The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Helps with oil balance, tone, and barrier support. Generally well-tolerated.
Usually helps with
Hyperpigmentation, redness, pores, barrier support
Watch for
Can cause flushing or irritation in very high concentrations or for sensitive skin.
Draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin that helps replenish skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening skin
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Pentylene Glycol
A multi-functional ingredient that helps with hydration and enhances the preservative system.
Usually helps with
Hydration, formulation stability
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
A skin brightener that targets hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
Usually helps with
Hyperpigmentation, dark spots
Watch for
Can be irritating for some, especially at higher concentrations.
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich emollient that moisturizes and softens the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, soothing
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for very acne-prone skin.
A stable, plant-derived oil that mimics skin's natural sebum, providing hydration without greasiness.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Emulsifier/Emollient
Cetearyl Olivate
Derived from olive oil, it helps blend oil and water and softens skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, softening
Emollient/Occlusive
Dimethicone
A silicone that creates a smooth feel and provides a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, barrier function
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones.
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths skin, and helps stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate
Derived from olive oil, it helps to stabilize the emulsion.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Helps to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production.
Usually helps with
Hyperpigmentation, dark spots
Watch for
Can be unstable and may cause irritation or photosensitivity.
Antioxidant/Brightener
Diglucosyl Gallic Acid
A stable derivative of gallic acid that offers antioxidant and brightening benefits.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection
Watch for
Less common, so long-term effects are still being studied.
Soothing/Brightening
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties.
Usually helps with
Redness, soothing, hyperpigmentation
Emollient
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it nourishes and moisturizes the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, nourishment
Watch for
Can be heavy for oily skin.
Thickener/Stabilizer
Sclerotium Gum
A plant-derived gum that helps thicken the formula and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
Thickener/Stabilizer
Xanthan Gum
A common thickening agent that improves product texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
pH Adjuster/Exfoliant
Citric Acid
Used to adjust the pH of the product, and in higher concentrations, can offer mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
pH balance, mild exfoliation
Watch for
Can be irritating if pH is too low.
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
Helps to improve the stability of the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Emollient/Preservative Booster
Caprylyl Glycol
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Emollience, preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Solvent/Humectant
Hexylene Glycol
Helps to dissolve ingredients and provides some humectant properties.
Usually helps with
Solvency, hydration
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Preservative Booster/Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances the effectiveness of preservatives and has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, emollience
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be an irritant for some individuals.
A mineral that adds shimmer and opacity to the product.
Usually helps with
Aesthetics
Colorant/Opacifier/UV Filter
Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891)
A white pigment that provides color and opacity. Also functions as a physical UV filter.
Usually helps with
Color, opacity, UV protection