The base for most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin that helps replenish lipids.
Usually helps with
Emollience, skin barrier
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Helps to mix oil and water ingredients, creating a stable emulsion.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
Emollient
Astrocaryum Vulgare Kernel Oil
A rich oil known for its moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, nourishment
Emollient/Thickener
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths skin, and thickens formulations.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and minimize the appearance of pores and uneven skin tone.
Usually helps with
Redness, pores, tone
Watch for
Can cause flushing or irritation in high concentrations for sensitive skin
Emollient
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
A rich, moisturizing oil from the babassu palm.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, nourishment
Mimics skin's natural oils to hydrate and improve suppleness without greasiness.
Usually helps with
Hydration, all skin types
Humectant/Solvent
Methylpropanediol
Helps ingredients penetrate the skin and provides hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, ingredient delivery
Emollient
Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter
A plant-based butter that provides moisturizing and emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, softening
Emollient/Antioxidant
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
Known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, it also moisturizes the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant
Thickener/Emulsifier
Sodium Polyacrylate
Used to thicken formulations and stabilize emulsions.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
Emollient/Occlusive
Dimethicone
A silicone that forms a breathable barrier on the skin, providing a smooth feel and preventing moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, moisture retention
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some, potentially pore-clogging for acne-prone skin
Soothing/Antioxidant
Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran Extract
Known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties, it can help soothe irritated skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, sensitive skin
Emollient/Thickener
Cetyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths skin, and thickens formulations.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some individuals
Helps to mix oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be irritating for some
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Caprylyl Glycol
Helps to moisturize the skin and can boost the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Emulsifier
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
A gentle emulsifier derived from lactic acid and lauric acid.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability, gentle
Antioxidant/Soothing
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect the skin and can have a soothing effect.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, soothing
A component of chamomile, known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-calming properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, redness
Antioxidant/Fragrance
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract
Contains antioxidants and can provide a natural fragrance. However, citrus extracts can be photosensitizing.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Watch for
Potential for photosensitivity and irritation
A sugar beet derivative that helps retain moisture and protect skin cells.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin protection
A yeast-derived ingredient that can help smooth wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, texture
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
Helps to stabilize the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
A lipid that is a key component of the skin barrier, helping to retain moisture and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier, hydration
Emollient/Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Extract
Rich in linoleic acid, it helps to moisturize and support the skin barrier. Also contains antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Moisture, barrier support
Another type of lipid essential for skin barrier function, helping to prevent water loss.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier, hydration
A lipid that plays a role in skin barrier function and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier, soothing
Humectant
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
A type of mushroom extract known for its hydrating properties, often compared to hyaluronic acid.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient/Skin-Identical
Cholesterol
A fatty alcohol that is a natural component of the skin barrier, helping to reinforce it and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier, hydration
A form of Vitamin E, it helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant/Fragrance
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Contains antioxidants and can provide a scent. Some individuals may be sensitive.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant
Watch for
Potential for sensitivity
A common thickening agent that improves product texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
A thickening agent used to create gel-like consistencies.
Usually helps with
Texture
Preservative Booster/Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances the effectiveness of preservatives and can have mild moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
A peptide that aims to visibly brighten and even skin tone, and reduce the appearance of dark spots.
Usually helps with
Brightening, dark spots
Watch for
Results are typically subtle and require consistent use
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Antioxidant/Soothing
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Contains antioxidants and can have anti-inflammatory properties, but may cause irritation for some.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, soothing
Watch for
Potential for irritation