Active Sunscreen
Zinc Oxide
A mineral sunscreen agent that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It is generally considered gentle and non-irritating.
Usually helps with
Sun protection, sensitive skin
Watch for
Can sometimes leave a white cast if not properly blended.
The base for many skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
Helps to soften and smooth the skin, and can help disperse UV filters.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin, it's an excellent emollient that replenishes skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
UV Filter
Butyloctyl Salicylate
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays. It helps to improve the efficacy of mineral filters.
Usually helps with
Sun protection
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some.
A silicone that forms a breathable barrier on the skin, providing a smooth feel and helping to prevent moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones due to potential pore-clogging concerns, though it's generally considered non-irritating.
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich emollient known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be heavy for very oily or acne-prone skin.
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
An emollient and solvent that can give products a smooth feel, but may be comedogenic for some.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Watch for
Potential for clogged pores.
A moisturizing ingredient that also helps to enhance the absorption of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes
Plant-derived lipids that provide sustained hydration and improve skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Se
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients, and can also act as an emollient.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can be slightly occlusive.
A solvent and humectant that helps to improve product texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
An emulsifier used in mineral sunscreens to help disperse the zinc oxide particles evenly.
Usually helps with
Sunscreen formulations
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to stabilize oil-in-water formulations.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some.
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Generally considered safe, but some may experience sensitivity.
Active Ingredient
Niacinamide
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, minimize pores, and improve uneven skin tone.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially acne-prone and aging skin
Watch for
Can cause temporary flushing or redness in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
An emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Emollient
Phenyl Trimethicone
A silicone that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and can help improve product spreadability.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones.
Used to absorb excess oil and improve the texture of the product, giving a matte finish.
Usually helps with
Oily, combination skin
Attracts and holds moisture in the skin, providing hydration and plumping effects.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it also effectively attracts and retains moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated
Antioxidant
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Extract
Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, it provides hydration and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Adansonia Digitata Pulp Extract
Derived from the Baobab tree, it's rich in vitamins and antioxidants, offering moisturizing benefits.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Skin Conditioning Agent
Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract
A botanical extract that may have antioxidant properties and contribute to skin conditioning.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Limited research on specific benefits.
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Known for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive and irritated
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be an allergen for some.
Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A PHA that offers gentle exfoliation and hydration, with antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive
Emulsifier
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
A conditioning agent and emulsifier derived from chicory root.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used as an emulsifier and thickener, providing a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
A natural polysaccharide used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that helps protect the formula and skin from oxidative stress.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and can help with product spreadability.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Some prefer to avoid silicones.
Chelating Agent
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Buffering Agent
Sodium Citrate
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Buffering Agent
Citric Acid
Used to adjust the pH of the product and can offer mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating at high concentrations.
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with acidic ingredients.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A widely used preservative to prevent bacterial contamination.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals.
A synthetic colorant used to give the product its hue.
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
A synthetic colorant used to give the product its hue.
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.