A chemical sunscreen agent that protects against UVA rays. It can be photounstable when not formulated with stabilizers.
Usually helps with
UVA protection
Watch for
Potential for photounstability if not properly formulated.
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays. Concerns exist regarding its potential endocrine-disrupting properties.
Usually helps with
UVB protection
Watch for
Potential endocrine disruption concerns.
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays. It is often used to enhance the stability of other filters.
Usually helps with
UVB protection
Watch for
Generally considered safe and effective.
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB and some UVA rays. It can also help stabilize other filters like Avobenzone. Some concerns exist about its environmental impact and potential for skin irritation.
Usually helps with
UVB and some UVA protection, stabilizer
Watch for
Potential environmental concerns and skin irritation.
The base for most skincare formulations, providing hydration and acting as a solvent for other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration, solvent
A natural starch that helps to absorb excess oil and provide a mattifying effect, improving skin's texture.
Usually helps with
Mattifying, oil absorption
A silicone derivative that provides a smooth, silky feel and can help to blur the appearance of pores and fine lines.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement, blurring
Watch for
Some individuals prefer to avoid silicones.
A plant-derived humectant that draws moisture to the skin, improving hydration and skin texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin conditioning
UV Filter
Butyloctyl Salicylate
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays. It is also an emollient.
Usually helps with
UVB protection, emollient
A classic humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin barrier support
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A multi-functional ingredient that acts as a humectant, preservative booster, and solvent, improving skin hydration and product feel.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservative booster
Emollient
Propanediol Dicaprylate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin, improving its texture.
Usually helps with
Emollient, skin conditioning
A polysaccharide that can help to thicken formulations and provide a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
Thickener, texture enhancer
Lightweight emollients derived from coconut oil that provide a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Emollient, lightweight feel
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollient, texture enhancer
Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients. It can be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Emulsifier
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive individuals.
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to create a smooth texture and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsifier, emollient
An emollient derived from avocado oil, known for its skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Emollient, skin conditioning
Exfoliant
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
A lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA) that is oil-soluble and can penetrate pores to exfoliate. It's considered gentler than salicylic acid.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, pore clearing
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation.
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing and foaming.
Usually helps with
Cleansing, foaming
A humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin. It also has mild exfoliating properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, exfoliation
Watch for
Can cause stinging in very dry or compromised skin.
Skin Conditioning
Yeast Amino Acids
Amino acids derived from yeast that help to condition and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, hydration
A sugar that helps to protect skin cells from dehydration and environmental stress.
Usually helps with
Hydration, protection
Skin Conditioning
Inositol
A carbohydrate that helps to improve skin hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
An amino acid that acts as an antioxidant and helps to protect skin cells from damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A sugar beet-derived ingredient that acts as a humectant, helping to hydrate and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin conditioning
Emollient
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it nourishes and softens the skin.
Usually helps with
Nourishing, softening
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some.
Humectant
Xylitylglucoside
A derivative of xylitol that enhances skin hydration by optimizing water reserves.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin barrier
Works with Xylitylglucoside to improve skin's moisture barrier and reduce water loss.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
A component of chamomile oil known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming
Known for its skin-soothing, moisturizing, and cell-regenerating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, healing
A component of starch that can help to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Thickener
A sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Skin Conditioning
Zinc Gluconate
A mineral salt that can help regulate sebum production and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Oil control, anti-inflammatory
pH Adjuster
Aminomethyl Propanol
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation. Can be an irritant for some.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Watch for
Potential for irritation.
Emollient
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
A plant-derived oil that has been hydrogenated to create a more stable emollient.
Usually helps with
Emollient, skin conditioning
A form of Vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Thickener
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Thickener, texture
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
A lightweight, natural-derived emollient that conditions the skin without feeling heavy.
Usually helps with
Emollient, conditioning
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A commonly used emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin, known for its skin-softening properties.
Usually helps with
Emollient, skin conditioning
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent that also acts as a preservative booster, enhancing the efficacy of other preservatives.
Usually helps with
Preservative booster, skin conditioning
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for some.
A natural polysaccharide used as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Thickener, stabilizer
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients. It can be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Emulsifier
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive individuals.
A natural polymer used as a thickener and texturizer.
Usually helps with
Thickener, texture
A derivative of cellulose used as a thickening and stabilizing agent.
Usually helps with
Thickener, stabilizer
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and performance of the formulation by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Stabilizer
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) used to adjust the pH of formulations. It also has mild exfoliating properties.
Usually helps with
pH balance, exfoliation
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity.
A simple sugar that acts as a humectant, helping to draw moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Preservative
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
A natural preservative derived from fermented radish root, offering antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Preservative
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth. It can be a skin irritant for some.
Usually helps with
Preservative
Watch for
Potential for irritation.
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative that helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Preservative
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A salt of benzoic acid used as a preservative. It can cause irritation in sensitive individuals.
Usually helps with
Preservative
Watch for
Potential for irritation.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A salt of sorbic acid used as a preservative. It is generally considered safe but can cause irritation in some.
Usually helps with
Preservative
Watch for
Potential for irritation.
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil
An essential oil derived from orange peel, used for its fragrance. It can be phototoxic and a potential irritant.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Phototoxicity, potential irritation.
A component of citrus peel oils, used for its fragrance. It is a common allergen and can cause skin irritation.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Allergen, potential irritant.
A naturally occurring compound found in many flowers and spices, used for its fragrance. It can be an allergen and cause irritation.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Allergen, potential irritant.
Fragrance
Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate
A synthetic fragrance ingredient.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
A synthetic fragrance ingredient.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
A component of citrus oils, used for its fragrance. It can be an allergen and cause irritation.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Allergen, potential irritant.
A compound found in pine trees, used for its fragrance. It can be a mild irritant.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential mild irritant.
Fragrance
Fragrance (Parfum)
A blend of various aromatic compounds. The specific components are usually not disclosed, making it difficult to assess potential allergens or irritants.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen and irritant for sensitive skin.
Colorant
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Mineral pigments used to provide color. Generally considered safe and non-irritating.
Usually helps with
Coloring