The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Draws moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal, oily skin
Surfactant
Decyl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant that creates lather and cleanses the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be drying for very dry skin in high concentrations, but generally well-tolerated.
Surfactant
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
A cleansing agent that helps remove dirt and oil. It's a good alternative to sulfates.
Usually helps with
Oily, combination skin
Watch for
Can be potentially irritating for very sensitive or dry skin.
Film Former
Acrylates Copolymer
Helps to create the texture of the product and can form a thin film on the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Surfactant
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
A very mild amphoteric surfactant that helps to create foam and cleanse gently.
Usually helps with
Sensitive, dry skin
Surfactant
Lauryl Glucoside
A mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from sugar and coconut alcohol, used for gentle cleansing.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Peg-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
Helps to blend oil and water ingredients and can also act as a cleansing agent.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Surfactant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
A mild surfactant derived from coconut oil, known for its gentle cleansing and foam-boosting properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Rarely, can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Emollient
Glycol Distearate
Gives the product a pearly appearance and can also condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A multi-functional ingredient that acts as a preservative booster and a humectant.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some sensitive skin types.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types.
Emulsifier
Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
A non-ionic emulsifier and emollient that helps to solubilize oils and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to be skin-friendly.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
In high concentrations, it can be caustic, but it's safe in cosmetic formulations.
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that works well in acidic formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, especially when combined with ascorbic acid.
Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Used to thicken the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that also has skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A preservative that helps prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
A highly stable emollient that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing moisture and suppleness.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal, combination skin
Emollient
Glycine Soja Oil/Soybean Oil
A plant-based oil that can help to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil/Sweet Almond Oil
A rich emollient that softens and conditions the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin and an allergen for those with nut allergies.
Emollient
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil/Apricot Kernel Oil
A lightweight oil that moisturizes and softens the skin.
Usually helps with
Normal, dry skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin and an allergen for those with nut allergies.
A form of Vitamin E that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
A stable derivative of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant benefits and can help brighten the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Persea Gratissima Oil/Avocado Oil
A rich oil that helps to moisturize and nourish the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.