The base for many cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Active Sunscreen Filter
Zinc Oxide
A mineral filter providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It is generally well-tolerated and considered gentle.
Usually helps with
Sun Protection
Watch for
Can sometimes leave a white cast on deeper skin tones.
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it helps to replenish the skin's surface and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Skin Conditioning
A plant-derived humectant that draws moisture to the skin, improving hydration and product texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
A light, non-greasy emollient that improves spreadability and leaves skin feeling soft.
Usually helps with
Skin Softening
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin Softening
Emollient/Occlusive
Dimethicone
A silicone that forms a breathable barrier on the skin, helping to prevent moisture loss and providing a smooth feel. Can sometimes feel heavy for very oily skin.
Usually helps with
Occlusion, Smoothness
Watch for
May not be suitable for those who avoid silicones.
Emollient/UV Filter
Butyloctyl Salicylate
A skin-conditioning agent that also functions as a UV filter, helping to absorb UVB radiation.
Usually helps with
Skin Conditioning, UV Absorption
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Olivate
An emulsifier derived from olive oil, it helps to blend oil and water components and has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, Skin Conditioning
A highly stable, plant-derived oil that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing excellent moisturization without greasiness.
Usually helps with
Hydration, Emollience
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate
An emulsifier derived from olive oil, it helps to stabilize the formula and has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, Skin Conditioning
Emollient
Methyl Dihydroabietate
A plant-derived emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin Softening
Emollient
Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
A conditioning agent that improves skin feel and texture.
Usually helps with
Skin Feel
Active Peptide
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
A peptide that helps to stimulate collagen production, improving skin firmness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Firming, Anti-aging
Active Peptide
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
A peptide that signals the skin to repair itself, promoting collagen synthesis and improving skin texture.
Usually helps with
Skin Repair, Texture Improvement
Active Peptide
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Works with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 to reduce inflammation and support skin's extracellular matrix, contributing to firmer, smoother skin.
Usually helps with
Firming, Smoothing
Active Vitamin C
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
A stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that acts as a potent antioxidant, brightening skin, fading dark spots, and protecting against free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Brightening, Antioxidant Protection
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Rice extract is rich in antioxidants and can help soothe and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant Protection, Soothing
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Extract
Similar to rice extract, the germ is a concentrated source of nutrients and antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant Protection
Active Vitamin B3
Niacinamide
A versatile ingredient that helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, minimize pores, and regulate oil production.
Usually helps with
Barrier Support, Pore Minimization, Oil Control
Watch for
Can cause flushing or irritation in some individuals at higher concentrations.
Antioxidant
Superoxide Dismutase
An enzyme that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant Protection
A powerful antioxidant found in grapes and berries, known for its anti-aging and protective properties.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, Antioxidant Protection
A component of chamomile, it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, helping to calm irritated skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, Anti-inflammatory
Known for its soothing, moisturizing, and skin-protecting properties, it helps to promote healing and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, Moisturizing
Antioxidant
Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
A fruit extract with antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant Protection
Antioxidant
Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract
A plant extract with antioxidant and potential photoprotective properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant Protection
Preservative
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
A natural preservative derived from fermented radish root, offering antimicrobial benefits.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Antioxidant
Polygonum Aviculare Extract
An extract known for its antioxidant properties, helping to protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant Protection
A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant/Solvent
Butylene Glycol
A humectant that helps to draw moisture to the skin and acts as a solvent for other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient/Skin-Conditioning
Phospholipids
Essential components of cell membranes, they help to restore the skin barrier and improve moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Barrier Repair, Hydration
A sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant, attracting and retaining moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A salt of lactic acid, it's a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and helps to hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
An amino acid that plays a role in skin hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
Hydration, Barrier Support
A component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), it helps to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant/Preservative
1,2-Hexanediol
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the formula.
Usually helps with
Hydration, Preservation
Film Former
VP/Eicosene Copolymer
Forms a flexible film on the skin, which can help with water resistance and product longevity.
Usually helps with
Film Formation
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
An emulsifier derived from castor oil, it helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Emulsifier/Skin-Conditioning
Lecithin
A phospholipid that helps to emulsify ingredients and has skin-conditioning properties, aiding in barrier repair.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, Barrier Repair
Emulsifier
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
An emulsifier that helps to disperse mineral sunscreen particles evenly.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
A fatty acid that acts as an emollient, softening and smoothing the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin Softening
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
An emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel and helps to dissolve UV filters.
Usually helps with
Emollience, Texture
Thickener
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture Enhancement
Thickener/Stabilizer
Xanthan Gum
A natural polysaccharide used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture, Stabilization
Film Former
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
A polymer that forms a film on the skin, contributing to product texture and wear.
Usually helps with
Film Formation
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant that helps to draw moisture to the skin and can also act as a preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and can help to create a soft-focus effect.
Usually helps with
Smoothness, Texture
Watch for
May not be suitable for those who avoid silicones.
Preservative
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
A chelating agent and preservative that helps to prevent microbial growth in the product.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
A plant-derived chelating agent that helps to improve the stability of the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formula Stabilization
Emulsifier
Polyglycerin-3 (and) Polyglyceryl-3 Lactate/Laurate
A blend of emulsifiers that help to create a stable and pleasant texture.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Exfoliant/Humectant
Lactic Acid
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that can gently exfoliate the skin, improve texture, and boost hydration. At low concentrations, it acts as a humectant.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, Hydration
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; always use SPF.
A fatty acid that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin Softening
Film Former
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
A polymer that forms a film on the skin, contributing to product texture and wear.
Usually helps with
Film Formation
Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
A salt used to adjust the thickness of the product.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to stabilize emulsions and has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, Skin Conditioning
Emollient
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
A plant-based oil that is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, helping to nourish and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishment, Softening
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
A synthetic antioxidant that helps to protect the formula from degradation.
Usually helps with
Formula Stabilization
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Laurate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Emollient
C18-36 Acid Glycol Ester
A synthetic ester that acts as an emollient, providing a smooth feel to the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin Softening
Colorant
Titanium Dioxide CI 77891
A white pigment used for color and opacity. In sunscreens, it also acts as a physical UV blocker.
Usually helps with
Color, UV Protection
Colorant
Iron Oxides CI 77492
Yellow iron oxide pigment used to provide color.
Colorant
Iron Oxides CI 77491
Red iron oxide pigment used to provide color.
Colorant
Iron Oxides CI 77499
Black iron oxide pigment used to provide color.
