The base of the formula, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Oleate
Helps to mix oil and water-based ingredients, creating a stable formula.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
A lightweight oil that mimics skin's natural sebum, providing moisture without greasiness.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A form of hyaluronic acid that draws moisture into the skin, plumping and hydrating.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration, fine lines
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NP
Replenishes essential lipids in the skin barrier, improving moisture retention and resilience.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Saccharomyces/Honey Ferment Filtrate
Fermented honey extract can offer hydrating and antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Hydration, antioxidant
Humectant
Mel (Honey, Miel)
A natural humectant with soothing and antibacterial properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Propolis Extract
A resinous mixture collected from bees, known for its antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, soothing
Watch for
Allergic reactions in some individuals
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Asiaticoside
A compound derived from Centella Asiatica, known for its soothing and wound-healing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, redness
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Madecassic Acid
Another compound from Centella Asiatica, contributing to skin soothing and repair.
Usually helps with
Soothing, redness
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract
Derived from oats, it's known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing benefits.
Usually helps with
Soothing, redness, irritation
A polysaccharide that can hydrate and help improve the appearance of skin texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin texture
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Asiatic Acid
The third key compound from Centella Asiatica, supporting skin soothing and barrier function.
Usually helps with
Soothing, barrier support
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Colloidal Oatmeal
Finely ground oats that form a protective barrier on the skin, relieving itching and irritation.
Usually helps with
Soothing, dryness, irritation
UV Filter
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
An organic compound used as a sunscreen agent, though its primary role here might be as a preservative enhancer.
Usually helps with
UV protection (if used in higher concentrations)
Watch for
Potential for skin sensitivity in some individuals
A triglyceride that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Dioleate
Helps to stabilize oil and water mixtures in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
A natural polysaccharide used to thicken and stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
A preservative that helps prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances the effectiveness of other preservatives and has some emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Product preservation, skin conditioning
A humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent bacterial growth. Can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Potential for skin irritation or allergic reactions
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A salt of sorbic acid, used as a preservative.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Used to adjust the pH of the product, making it more compatible with skin.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative that also has some muscle-relaxant properties, though its primary use here is preservation.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
A preservative that helps prevent the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to a skin-friendly level.
Usually helps with
pH balance