The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Draws moisture into the skin, helping to keep it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Surfactant
Decyl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Watch for
Can be drying for some if used in high concentrations
Surfactant
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
A cleansing agent that creates lather. It's effective but can be stripping for very dry or sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Oiliness, effective cleansing
Watch for
Potential for dryness or irritation
Film Former
Acrylates Copolymer
Helps to create a smooth texture and can contribute to the product's consistency.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Surfactant
Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate
A very mild amphoteric surfactant that helps to create foam and cleanse gently.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing, foam boosting
Surfactant
Lauryl Glucoside
A mild, non-ionic surfactant derived from sugar and coconut alcohol, used for gentle cleansing.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Emulsifier
Peg-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate
Helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Surfactant
Cocamidopropyl Betaine
A commonly used surfactant that provides foam and helps cleanse. It can sometimes cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Foaming, cleansing
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive skin
Emollient
Glycol Distearate
Gives the product a pearly appearance and provides emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Product appearance, skin softening
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A moisturizing agent that also helps to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative to prevent microbial growth. Can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation
Emulsifier
Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Helps to solubilize oils and fragrances, and can have emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Product texture, emulsification
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to be skin-friendly.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that helps prevent bacterial growth.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some, especially in combination with Vitamin C
Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Used to thicken the product.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Antioxidant
Hydroxyacetophenone
A synthetic antioxidant that also has skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Skin soothing, antioxidant protection
A preservative that helps prevent the growth of microorganisms.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some
A highly stable emollient that mimics skin's natural oils, providing moisture and softness without greasiness.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening, barrier support
Emollient
Glycine Soja Oil/Soybean Oil
A plant-derived oil that can help soften and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, conditioning
Watch for
Potential allergen for those with soy sensitivities
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil/Sweet Almond Oil
A nourishing oil that softens and moisturizes the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening
Watch for
Nut allergen for those with tree nut allergies
Emollient
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil/Apricot Kernel Oil
Rich in fatty acids, it moisturizes and helps skin retain suppleness.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, softening
Watch for
Nut allergen for those with tree nut allergies
A form of Vitamin E that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
A stable derivative of Vitamin C that offers antioxidant benefits and can help brighten skin over time.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can cause mild tingling for some sensitive skin types
Emollient
Persea Gratissima Oil/Avocado Oil
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it helps to restore and maintain skin's moisture.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support