The base for most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
A derivative of olive oil that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
Emollient
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
A rich oil that helps to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
A stable, hydrogenated form of squalene, a natural component of skin sebum. It's an excellent moisturizer and helps improve skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
Hydration, elasticity
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and also aids in product texture.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetearyl Alcohol
Similar to cetyl alcohol, it moisturizes and helps stabilize the product's texture.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Humectant/Solvent
Propanediol
A moisturizing ingredient that also helps to dissolve other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate SE
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in a formula.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Emollient/Emulsifier
Behenyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that provides emollience and helps to thicken the product.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to stabilize emulsions and provides emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Stearate
An emulsifier that can sometimes cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Watch for
Potential for irritation
Emollient
Borago Officinalis Seed Oil
Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), it helps to soothe and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, moisturizing
Emollient
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Contains essential fatty acids that help to nourish and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishing skin
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
A gentle emulsifier derived from glutamic acid.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Emollient
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
A lightweight oil with antioxidant properties that helps to moisturize without feeling heavy.
Usually helps with
Lightweight moisture, antioxidants
A triglyceride that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps to create stable formulations.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
A common ingredient that helps to hydrate the skin and improve product texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Derived from olive oil, it provides emollient properties but can be comedogenic for some.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Watch for
Potential for comedogenicity
Emollient
Astrocaryum Vulgare Kernel Oil
A rich oil known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Preservative/Solvent
Benzyl Alcohol
Used as a preservative and solvent, but can be a potential allergen for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential allergen
Humectant/Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Emulsifier/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to stabilize emulsions and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Product texture, skin conditioning
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin that is an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, skin replenishment
Thickener
Allyl Methacrylates Crosspolymer
Used to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Thickener
Sodium Polyacrylate
A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Product texture
A form of Vitamin E that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NP
A lipid that mimics the skin's natural ceramides, helping to restore the skin barrier and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Barrier repair, hydration
Emollient
Glyceryl Dioleate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Thickener/Emulsifier
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
A polymer used to thicken formulations and provide a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Emollient/Emulsifier
Palmitic Acid
A fatty acid that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and also aids in product texture.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
A synthetic emulsifier that can sometimes be derived from ethoxylated ingredients, which may pose concerns for some.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Watch for
Potential concerns with ethoxylation
Emollient/Emulsifier
Stearic Acid
A fatty acid that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and also aids in product texture.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Used as a preservative, but can be irritating for some individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation
A form of Vitamin A that promotes cell turnover, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, and improves skin texture. Can cause irritation, dryness, and photosensitivity.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, texture improvement, fine lines
Watch for
Irritation, dryness, peeling, sun sensitivity. Use SPF daily.
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Emollient/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Linoleic Acid
An essential fatty acid that helps to support the skin barrier and maintain hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Emollient/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Phospholipids
Components of cell membranes that help to moisturize and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, barrier support
Emollient/Skin-Conditioning Agent
Phytosterols
Plant-derived sterols that help to condition and soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, soothing
A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Product texture
A salt of lactic acid that helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A salt form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds moisture in the skin, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Peptide
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A signaling peptide that helps to stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness and reducing wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, firmness
Peptide
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Another signaling peptide that works with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 to reduce inflammation and support collagen synthesis.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, inflammation reduction