A mineral sunscreen agent that provides broad-spectrum UV protection. Generally well-tolerated and less likely to cause irritation than chemical filters.
Usually helps with
Sun protection, sensitive skin
Watch for
Can sometimes leave a white cast, especially on deeper skin tones.
The base for many skincare formulations, helping to dissolve other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and can also help to solubilize UV filters.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, improving texture
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A lightweight emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin, known for its skin-conditioning properties and ability to replenish the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dry skin
Active
Butyloctyl Salicylate
An organic sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays. It is often used in combination with other filters.
Usually helps with
UV protection
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some individuals.
A silicone that forms a breathable barrier on the skin, providing a smooth feel and helping to prevent moisture loss.
Usually helps with
All skin types, smoothing texture
Watch for
Some people prefer to avoid silicones.
A powerful humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dry skin, dehydrated skin
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich emollient known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties. Contains fatty acids and vitamins.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, very dry skin
Watch for
Can be heavy for very oily skin types.
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
An emollient that can provide a smooth skin feel, but may be comedogenic for some.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Watch for
Can clog pores for acne-prone individuals.
A solvent and humectant that helps to improve the absorption of other ingredients and provides hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes
Plant-derived lipids that provide sustained hydration and help to improve skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, normal skin
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Se
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in a formulation, contributing to a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A humectant and solvent that helps to improve product texture and skin hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some sensitive individuals.
Emulsifier
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
An emulsifier that helps to disperse mineral sunscreen particles evenly, improving texture and reducing white cast.
Usually helps with
Mineral sunscreens
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to stabilize oil-in-water formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, providing a smooth feel to the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, normal skin
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but can be an irritant for a small percentage of people.
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps to improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, minimize pores, and fade hyperpigmentation.
Usually helps with
Oily skin, acne-prone skin, uneven tone, redness
Watch for
Can cause temporary flushing or redness in some individuals, especially at higher concentrations.
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
An emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps to improve the spreadability of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Phenyl Trimethicone
A silicone that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and can help to improve product texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Some people prefer to avoid silicones.
A mineral that can help to absorb excess oil and provide a mattifying effect.
Usually helps with
Oily skin
A powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture, plumping the skin and improving hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dehydrated skin, dry skin
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, which also effectively attracts and retains moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types, dehydrated skin, dry skin
Antioxidant
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Extract
Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, it provides hydration and helps to soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, normal skin
Emollient
Adansonia Digitata Pulp Extract
Derived from the baobab tree, this extract is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, offering moisturizing benefits.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, normal skin
Antioxidant
Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract
Known for its antioxidant properties and potential to help control oil production.
Usually helps with
Oily skin
Watch for
Limited research on widespread use and potential for irritation.
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Known for its soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, sensitive skin, irritated skin
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A PHA (polyhydroxy acid) that provides gentle exfoliation and hydration, suitable for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, sensitive skin
Emulsifier
Inulin Lauryl Carbamate
A plant-derived emulsifier that can help improve skin texture and provide a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used as an emulsifier and thickener, providing a pleasant texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A polysaccharide used as a thickening agent and stabilizer, improving product texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that helps protect the formula from degradation and can offer skin-soothing benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and can help to create a barrier on the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Some people prefer to avoid silicones.
Chelating Agent
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
A chelating agent that helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Buffering Agent
Sodium Citrate
A salt of citric acid used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Buffering Agent
Citric Acid
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used to adjust pH and provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause irritation at high concentrations or for sensitive skin.
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative and skin-conditioning agent that helps to enhance the efficacy of other preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
All 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
All skin types
Watch for
Generally considered safe, but can cause mild irritation in some.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A widely used preservative that helps prevent microbial contamination.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals.
A synthetic colorant used to give the product its hue. Some individuals may be sensitive to artificial dyes.
Watch for
Potential for skin sensitivity or allergic reactions.
A synthetic colorant used to give the product its hue. Some individuals may be sensitive to artificial dyes.
Watch for
Potential for skin sensitivity or allergic reactions.
