The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin that helps replenish the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
Moisture barrier support
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich moisturizer and emollient that helps soften and smooth skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, barrier repair
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals
A silicone that forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Occlusion, smooth texture
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some; may not be suitable for very acne-prone skin
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to mix oil and water ingredients, creating a stable emulsion.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
C10-18 Triglycerides
A blend of fatty acids that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
An emollient that can provide a smooth feel but may cause breakouts in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Smooth texture
Watch for
Potentially comedogenic
Derived from jojoba oil, these esters help to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturization
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, and helps stabilize the product.
Usually helps with
Moisturization, texture
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but some may find fatty alcohols irritating
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be an irritant for some sensitive individuals
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax
A plant-derived wax that helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
A solvent and humectant that helps ingredients penetrate the skin and draws moisture to it.
Usually helps with
Penetration enhancement, hydration
Watch for
Can be an irritant for some at higher concentrations
Emulsifier
PEG-75 Stearate
An emulsifier that helps blend oil and water components. Concerns exist regarding potential contamination with 1,4-dioxane.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Potential for contamination
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
An emulsifier that can be ethoxylated, raising concerns about potential 1,4-dioxane contamination.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Potential for contamination
An emulsifier that can be ethoxylated, raising concerns about potential 1,4-dioxane contamination.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Potential for contamination
A natural polysaccharide used to thicken and stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Preservative
Lactobacillus Ferment
A probiotic-derived ingredient that can act as a preservative and skin conditioner.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin health
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium EDTA
A chelating agent that enhances the stability of the product by binding to metal ions. Concerns exist about its environmental impact.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Environmental concerns
A versatile ingredient that helps improve skin tone, texture, reduce inflammation, and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Tone, texture, barrier support, anti-aging
Watch for
Can cause temporary flushing or redness in some individuals, especially at higher concentrations
Soothing Agent
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties, it helps soothe redness and even out skin tone.
Usually helps with
Soothing, brightening
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to ensure optimal performance and stability. Can be irritating in high concentrations.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Potential irritant if pH is not properly adjusted
Emollient
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax
A plant-derived wax that helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
A humectant and emollient that helps to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, emollience
Active
Spilanthes Acmella Flower Extract
Often referred to as 'nature's botox,' it can help relax facial muscles, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Reducing fine lines
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants, helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Soothing Agent
Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Extract
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps calm and soothe irritated skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing
Skin Conditioning Agent
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
A type of seaweed extract that can help condition and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Active Delivery Agent
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
A cyclodextrin derivative used to encapsulate and deliver active ingredients more effectively.
Usually helps with
Ingredient delivery
An emulsifier that can be ethoxylated, raising concerns about potential 1,4-dioxane contamination. It can also be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Potential for contamination and irritation
A salt of lactic acid that acts as a humectant, helping to hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and binds water molecules to the skin, providing hydration and plumping.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Active
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
A peptide that stimulates the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, wrinkle reduction
Finely ground oatmeal that has anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties, ideal for calming irritated or dry skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming, dryness
Active
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A peptide that signals the skin to repair itself, promoting collagen production and improving skin firmness.
Usually helps with
Firming, anti-aging
Active
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Works with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 to reduce inflammation and support collagen production, improving skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
Firming, elasticity