The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Attracts moisture to the skin, improving hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry, dehydrated skin
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for some sensitive skin types
A moisturizing agent that also helps improve the texture of the product.
Usually helps with
Dry, dehydrated skin
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Viscosity Controlling Agent
Maltodextrin
Helps to thicken the product and can provide a mattifying effect.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Used to thicken the product, creating a gel-like consistency.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations, but typically safe in cosmetic formulations
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that can help protect the skin and stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
A rich emollient that nourishes and softens the skin, high in linoleic acid.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin
A highly effective humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Thickener
Sodium Polyacrylate
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Botanical Extract
Lespedeza Capitata Extract
A plant extract that may offer antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A moisturizing agent that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for some sensitive skin types
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Concerns about environmental impact and potential for skin penetration
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
A derivative of hyaluronic acid that penetrates the skin more effectively, providing deep hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry, dehydrated skin
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation to be compatible with skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations, but safe when used correctly
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates and helps to improve skin texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
Dull skin, uneven texture
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; may cause stinging or redness
An amino acid that helps to maintain skin hydration and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
All skin types
The salt form of lactic acid, it's a humectant that helps retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Dry, dehydrated skin
A sugar alcohol that attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, dehydrated skin
A natural moisturizing factor that helps to hydrate and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, rough skin
Watch for
Can be irritating in higher concentrations
A plant-derived gum used to thicken formulations and provide a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A salt form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds water, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry, dehydrated skin
Botanical Extract
Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract
An algae extract known for its hydrating and skin-firming properties.
Usually helps with
Mature skin, dry skin
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative used to prevent bacterial growth.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals
Botanical Extract
Plankton Extract
An extract from marine plankton, often used for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Botanical Extract
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
An extract from microalgae, rich in antioxidants and nutrients that can support skin health.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Viscosity Controlling Agent
Sodium Chloride
A salt used to adjust the viscosity of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Botanical Extract
Coenochloris Signiensis Extract
An extract from a type of green algae, known for its potential to improve skin hydration and firmness.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A phospholipid that helps to emulsify oil and water, and can also act as an emollient.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A form of Vitamin E, it's an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin Soothing Agent
Allantoin
Soothes and protects the skin, promoting healing and reducing irritation.
Usually helps with
Sensitive skin, irritated skin