The base for most skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin that helps to replenish skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
A solvent and humectant that helps to improve the absorption of other ingredients and hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, ingredient penetration
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration, dry skin
A highly stable emollient that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing excellent moisturization and improving skin's suppleness.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Emollient
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
A rich emollient derived from the babassu palm, known for its moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening skin
Watch for
Can be heavy for very oily skin
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Olivate
An emulsifier derived from olive oil that helps to blend oil and water, creating a stable cream and providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Texture, emulsification
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate
Works with Cetearyl Olivate to stabilize the emulsion and provide a pleasant skin feel.
Usually helps with
Texture, emulsification
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
An emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture, skin conditioning
Emollient
Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate
A fermented extract from green tea seed oil that can offer antioxidant and moisturizing benefits.
Usually helps with
Hydration, antioxidant support
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
A form of hyaluronic acid that forms a film on the skin to help retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NP
A lipid that is naturally found in the skin barrier, helping to restore and maintain its integrity.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide AP
Another type of ceramide that works with other lipids to support a healthy skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Antioxidant
Buddleja Officinalis Flower Extract
A plant extract known for its antioxidant properties and ability to soothe dry skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant support
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract
An extract from red algae, which can provide minerals and potentially antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that helps to protect the formula and skin from oxidative damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to create a smooth texture and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Texture, skin conditioning
A common thickening agent that gives products a desirable texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used as an emulsifier and thickener, providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Texture, emulsification
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, softening and smoothing the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin softening, texture
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emulsifier
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A polymer that helps to stabilize emulsions and thicken the product.
Usually helps with
Texture, emulsification
A synthetic polymer that forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Occlusion, moisture retention
A type of starch used as a thickening agent.
Usually helps with
Texture
pH Adjuster
Potassium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
An emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to create a stable and pleasant texture.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, texture
Surfactant
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing and emulsifying.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing, emulsification
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Oleate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
A solvent and humectant that enhances skin hydration and helps preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant that helps to improve skin hydration and acts as a preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A widely used preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can gently exfoliate the skin, improve texture, and boost hydration. At low concentrations, it can be moisturizing.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration, texture
Watch for
Can cause sensitivity or irritation, especially when first introduced or combined with other actives.