Solvent
Aqua / Water / Eau
The base liquid for the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be slightly irritating for very sensitive skin in high concentrations.
A synthetic emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin's surface, improving texture and reducing the appearance of fine lines and dark spots.
Usually helps with
Dullness, uneven texture, fine lines
Watch for
Can cause sensitivity and increase sun sensitivity.
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formula, often in conjunction with acids.
Usually helps with
All skin types (in proper concentration)
Watch for
Can be irritating if the pH is too high.
A potent AHA known for its ability to penetrate the skin deeply, effectively exfoliating and revealing brighter, smoother skin.
Usually helps with
Dullness, uneven texture, hyperpigmentation
Watch for
Can cause significant sensitivity and increase sun sensitivity.
Antioxidant
Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract
Extract from pineapple, containing enzymes and antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Antioxidant
Pineapple Fruit Extract
Extract from pineapple, containing enzymes and antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection
Watch for
Potential for mild irritation in sensitive individuals.
Antioxidant
Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract
Extract from beech tree buds, known for its antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A fruit enzyme that aids in gentle exfoliation, helping to remove dead skin cells and improve skin clarity.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, skin clarity
Watch for
Rarely, can cause mild irritation.
A polyethylene glycol that acts as a humectant and solvent.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Generally considered safe, but some prefer to avoid PEGs.
A component of chamomile, known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Sensitive skin, redness
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) used for exfoliation and pH adjustment.
Usually helps with
Dullness, texture
Watch for
Can cause sensitivity and increase sun sensitivity.
Chelating Agent
Phytic Acid
A chelating agent that can also offer antioxidant benefits and mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, mild exfoliation
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
A stable derivative of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant benefits and can help brighten the skin.
Usually helps with
Brightening, antioxidant protection
Vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the skin from oxidative stress.
Usually helps with
All skin types, antioxidant protection
Emollient
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil / Grape Seed Oil
A lightweight oil rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, known for its moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially oily
A humectant and emollient that also has preservative-boosting properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil / Sunflower Seed Oil
A rich emollient oil known for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Dry skin, normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals.
A plant-derived humectant that improves skin hydration and helps other ingredients penetrate.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Soothing Agent
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Rose oil known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, and its fragrance.
Usually helps with
Sensitive skin, calming
Watch for
Can be a potential allergen for some due to fragrance.
A preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
All skin types (in proper concentration)
Antioxidant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract / Rosemary Extract
An extract rich in antioxidants that can help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, antioxidant protection
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates inside pores, helping to clear congestion and reduce the appearance of pores.
Usually helps with
Acne-prone skin, oily skin, clogged pores
Watch for
Can cause dryness and peeling, increases sun sensitivity.
A preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
All skin types (in proper concentration)