The base for most skincare formulations, it dissolves other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
A fatty acid ester that softens and smooths the skin, can sometimes feel greasy.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Watch for
Can feel heavy on oily skin
Emollient
Myristyl Myristate
A fatty acid ester that provides a smooth, emollient feel.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Watch for
Can contribute to a heavier feel
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to mix oil and water, also has emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Stabilizing formula, softening skin
Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate
A common emulsifier that helps create a stable cream texture.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Watch for
Can be a concern for those avoiding PEGs
Emollient
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Softens and smooths skin, contributing to the cream's texture.
Usually helps with
Skin softening
Watch for
Can feel occlusive
Provides a smooth, non-greasy feel while softening the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and plump.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A solvent and humectant that can enhance the absorption of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration, ingredient delivery
Soothing Agent
Goat Milk Powder
Contains lactic acid and fats that can help to gently exfoliate and moisturize.
Usually helps with
Soothing, moisturizing
Skin Conditioning Agent
Lactose
A sugar derived from milk, can have moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Watch for
Can be a concern for dairy sensitivities
Skin Conditioning Agent
Milk Protein
Can provide amino acids and peptides that support skin health.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Watch for
Can be a concern for dairy sensitivities
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid, it helps to support the skin's natural barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, moisturizing
Astringent
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Flower Water
Can have mild astringent and soothing properties, but often contains alcohol which can be drying.
Usually helps with
Mild toning
Watch for
Can be drying if alcohol-based
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Highly moisturizing but can be comedogenic for some skin types.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Watch for
Can clog pores for acne-prone individuals
Emollient
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it's very nourishing and moisturizing.
Usually helps with
Dry, mature skin
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Mimics skin's natural sebum, making it a great moisturizer that's unlikely to clog pores.
Usually helps with
All skin types, barrier support
Emollient
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
A lightweight oil rich in antioxidants and linoleic acid.
Usually helps with
Balancing, moisturizing
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Known for its calming and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract
Contains antioxidants that can help protect skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Provides antioxidant benefits and can have a mild stimulating effect.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be irritating for some
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E that helps protect skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects skin from oxidative stress.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A skin-conditioning agent that also acts as a preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, preservation
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for sensitive skin
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances the effectiveness of preservatives and has emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Can act as a solvent and humectant, but may be drying in higher concentrations.
Usually helps with
Solvent, humectant
A natural gum used to thicken and stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
pH Adjuster
Aminomethyl Propanol
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability and efficacy of the product by binding metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates and hydrates.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity
A preservative that helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Product preservation