The base of most skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Attracts moisture to the skin and helps other ingredients penetrate.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths skin, also acts as a thickener.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Rarely, can cause irritation
A classic humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
Softens and smooths the skin, providing a pleasant feel.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Emollient
Diethylhexyl Succinate
Helps to soften and smooth the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
A solvent and humectant that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Se
Helps to mix oil and water, creating a stable emulsion and softening skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Emulsifier
Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps stabilize the formula and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A triglyceride that helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to mix oil and water, creating a stable emulsion and softening skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
A highly effective emollient that mimics skin's natural oils, providing moisture and improving suppleness without feeling heavy.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Emollient
Methyl Trimethicone
Provides a smooth, silky feel and helps to spread the product evenly.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate
A synthetic emollient that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Emollient
Myristyl Myristate
A fatty acid ester that provides emollience and can contribute to a richer texture.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Watch for
Can feel heavy for oily skin
Emollient
C10-18 Triglycerides
A blend of fatty acids that helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
A probiotic ingredient that can help support the skin's microbiome and barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle emulsifier derived from sugar and coconut alcohol, used to create stable emulsions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A thickening agent used to create gel-like textures and stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
A synthetic polymer used as an emulsifier and thickener, creating stable formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Used to adjust the pH of the product to ensure stability and efficacy.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and minimize the appearance of pores.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially acne-prone and sensitive
Watch for
Can cause temporary flushing or redness in some individuals at high concentrations.
Chelating Agent
Sodium Metaphosphate
Helps to prevent metal ions from degrading the product, improving stability.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Glyceryl Caprylate
A fatty acid derived from coconut oil that has emollient and antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A solvent and humectant that helps to hydrate the skin and improve product texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative that also has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Np
A type of ceramide that helps to restore the skin's barrier function, preventing moisture loss and protecting against environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, compromised skin
Fragrance
Fragrance / Parfum
Adds a pleasant scent to the product. However, fragrance can be a common cause of skin irritation and sensitivity.
Usually helps with
Those who don't have sensitive skin
Watch for
Potential for irritation, redness, or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
A humectant that also acts as a preservative booster, improving skin feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
A smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin to hydrate.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dehydrated
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in a formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, known for its ability to attract and hold moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dehydrated
A carbohydrate that can help with skin conditioning and texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin Conditioning
Asiaticoside
A compound derived from Centella Asiatica, known for its soothing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive or irritated
Skin Conditioning
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract
Contains antioxidants and fatty acids that can help condition and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin Conditioning
Madecassic Acid
A component of Centella Asiatica, known for its soothing and healing properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive or irritated
Skin Conditioning
Asiatic Acid
Another compound from Centella Asiatica, contributing to soothing and skin repair.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive or irritated
Antioxidant
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A form of Vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
A cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that forms a hydrating film on the skin's surface, providing sustained moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
A powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dehydrated
Emollient
Vegetable Oil / Olus Oil / Huile Végétale
A blend of plant-derived oils that help to soften and smooth the skin, providing nourishment.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Skin Conditioning
Adenium Obesum Leaf Cell Extract
A plant extract known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
A derivative of hyaluronic acid that offers excellent hydration and skin conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dehydrated
Peptide
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
A peptide that supports skin elasticity and firmness, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
Usually helps with
Mature skin, skin concerned with firmness
Skin Conditioning
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
An extract from a type of seaweed, known for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types