The base liquid for the formula.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Solvent
Alcohol Denat. (SD Alcohol 40-B)
A solvent that can help other ingredients penetrate, but can also be drying and irritating for some skin types.
Usually helps with
Improving product texture
Watch for
Dryness, irritation, redness, especially for sensitive skin
A powerful AHA that exfoliates the skin's surface, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improving texture.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, fine lines, texture
Watch for
Potential for irritation or increased sun sensitivity
pH Adjuster
Potassium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formula, often to optimize the effectiveness of acids.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Astringent
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
A natural astringent that can help to tone the skin and temporarily reduce the appearance of pores.
Usually helps with
Toning, pore appearance
Watch for
Can be drying for some
A BHA that exfoliates inside pores, helping to clear congestion and reduce the appearance of blackheads and breakouts.
Usually helps with
Pores, breakouts, oily skin
Watch for
Can be drying; may cause initial purging
Helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients, improving product texture and spreadability.
Usually helps with
Texture
An AHA that helps to exfoliate the skin and can also act as a pH adjuster.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, brightening
An AHA that exfoliates the skin's surface and helps to hydrate, improving skin tone and texture.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration, tone
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation
An AHA that works with other acids to exfoliate and promote cell renewal, contributing to smoother skin.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, cell turnover
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
A potent antioxidant derived from green tea, known for its anti-inflammatory and protective properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Soothing
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Also known as yarrow extract, it has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing
Soothing
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps to soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Antioxidant
Soy Isoflavones
Plant-derived compounds with antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A mineral compound that may play a role in skin health and repair.
Usually helps with
Skin health
A mineral salt that can help regulate sebum production and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Oil control, anti-inflammatory
A phospholipid that helps stabilize emulsions and can also have skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Texture, conditioning
A denatured alcohol that acts as a solvent and can enhance penetration of other ingredients, but may be drying.
Usually helps with
Texture, penetration
Watch for
Dryness, irritation
Used to help blend oil and water ingredients, contributing to the product's texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Fragrance
Fragrance (Parfum)
Adds a scent to the product. Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Watch for
Potential for irritation or allergic reactions
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation in high concentrations
A preservative that helps protect the product from bacterial contamination.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative to prevent spoilage.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative that inhibits the growth of mold, yeast, and fungi.
Usually helps with
Preservation