The primary solvent in most cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter/Shea Butter
A rich emollient known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Watch for
Can be heavy for oily skin
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
A versatile ingredient that supports the skin barrier, reduces redness, and improves tone.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, redness, tone
Watch for
Can cause flushing in high concentrations or sensitive skin
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener.
Usually helps with
Texture, emollience
A stable, skin-identical lipid that moisturizes and softens the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
A plant-derived emollient that provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Skin feel
A blend of fatty alcohols used as emollients and thickeners.
Usually helps with
Texture, emollience
Thickener
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
A silicone that forms a protective barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Occlusion, smoothing
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some; not breathable
An essential fatty acid that helps to maintain the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support
A form of Vitamin B5 that hydrates and soothes the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be an irritant for some sensitive skin types
A fatty acid that acts as an emollient and emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Texture, emollience
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that acts as an emulsifier and skin conditioner.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, skin conditioning
A humectant that also has some preservative properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Can be an irritant for some
A natural compound known for its protective and hydrating properties, especially against environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Hydration, environmental protection
A fatty acid that acts as an emollient and can help with skin penetration.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
A form of Vitamin E, acting as an antioxidant to protect the skin and formula.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Active
Centella Asiatica Extract
Known for its soothing and wound-healing properties, often called 'cica'.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
A polysaccharide used as a thickening agent.
Usually helps with
Texture
Chelating Agent
Phytic Acid
A chelating agent that can also offer mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
Formula stability, mild exfoliation
A key lipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
A soothing ingredient that can also have anti-aging benefits.
Usually helps with
Soothing, anti-aging
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formula.
Usually helps with
Formula balance
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations
A fatty acid that acts as an emollient and emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Texture, emollience
Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for irritated skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Active
Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine
A synthetic ceramide that helps to reinforce the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support
An essential fatty acid that contributes to skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier support
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used for exfoliation and pH adjustment.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, pH adjustment
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; potential irritant
Active
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
A peptide that can help to soothe the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Soothing, anti-aging