The primary ingredient in most skincare products, acting as a solvent for other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and helps to create a barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, barrier support
Watch for
Can feel heavy for some, potential for pore-clogging in acne-prone individuals
Derived from seaweed, it's rich in minerals and antioxidants, known for its hydrating and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
A powerful humectant that draws moisture from the air into the skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Active
Yeast Extract\Faex\Extrait De Levure
Can help to soothe and condition the skin, and may have antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, conditioning
A silicone that provides a light, non-greasy feel and helps to spread the product evenly.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Emollient
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil
A rich emollient oil that helps to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Denatured alcohol can act as a solvent and a penetration enhancer, but it can also be drying and irritating for some skin types.
Usually helps with
Product texture, penetration
Watch for
Drying, potential irritation, especially for sensitive or dry skin
Emollient
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
A humectant that helps to draw moisture into the skin and can improve product texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
A humectant that helps to hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Thickener
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract
Contains antioxidants and can have a brightening effect, but can also be photosensitizing.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Potential photosensitivity
Emollient
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil
A nourishing oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Nourishing, antioxidant
Active
Medicago Sativa (Alfalfa) Seed Powder
Contains vitamins and minerals that can benefit the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishing
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake
A byproduct of sunflower seed oil extraction, it contains fatty acids and can help to moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Seed Meal
Contains fatty acids and can help to soften and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, moisturizing
Antioxidant
Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Leaf Oil
Can have antioxidant and refreshing properties, but may be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Refreshing, antioxidant
Watch for
Potential irritation
Chelating Agent
Sodium Gluconate
Helps to improve the stability and texture of the product.
Usually helps with
Product stability
A mineral that plays a role in collagen production and skin repair.
Usually helps with
Skin repair, collagen support
A mineral that can help to strengthen the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support
Active
Magnesium Gluconate
A mineral that can help to soothe and calm the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing
Known for its anti-inflammatory and oil-regulating properties.
Usually helps with
Oil control, anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Succinate
A derivative of Vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Also known as Vitamin B3, it helps to improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and improve skin tone.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, anti-inflammatory, tone improvement
Exfoliant
Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Powder
Can provide gentle exfoliation.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation
Watch for
Potential for irritation if used too aggressively
Emollient
Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
A silicone derivative that helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, softening
Active
Lactobacillus Ferment
A probiotic ingredient that can help to support the skin's natural microbiome and strengthen its barrier.
Usually helps with
Microbiome support, barrier strength
Active
Trametes Versicolor Extract
A mushroom extract known for its antioxidant and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, soothing
A sugar that helps to retain moisture and protect the skin from dehydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
A stable, plant-derived oil that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing excellent hydration without greasiness.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
Active
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
A type of brown algae extract that can help to regulate sebum production and improve skin clarity.
Usually helps with
Oil regulation, clarity
Can help to temporarily reduce puffiness and redness, and has antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant
Watch for
Can be drying for some
Active
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
A synthetic peptide that can help to improve skin firmness and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Firmness, elasticity
Active
Whey Protein\Lactis Protein\Proteine Du Petit-Lait
Contains amino acids and proteins that can help to condition and support the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, skin support
Active
Hydrolyzed Rice Extract
Can help to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, conditioning
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds moisture in the skin, providing hydration and plumping.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Active
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Rich in minerals and antioxidants, it can help to hydrate and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, conditioning
A humectant that also has some preservative properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Active
Iris Florentina Root Extract
Known for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, conditioning
Active
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
A peptide that is thought to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by mimicking the effects of Botox.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, wrinkle reduction
Active
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
A peptide that can help to improve skin firmness and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Firmness, elasticity
A sugar that can act as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Saccharide Isomerate
A plant-derived ingredient that binds to keratin in the skin, providing long-lasting hydration.
Usually helps with
Long-lasting hydration
A polyethylene glycol that can act as an emulsifier or solvent. Concerns exist about potential impurities.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, texture
Watch for
Potential for irritation or contamination in sensitive individuals
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to emulsify oil and water ingredients, and can also act as a skin conditioner.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, conditioning
A synthetic emulsifier that can help to blend oil and water ingredients. Concerns exist about potential contamination.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Potential for irritation or contamination in sensitive individuals
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Conditioning, softening
Fragrance
Fragrance (Parfum)
Adds scent to the product. Can be a common cause of skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Watch for
Potential for irritation, allergies, and photosensitivity
Fragrance Ingredient
Limonene
A common fragrance component derived from citrus peels. Can be a potential allergen and irritant.
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergies
Fragrance Ingredient
Linalool
A common fragrance component found in many plants. Can be a potential allergen and irritant.
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergies
Fragrance Ingredient
Citronellol
A fragrance ingredient with a floral scent. Can be a potential allergen and irritant.
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergies
Fragrance Ingredient
Geraniol
A fragrance ingredient with a rose-like scent. Can be a potential allergen and irritant.
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergies
Fragrance Ingredient
Hydroxycitronellal
A synthetic fragrance ingredient with a floral scent. Can be a potential allergen and irritant.
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergies
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A synthetic antioxidant used as a preservative. Concerns exist about potential endocrine disruption and irritation.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation and endocrine disruption
Antioxidant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A stable, water-soluble form of Vitamin C that acts as an antioxidant and can help brighten the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, brightening
Chelating Agent
Disodium Edta
Helps to improve the stability and texture of the product by binding to metal ions. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Can enhance penetration of other ingredients, potential for irritation
Buffering Agent
Sodium Citrate
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment
Buffering Agent
Citric Acid
Used to adjust the pH of the product. Can also have mild exfoliating properties.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment, mild exfoliation
Watch for
Can cause irritation at higher concentrations
Buffering Agent
Tromethamine
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth. Can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergies
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A mild preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold. Can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation
