The base for most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Helps to hydrate the skin and improve the texture of the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
A nourishing oil that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening
Emollient
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
Rich in antioxidants, this oil helps to moisturize and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, antioxidant
Emollient/Occlusive
Dimethicone
A silicone that creates a smooth feel and can help to lock in moisture, but may not be suitable for acne-prone skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, moisture barrier
Watch for
Potential for pore-clogging in some individuals
A sugar that can help attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Pentylene Glycol
Helps to hydrate the skin and can also enhance the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
A rich oil known for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, antioxidant
Emulsifier/Thickener
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Helps to stabilize the product's texture and consistency.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Antioxidant/Brightener
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
A stable and effective form of Vitamin C that brightens skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and supports collagen production.
Usually helps with
Brightening, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation
Watch for
Can cause mild stinging or redness in sensitive individuals
Exfoliant/Humectant
Lactic Acid
A gentle AHA that exfoliates the skin, improves texture, and increases hydration. Can increase sun sensitivity.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration, texture
Watch for
Sun sensitivity, potential irritation
Multi-tasking Active
Niacinamide
Vitamin B3 helps to improve skin barrier function, reduce redness, minimize pores, and regulate oil production.
Usually helps with
Redness, pores, oil control, barrier support
Watch for
Can cause flushing or irritation in some individuals at higher concentrations
Soothing Agent
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Derived from licorice root, it helps to calm and soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, anti-inflammatory
A stable, skin-identical lipid that provides excellent hydration and improves skin suppleness.
Usually helps with
Hydration, softening
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NP
A type of lipid that is naturally found in the skin barrier, helping to restore and maintain its integrity.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
A plant-derived ingredient that binds to moisture, providing long-lasting hydration.
Usually helps with
Long-lasting hydration
Antioxidant
Superoxide Dismutase
An enzyme that helps to neutralize free radicals, protecting the skin from oxidative damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Coenzyme Q10, a potent antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and supports cellular energy.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, anti-aging
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
An extract from a type of seaweed, known for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, skin conditioning
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Known for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Adenosine
A beneficial ingredient that can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles and promote skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, skin conditioning
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Collagen Amino Acids
Small components of collagen that can help to hydrate and improve skin's texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
An amino acid that plays a role in collagen synthesis, contributing to skin firmness and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Firmness, elasticity
Peptide
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
A peptide that mimics the effects of Botox, helping to reduce the appearance of expression lines.
Usually helps with
Anti-wrinkle
Preservative/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
A fermented ingredient that can offer moisturizing and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
A potent AHA that exfoliates the skin, revealing brighter and smoother skin. Can increase sun sensitivity and cause irritation.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, brightening, texture
Watch for
Sun sensitivity, potential irritation
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Carnitine
An amino acid derivative that can help with skin metabolism and energy.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
An amino acid that helps to hydrate and support the skin's natural moisture barrier.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Carnitine HCl
A salt form of carnitine, used for its potential skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Probiotic/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Lactobacillus Ferment
A fermented ingredient that can help to balance the skin's microbiome and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Microbiome balance, hydration
Humectant/Preservative Booster
1,2-Hexanediol
A versatile ingredient that hydrates the skin and helps to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Humectant/Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
Helps to hydrate and soften the skin, and can also act as a preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Hydration, softening
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-friendly oil derived from coconut oil and glycerin, used to replenish the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, replenishing
Emulsifier/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to stabilize emulsions and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, skin conditioning
Emulsifier/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Lecithin
A natural phospholipid that helps to emulsify ingredients and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, skin conditioning
A polysaccharide used to thicken cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Thickener
Hydroxyethylcellulose
A cellulose derivative used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Product texture
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Thickener/Gelling Agent
Carbomer
Used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Product texture
pH Adjuster
Ammonium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product. Can be irritating in high concentrations.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Watch for
Potential for irritation
pH Adjuster
Potassium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product. Can be irritating in high concentrations.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Watch for
Potential for irritation
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
Helps to improve the stability of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Soothing Agent
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Known for its cooling and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Fragrance Ingredient/Solvent
Triethyl Citrate
Can be used as a solvent or as a fragrance ingredient.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential for skin sensitivity
Fragrance/Soothing Agent
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Known for its fragrance and potential soothing properties, but can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Fragrance, calming
Watch for
Potential for irritation, especially in sensitive skin
Fragrance Ingredient
Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract
Adds a unique aroma to the product.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants and can help to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, antioxidant
Antioxidant
Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, it helps to protect and nourish the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, nourishment
Fragrance Ingredient
Cananga Odorata Flower Extract
Adds a floral fragrance to the product.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Fragrance Ingredient
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract
Adds a citrusy scent. Can be phototoxic (increase sun sensitivity) in some forms.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential for phototoxicity
Fragrance Ingredient
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Extract
Adds a floral, citrusy scent.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Antioxidant
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract
Contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract
Provides skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Cupressus Sempervirens Leaf/Stem Extract
An extract with potential skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract
An extract from seaweed, known for its skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Fragrance Ingredient
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Extract
Adds a rich floral fragrance.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Soothing Agent/Fragrance
Rose Extract
Known for its soothing and fragrant properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, fragrance
Antioxidant/Fragrance
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Contains antioxidants and has a distinct aroma.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, fragrance
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract
Has antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, skin conditioning
Fragrance Ingredient
Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Wood Extract
Adds a woody, aromatic scent.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative that helps prevent microbial growth. Can cause irritation in some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for skin irritation
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation