The primary solvent in cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Draws moisture into the skin, helping to hydrate and prevent dryness. It's a common and effective moisturizing ingredient.
Usually helps with
Dryness, dehydration, all skin types
Surfactant
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
A gentle amino acid-based surfactant that creates a creamy lather and cleanses without stripping the skin's natural oils.
Usually helps with
Sensitive skin, dry skin, normal skin
Watch for
Can be slightly drying for very dry skin if not followed by moisturizer.
Viscosity Controlling Agent
Sodium Chloride
Used to thicken the product's consistency.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Opacifier
Glycol Distearate
Adds a pearlescent appearance and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, normal skin
Surfactant
Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate
A mild surfactant that helps to lift dirt and oil from the skin.
Usually helps with
Normal skin, combination skin
Watch for
Can be slightly drying for very sensitive or dry skin.
Used to adjust the pH of the product for optimal performance and skin compatibility.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
High concentrations can be irritating.
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to mix oil and water components and provides a softening effect on the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, normal skin
Emulsifier
Peg-100 Stearate
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients, creating a stable emulsion.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Some individuals may have sensitivities.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions in a small percentage of people.
Antioxidant/Preservative Booster
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that also helps to boost the efficacy of preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
A type of clay that can help absorb excess oil and impurities from the skin.
Usually helps with
Oily skin, combination skin
Watch for
Can be drying if used too frequently on dry skin.
Thickener
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
A modified starch used to thicken the product's texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Helps to condition the skin and improve its texture, also has some preservative properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Film Former/Thickener
Acrylates Copolymer
Helps to create a smooth texture and can form a film on the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Thickener
Behenyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and also thickens the product.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, normal skin
Skin Conditioning Agent
Magnesium Gluconate
A mineral salt that can help condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A highly stable and biocompatible emollient that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing hydration and supporting the skin barrier without feeling greasy.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, normal skin, combination skin, barrier support
Chelating Agent
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Soothing Agent
Panthenol
Also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, it attracts and holds moisture in the skin, and has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, sensitive skin, irritated skin