A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVA rays. Can be photounstable on its own, often paired with other filters.
Usually helps with
Broad-spectrum UVA protection
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive individuals; photostability concerns when used alone.
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays. Concerns exist regarding its potential endocrine-disrupting properties.
Usually helps with
UVB protection
Watch for
Potential endocrine disruption; can be irritating for some.
The base for most skincare formulations, providing hydration and a vehicle for other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration, dissolving ingredients
A common and effective humectant that draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin barrier support
Emollient
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes
Plant-derived lipids that help to moisturize and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, skin conditioning
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Pentylene Glycol
A multi-functional ingredient that helps with hydration and can boost the efficacy of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Hydration, formulation stability
Watch for
Can be irritating for very sensitive skin.
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
A common solvent and humectant that helps to improve product texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture enhancement
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Emollient/Solvent
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and also acts as a solvent for UV filters.
Usually helps with
Emollience, solvent for UV filters
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
A versatile form of Vitamin B3 that helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, control oil, and minimize the appearance of pores and dark spots.
Usually helps with
Oil control, pore appearance, uneven tone, barrier support
Watch for
Can cause temporary flushing or redness in some individuals, especially at higher concentrations.
Absorbent
Zea Mays (Corn) Starch
Helps to absorb excess oil and mattify the skin.
Usually helps with
Oil absorption, mattifying
A powerful humectant that attracts and holds water in the skin, providing intense hydration and plumping.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping, soothing
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, also a potent humectant that hydrates the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin barrier support
Antioxidant/Emollient
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Extract
Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, it helps to nourish and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishment, antioxidant protection
Antioxidant/Emollient
Adansonia Digitata Pulp Extract
Derived from the Baobab tree, it's rich in vitamins and antioxidants, providing moisturizing and protective benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, moisturization
Astringent
Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract
Known for its astringent properties, it can help to tighten pores and reduce oiliness.
Usually helps with
Pore tightening, oil control
Watch for
Can be drying or irritating for some skin types.
Soothing/Hydrating
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration, calming irritation
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Exfoliant/Humectant
Gluconolactone
A PHA that offers gentle exfoliation and hydration. It's less irritating than AHAs.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, hydration
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity.
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Oleate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Product texture, stability
Thickener/Emulsifier
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A polymer used to thicken formulations and provide emulsification.
Usually helps with
Product texture, stability
Emollient/Occlusive
Dimethicone
A silicone that creates a smooth, protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and providing a silky feel.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, barrier formation, slip
Watch for
Can feel heavy or occlusive for very oily skin types; some prefer to avoid silicones.
A hydrocarbon that provides emollience and improves product spreadability.
Usually helps with
Emollience, spreadability
UV Filter
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
A chemical sunscreen agent that helps absorb UVB rays and also protects other UV filters from degradation.
Usually helps with
UVB protection, photostabilizer
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive individuals.
An emulsifier used to blend oil and water. Can be derived from ethoxylated sources, raising some concerns.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Potential for irritation; ethoxylation concerns.
Thickener/Emulsifier
Xanthan Gum
A natural polysaccharide used to thicken formulations and stabilize emulsions.
Usually helps with
Product texture, stability
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation to be compatible with skin.
Usually helps with
pH balancing
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations.
pH Adjuster/Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Used to adjust pH and can also act as an antioxidant.
Usually helps with
pH balancing, antioxidant properties
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations.
pH Adjuster
Potassium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
pH balancing
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations.
Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Chelating Agent
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Preservative Booster/Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent that can also enhance the feel of the product.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that helps prevent microbial growth in products.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with Vitamin C.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A widely used preservative that prevents bacterial contamination. Concerns exist about its potential for irritation and allergic reactions.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Adds a scent to the product. Can be a common cause of irritation and allergic reactions for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Sensory experience
Watch for
Potential for irritation, allergic reactions, and photosensitivity.
Fragrance Ingredient
Benzyl Salicylate
A common fragrance ingredient that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen and irritant.
Fragrance Ingredient
Citral
A fragrance component derived from citrus fruits. Can be a potential allergen.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen and irritant.
Fragrance Ingredient
Hexyl Cinnamal
A common synthetic fragrance ingredient. Can cause allergic reactions.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen and irritant.
Fragrance Ingredient
Limonene
A common fragrance ingredient derived from citrus peels. Can be a potential allergen and irritant.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen and irritant.
Fragrance Ingredient
Linalool
A common fragrance ingredient found in many plants. Can cause allergic reactions.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen and irritant.
A synthetic colorant used to give the product its pink hue. Some individuals may be sensitive to artificial colorants.
Watch for
Potential for irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.