The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Attracts moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and plump.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Pentylene Glycol
Helps to draw moisture to the skin and can enhance the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Antioxidant/Brightener
Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin C helps to brighten skin, fade dark spots, and support collagen production. Can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Brightening, anti-aging, uneven tone
Watch for
Potential for irritation or redness in sensitive skin
Antioxidant/Soothing
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it helps to protect the skin from free radical damage and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant protection
Antioxidant/Soothing
Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract
Similar to green tea, white tea extract offers antioxidant and soothing benefits.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant protection
Skin-Restoring
Niacinamide
Improves skin barrier function, reduces redness, and can help minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, redness, pores, fine lines
Antioxidant
Superoxide Dismutase
An enzyme that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Coenzyme Q10, a potent antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Soothing/Moisturizing
Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract
A type of seaweed extract that can help soothe and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Exfoliant/Humectant
Lactic Acid
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates and also helps to hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration, texture
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; start slowly if new to AHAs
A naturally occurring compound that can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, wrinkle reduction
Used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to ensure stability and efficacy.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations
Emulsifier/Solubilizer
Polysorbate 20
Helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients and solubilize fragrances.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Watch for
Can be a source of irritation for some
pH Adjuster/Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Used to adjust pH and can offer mild antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
pH balance, antioxidant support
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
Antioxidant/Astringent
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Contains Vitamin C and can have astringent properties. Can be photosensitizing and potentially irritating.
Usually helps with
Brightening
Watch for
Photosensitivity, potential for irritation
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Another common preservative that helps extend the shelf life of the product.
Usually helps with
Product preservation