The base for most skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps spread the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Mimics skin's natural sebum, providing excellent hydration and improving suppleness without greasiness.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and mature
Humectant/Solvent
Propanediol
A humectant that draws moisture to the skin and acts as a solvent for other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-5 Polyricinoleate
Helps to blend oil and water components in the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Derived from chamomile, it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, irritated skin
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
A light, dry emollient that improves spreadability and skin feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A classic humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Viscosity Adjuster/Emollient
Magnesium Sulfate
Can help adjust the texture and viscosity of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Soothing Agent
Panthenol
Pro-vitamin B5, it hydrates, soothes, and aids in skin barrier repair.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and sensitive
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Behenate
Helps to stabilize the emulsion and provides emollient properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Preservative Booster
1,2-Hexanediol
A humectant that also enhances the efficacy of preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
A common humectant and solvent that helps with product texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Active Peptide
Heptapeptide-7
A peptide that supports skin firmness and elasticity, contributing to a lifted appearance.
Usually helps with
Mature skin, loss of firmness
Active Peptide
Acetyl Sh-Hexapeptide-5 Amide Acetate
A peptide designed to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Aging skin, fine lines
Active Peptide
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76
A synthetic peptide that can help improve skin texture and firmness.
Usually helps with
Aging skin, loss of firmness
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide AP
A type of lipid that is a natural component of the skin barrier, helping to restore and maintain hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry, compromised skin barrier
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide EOP
Another essential lipid for the skin barrier, crucial for maintaining moisture and preventing irritation.
Usually helps with
Dry, compromised skin barrier
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide NP
A commonly used ceramide that helps to reinforce the skin barrier and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry, compromised skin barrier
Humectant/Soothing
Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract
A natural source of hydration, known for its ability to plump the skin and provide a smooth feel. It's sometimes referred to as a 'bio-retinol' alternative.
Usually helps with
Dry, dehydrated skin
Soothes and protects the skin, promoting healing and reducing irritation.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, irritated skin
Emollient
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil
A nourishing oil rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, providing emollience and skin conditioning.
Usually helps with
Dry, mature skin
An amino acid that helps with skin hydration and can support collagen production.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin-Replenishing
Glycosphingolipids
Lipids that are part of the skin's natural barrier, helping to maintain moisture and structure.
Usually helps with
Dry, aging skin
Skin-Replenishing
Phytosphingosine
A lipid that plays a role in skin barrier function and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Compromised skin barrier, acne-prone skin
Skin-Replenishing
Cholesterol
A fatty alcohol that is a component of the skin barrier, helping to retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Dry, mature skin
Skin-Replenishing
Tetraacetylphytosphingosine
A derivative of phytosphingosine, it helps to support the skin barrier and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Dry, aging skin
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-6 Octastearate
Helps to create a stable emulsion, blending oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Emulsifier
Stearic Acid
A fatty acid that softens and smooths the skin, and helps to stabilize the product's texture.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that conditions and softens the skin, and helps to thicken the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Glyceryl Glucoside
Helps to improve skin hydration and moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Dry, dehydrated skin
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to emulsify oils and water, and provides emollient properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polydecene
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Skin-Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to stabilize emulsions and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Skin-Conditioning
Lecithin
A phospholipid that helps to stabilize formulations and can improve skin hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener/Stabilizer
Xanthan Gum
A natural gum used to thicken and stabilize the product's texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant/Active
Carnosine
A dipeptide with antioxidant properties that may help protect against glycation and support skin firmness.
Usually helps with
Aging skin
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A preservative that works with potassium sorbate to protect the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A widely used preservative that helps prevent bacterial contamination.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Potential for irritation in very sensitive individuals
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation for optimal stability and skin compatibility.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Viscosity Adjuster
Quaternium-90 Bentonite
A clay-based ingredient used to thicken and stabilize the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A mineral that can provide a subtle shimmer or opacity to the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Solvent/Fragrance Ingredient
Triethyl Citrate
Can act as a solvent and is sometimes used in fragrance compositions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Viscosity Adjuster/Emollient
Zinc Stearate
Helps to control viscosity and provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative Booster/Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances the efficacy of preservatives and provides some emollient properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Exfoliant/Humectant
Gluconolactone
A PHA that offers gentle exfoliation and hydration, suitable for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and sensitive
Skin-Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
A mineral salt that can help condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant/Preservative Booster
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that also helps boost the preservative system.
Usually helps with
All skin types