Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
A synthetic emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin, providing a pleasant feel.
Usually helps with
Softening and smoothing
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Derived from jojoba oil, these esters act as emollients, helping to condition and soften the lips.
Usually helps with
Conditioning and softening
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
A popular emollient known for its moisturizing properties, though it can be comedogenic for some on the face.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Watch for
Can be occlusive; potential for breakouts in acne-prone individuals (less of a concern for lips)
A stable, plant-derived lipid that mimics the skin's natural oils, providing excellent hydration and barrier support.
Usually helps with
Hydration and barrier support
Watch for
Non-irritating and non-comedogenic
Emollient/Thickener
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax
A plant-based wax that helps to thicken the formula and provide a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
Texture and consistency
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Film Former/Thickener
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to create a smooth film on the skin and thicken the formulation.
Usually helps with
Texture and film-forming
Watch for
Generally considered safe
Active/Vasodilator
Benzyl Nicotinate
A derivative of niacin (Vitamin B3) that causes temporary vasodilation, leading to a plumping effect and a warming sensation.
Usually helps with
Temporary plumping
Watch for
Can cause redness, flushing, and a tingling or burning sensation; not suitable for sensitive skin
A natural compound that helps protect skin cells from environmental stress and dehydration.
Usually helps with
Protection and hydration
Active/Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Excellent for drawing moisture
Active/Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
A smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid, allowing for deeper penetration and hydration.
Usually helps with
Deeper hydration
Watch for
Effective humectant
Active/Peptide
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
A peptide that works to stimulate the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid, aiding in plumping and smoothing.
Usually helps with
Plumping and smoothing
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Active/Peptide
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A peptide that signals the skin to repair itself, promoting collagen production for firmer, smoother lips.
Usually helps with
Firming and smoothing
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Active/Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
A modified form of hyaluronic acid that offers enhanced moisture retention and skin conditioning.
Usually helps with
Moisture retention
Watch for
Good for long-lasting hydration
Active/Botanical
Portulaca Pilosa Extract
A plant extract known for its soothing and antioxidant properties, which can also support skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Soothing and hydration
Watch for
Calming properties
Active/Botanical
Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract
Milk thistle extract, known for its antioxidant and protective properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Active/Botanical
Centella Asiatica Meristem Cell Culture
A plant stem cell extract known for its soothing and regenerative properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing and regeneration
Watch for
Calming and healing
A sugar that helps to retain moisture and protect skin cells from dehydration.
Usually helps with
Moisture retention
Watch for
Protects against dryness
A component of chamomile, known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing and calming
Watch for
Reduces redness and irritation
Active/Botanical
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
A hydrating and antioxidant-rich fruit extract that can help condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration and conditioning
Watch for
Refreshing and nourishing
Active/Botanical
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Contains natural antioxidants and can help to gently condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant and conditioning
Watch for
Gentle skin conditioning
Emollient
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it's a nourishing oil that helps to moisturize and soften the lips.
Usually helps with
Nourishing and moisturizing
Watch for
Can be heavy for some; generally good for dry lips
A synthetic ester that acts as an emollient, providing a smooth feel and helping to prevent moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Smoothness and moisture retention
A classic humectant that draws water into the skin, helping to keep lips hydrated.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Effective and safe humectant
Thickener/Humectant
Glucomannan
A soluble fiber that can absorb water and help to thicken formulations, also providing some humectant properties.
Usually helps with
Texture and hydration
Watch for
Natural thickener
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
An emollient ester that can give products a smooth, silky feel. It can sometimes cause breakouts in sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Smooth texture
Watch for
Can feel slightly waxy; potential for irritation in some
A fatty acid ester that acts as an emollient, helping to soften and condition the lips.
Usually helps with
Softening and conditioning
Watch for
Good emollient properties
Emollient
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
A synthetic emollient that provides a light, non-greasy feel and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Light conditioning
Watch for
Pleasant skin feel
Emulsifier/Emollient
Sucrose Cocoate
Derived from sugar and coconut, it acts as a mild emulsifier and emollient, helping to blend ingredients and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying and softening
Watch for
Gentle properties
Emulsifier/Emollient
Trihydroxystearin
A derivative of stearic acid that helps to stabilize emulsions and provides emollient benefits.
Usually helps with
Stabilizing and emollient
Watch for
Good for texture
Emollient
Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
A diester of dimer acid and linoleyl alcohol, it's a highly emollient ingredient that provides excellent slip and conditioning.
Usually helps with
Superior conditioning and slip
Watch for
Very effective emollient
A natural polysaccharide used as a thickening agent to improve the texture and stability of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture and stability
Watch for
Safe and effective thickener
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients, contributing to the product's texture.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Helps create stable formulations
Film Former/Thickener
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
A synthetic polymer that contributes to the product's texture and film-forming properties.
Usually helps with
Texture and film formation
Preservative/Antimicrobial
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
A natural preservative derived from fermented radish root, offering antimicrobial benefits.
Usually helps with
Natural preservation
Watch for
Gentle preservative alternative
Vitamin E, a well-known antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Protects against oxidative stress
The base solvent for many cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Dissolving ingredients
Watch for
Essential for liquid formulations
Exfoliant/Humectant
Lactic Acid
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that can gently exfoliate and also act as a humectant. It can increase sun sensitivity.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation and hydration
Watch for
Can cause sensitivity; use sunscreen
pH Adjuster/Exfoliant
Citric Acid
Used to adjust the pH of the product, it can also offer mild exfoliating benefits.
Usually helps with
pH balance and mild exfoliation
Watch for
Can be irritating at high concentrations
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products. It can be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative. Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for allergic reactions or irritation
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative to prevent the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Generally safe, but can cause irritation in some
