The base of the formula, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Attracts water to the skin, providing hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A hydrating ingredient that also helps to improve the texture of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A classic humectant that draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A multi-tasking ingredient that can help improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and minimize the appearance of pores.
Usually helps with
Oily, acne-prone, and aging skin
Watch for
Can sometimes cause flushing or irritation in sensitive individuals.
A hydrating ingredient that also acts as a solvent.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
1,2-Hexanediol
A multi-functional ingredient that acts as a preservative and a humectant.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
Softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin that helps to replenish the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A highly effective moisturizer that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing hydration and improving suppleness.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and mature skin
Thickener
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Helps to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A common thickening agent used to create desirable product textures.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An amino acid that helps to maintain skin hydration and can support collagen production.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A sugar that helps the skin retain moisture and protects it from dehydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients, creating a stable emulsion.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Film Former
Sodium Acrylic Acid/MA Copolymer
Helps to form a film on the skin, which can provide a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A carbohydrate that can help attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A natural gum used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Active
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
A stable and effective derivative of Vitamin C that brightens skin, fades dark spots, and offers antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Dull skin, dark spots, uneven tone
Watch for
Can cause mild tingling in some individuals. Always use sunscreen when using Vitamin C.
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Olivate
Derived from olive oil, it helps to stabilize the emulsion and provides a moisturizing effect.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Antioxidant
Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract
Contains antioxidants and can offer mild brightening benefits.
Usually helps with
Dull skin
Watch for
Citrus extracts can sometimes increase photosensitivity.
Emollient
Castor Oil/IPDI Copolymer
A modified castor oil that provides emollience and can improve product texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Soothing Agent
Coptis Japonica Root Extract
Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can help calm the skin.
Usually helps with
Sensitive and irritated skin
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent and preservative that also enhances the efficacy of other preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract
Rich in beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A, it provides antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Olivate
Derived from olive oil, it helps to stabilize the emulsion and has moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Emollient
Canola Oil/Huile De Colza
A source of fatty acids that helps to soften and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Used to stabilize and deliver active ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
Helps to improve the stability of the formulation by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Thickener
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
A polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An enzyme that helps to gently break down dead skin cells, promoting smoother and brighter skin.
Usually helps with
Dull skin, uneven texture
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation or sensitivity in some individuals.
A skin-conditioning agent that also has preservative properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Film Former
PVM/MA Copolymer
Forms a film on the skin, which can help to lock in moisture and provide a smooth finish.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil
Rich in antioxidants and beta-carotene, it nourishes and protects the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A thickening agent used to create gel-like textures.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Active
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
A stable, oil-soluble Vitamin C derivative that brightens skin, reduces the appearance of dark spots, and provides antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
Dull skin, dark spots, uneven tone
Watch for
Can cause mild tingling. Always use sunscreen when using Vitamin C.
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A precursor to Vitamin A, it acts as an antioxidant and can contribute to skin health.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid, it helps to moisturize and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Conditioning Agent
Amodimethicone
A silicone that can provide a smooth feel and improve product spreadability. However, some prefer to avoid silicones.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can build up on the skin for some individuals.
A simple sugar that can help attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A salt form of hyaluronic acid that effectively hydrates the skin by attracting and holding moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dehydrated skin
A form of Vitamin B5 that attracts and holds moisture, soothes the skin, and improves its barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin
Thickener
Chondrus Crispus Extract
A seaweed extract that acts as a thickening agent and can provide some moisturizing benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
A derivative of hyaluronic acid that provides long-lasting hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Active
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A water-soluble form of Vitamin C that offers antioxidant benefits and can help with acne and brightening.
Usually helps with
Acne-prone, oily, and dull skin
Watch for
Less potent than some other Vitamin C forms, but generally well-tolerated.
Pure Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Active
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A stable, water-soluble Vitamin C derivative that brightens skin and provides antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
Dull skin, uneven tone
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but less potent than some other forms.
A powerful antioxidant naturally found in the body that can help protect cells from damage and potentially brighten skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Its efficacy in topical skincare is still debated.
A potent antioxidant that enhances the stability and efficacy of Vitamin C and E, while also providing its own protective benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially those using antioxidants
Emollient
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
A source of omega-3 fatty acids, it helps to nourish and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
A smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin for hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dehydrated skin
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
A derivative of hyaluronic acid that offers excellent hydration and helps improve skin elasticity.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Vitamin B12, which can have antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A PHA that gently exfoliates the skin, hydrates, and has antioxidant properties. It's known for being less irritating than AHAs.
Usually helps with
All skin types, including sensitive
A powerful humectant that draws moisture to the skin, providing intense hydration and plumping effects.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dehydrated and mature skin
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
A cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that provides sustained hydration and forms a protective barrier on the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
A smaller, more easily absorbed form of hyaluronic acid that provides deep hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Potassium Hyaluronate
A salt of hyaluronic acid that helps to hydrate and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An essential fatty acid that helps to maintain the skin's barrier function and reduce inflammation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An essential fatty acid that helps to strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Pure Vitamin C. A potent antioxidant that brightens skin, fades dark spots, and stimulates collagen production. However, it can be unstable and irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Dull skin, dark spots, aging skin
Watch for
Can cause stinging, redness, or photosensitivity. Best used at night or with sunscreen during the day.
Vitamin B7, known for its role in cell growth and metabolism, which can contribute to healthy skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Vitamin B9, important for cell repair and regeneration, contributing to overall skin health.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Vitamin B2, an antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Vitamin B6, involved in skin health and can help with certain skin conditions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Vitamin B1, important for energy metabolism in cells, contributing to skin health.
Usually helps with
All skin types