barrier and helps prevent moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide EOP
A key ceramide that helps to strengthen the skin barrier and improve overall skin health.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, skin health
Help to form the skin's barrier, improving hydration and suppleness.
Usually helps with
Barrier function, hydration
Skin-Replenishing
Sphingolipids
Lipids that are crucial components of the skin barrier, helping to maintain its integrity and function.
Usually helps with
Barrier function, skin health
Skin-Replenishing
Phytosphingosine
A lipid that plays a role in skin barrier function and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Barrier function, anti-inflammatory
Soothing Agent
Colloidal Oatmeal
Known for its ability to soothe irritated and itchy skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, irritation
A component of chamomile, it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, redness reduction
Antioxidant
Superoxide Dismutase
An enzyme that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) Fruit Extract
Extremely rich in Vitamin C, providing potent antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, brightening
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor, it helps to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A powerful antioxidant that can help brighten the skin and protect against environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be unstable in formulations; effectiveness may vary.
A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing hydration and improving suppleness.
Usually helps with
Hydration, all skin types
Can help to temporarily reduce puffiness and redness.
Usually helps with
Puffiness reduction, antioxidant
A form of Vitamin B5 that attracts and holds moisture, improving skin hydration and softness.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich moisturizer that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening
Watch for
Can be heavy for very oily skin types.
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Known for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration, irritation
Soothing Agent
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Used to help reduce swelling and bruising, and calm the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, reducing inflammation
Skin-Replenishing
Acetyl Glutamine
An amino acid derivative that helps to support skin hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
Skin-Replenishing
Bifida Ferment Lysate
A probiotic ingredient that helps to strengthen the skin barrier and improve skin's resilience.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, resilience
Soothing Agent
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Has anti-inflammatory and calming properties, beneficial for sensitive or irritated skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Antioxidant
Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) Root Extract
An adaptogen with antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from stress.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, stress defense
An AHA that exfoliates the skin, helping to improve texture, tone, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Can be irritating.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, texture, tone
Watch for
Can cause redness, peeling, and increased sun sensitivity. Start slowly.
A larger molecule AHA that exfoliates more gently than glycolic acid, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, acne-prone skin
Watch for
Can still cause irritation and sun sensitivity.
Exfoliant
Lactobionic Acid
A PHA that exfoliates gently and also has humectant properties, helping to hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, hydration
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative that also has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Surfactant
Lauryl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Surfactant
Decyl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
A gentle emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Emollient
Diheptyl Succinate
A plant-derived emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
A silicone that forms a protective barrier on the skin, helping to reduce moisture loss and provide a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Occlusion, smoothing
Watch for
Can feel heavy on oily skin; some prefer to avoid silicones.
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant that helps to hydrate the skin and improve the texture of formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
Emulsifier
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
A gentle emulsifier derived from lactic acid and lauric acid.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Film Former
PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer
Helps to form a film on the skin, providing a smooth feel and potentially improving the wear of other products.
Usually helps with
Texture, film-forming
Film Former
VP/VA Copolymer
Forms a flexible film on the skin, providing hold and texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, film-forming
A common thickening agent that improves the texture and stability of formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
pH Adjuster
Potassium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
A gentle emulsifier used to help dissolve oils in water-based formulas.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and can help to mattify the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture, mattifying
Watch for
Can feel heavy on oily skin; some prefer to avoid silicones.
A thickening agent used to create gel-like textures.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
A lipid that helps to reinforce the skin barrier and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Emollient
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
A conditioning agent that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Preservative
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
A natural preservative derived from fermented radish root.
Usually helps with
Preservation
pH Adjuster
Sodium Citrate
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
pH Adjuster
Sodium Metasilicate
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
A PHA that gently exfoliates and hydrates the skin.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, hydration
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Helps to stabilize the formulation by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A lightweight emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin that helps to replenish the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, hydration
Fragrance
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract
Adds a pleasant scent to the product. Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential for irritation or allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Antioxidant
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Fragrance
Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract
Adds a strong scent. Can be irritating for some skin types.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential for irritation or allergic reaction, especially for sensitive skin.
Fragrance
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Provides a calming scent. Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential for irritation or allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Fragrance
Raspberry Ketone
Adds a fruity scent. Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential for irritation or allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative. Can cause irritation in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
