A common ingredient in lip products, it helps to create a smooth, glossy texture and provides emollience.
Usually helps with
Texture and shine
Watch for
Can contribute to a sticky feel if used in high concentrations.
Emollient
Diisostearyl Malate
A plant-derived emollient that improves texture and spreadability, providing a smooth feel on the lips.
Usually helps with
Smooth application and feel
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
A synthetic emollient that gives a glossy finish and helps to keep the lips moisturized.
Usually helps with
Glossy finish and hydration
Watch for
Can be occlusive, which is generally good for lips.
Emollient
Tridecyl Trimellitate
An emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and improves the wear of the product.
Usually helps with
Comfortable wear and texture
Watch for
Generally considered safe and effective.
Thickener/Absorbent
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
Used to thicken the formula and provide a matte or velvety finish, though in this gloss it likely helps with texture and stability.
Usually helps with
Texture and stability
Watch for
Can sometimes absorb oils, potentially leading to dryness if overused.
Preservative Booster/Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps to boost the efficacy of preservatives and adds some moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation and skin conditioning
Watch for
Can be a mild skin irritant for some.
Antioxidant/Preservative Booster
Hydroxyacetophenone
An antioxidant that also functions as a preservative booster, helping to protect the formula from degradation.
Usually helps with
Formula protection
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Humectant/Soothing Agent
Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract
Known for its hydrating properties, it can hold more water than hyaluronic acid and provides a lightweight boost of moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration and skin softening
Watch for
Generally very gentle.
Emollient
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
A highly stable oil that provides excellent emollience and helps to prevent moisture loss from the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturization and skin barrier support
Watch for
Rarely causes irritation.
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
A smaller molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates the skin more easily, providing deep hydration.
Usually helps with
Intense hydration and plumping
Watch for
Very well-tolerated.
A classic humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can feel slightly sticky in high concentrations.
A form of Vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radical damage and also has emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection and skin conditioning
Watch for
Generally safe, but some individuals can be sensitive.
The base solvent for many cosmetic formulations, it helps to dissolve other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Dissolving ingredients
Emollient/Emulsifier
Glyceryl Behenate
A fatty acid derivative that acts as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to create a smooth texture and stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Texture and stability
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Humectant/Preservative Booster
1,2-Hexanediol
A multifunctional ingredient that acts as a humectant, solvent, and preservative booster, enhancing the product's stability and moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration and preservation
Watch for
Can be a mild skin irritant for some.
Emollient/Solvent
Ethyl Hexanediol
Used as an emollient and solvent, it helps to improve the texture and spreadability of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture and application
Watch for
Can be a mild skin irritant for some.