The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Film Former
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Helps to create a smooth, matte finish and absorb excess oil.
Usually helps with
Mattifying, smoothing
Humectant/Solvent
Propanediol
A hydrating ingredient that also helps other ingredients penetrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, penetration
Exfoliant/Antioxidant
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract
Contains natural AHAs to help gently exfoliate and improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, tone
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Pentylene Glycol
Adds hydration and helps preserve the formula.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Absorbent
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Helps to absorb oil and create a smooth, matte finish.
Usually helps with
Mattifying, oil absorption
Skin Conditioning
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
A fermented ingredient that can help improve skin hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
Helps to regulate oil production, minimize the appearance of pores, and improve skin tone.
Usually helps with
Oiliness, pores, tone
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but some may experience mild flushing or irritation
Absorbent
Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract
A natural ingredient that can help absorb excess oil.
Usually helps with
Oil absorption
Emollient/Occlusive
Dimethicone
Provides a smooth feel and can help create a barrier on the skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, barrier
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some, may clog pores for acne-prone individuals
Exfoliant
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract
Contains natural salicylates (similar to salicylic acid) that can help exfoliate and smooth skin.
Usually helps with
Texture, pores
Watch for
Can cause irritation or dryness in sensitive skin
Thickener/Emollient
Tamarindus Indica Seed Gum
Helps to thicken the formula and provide a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Texture
A moisturizing ingredient that mimics the skin's natural oils, providing hydration without greasiness.
Usually helps with
Hydration, softening
Antioxidant/Preservative Booster
Hydroxyacetophenone
Helps to protect the formula and boost preservative efficacy.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate
Provides a smooth, non-greasy feel on the skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothing
Emulsifier/Thickener
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Helps to stabilize the formula and create a pleasant texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Used to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
pH Adjuster
Potassium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Helps to thicken the product and create a gel-like consistency.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emulsifier/Preservative Booster
Glyceryl Caprylate
Helps to emulsify ingredients and boost the preservative system.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, preservation
Thickener
Glyceryl Polyacrylate
Used to thicken the product.
Usually helps with
Texture
A form of Vitamin E that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Caprate
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-4 Cocoate
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Chelating Agent
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Helps to mix oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
Helps to mix oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Preservative/Exfoliant
Sodium Salicylate
A salt of salicylic acid, it can help preserve the formula and offer mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
Preservation, mild exfoliation
Watch for
Potential for irritation, especially in sensitive skin
Humectant/Preservative Booster
1,2-Hexanediol
Adds hydration and helps preserve the formula.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Humectant/Preservative Booster
Caprylyl Glycol
Adds hydration and helps preserve the formula.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation