An effective exfoliant for acne and pore congestion, but can cause dryness or irritation for some.
Usually helps with
Acne, blackheads, oiliness, visible pores
Watch for
Dryness, peeling, or increased sensitivity, especially when first starting.
The base for most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps to spread the product and provides a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially oily
Watch for
Can be occlusive for very sensitive skin.
Thickener
Sodium Polyacrylate
Used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A hydrating and skin-conditioning agent that mimics the skin's natural oils.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal, combination, oily skin
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Thickener
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
A polymer used to thicken the product and create a gel-like consistency.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Helps to control oil, minimize pores, and calm inflammation, supporting overall skin health.
Usually helps with
Oily skin, acne-prone skin, visible pores, redness
Watch for
Can cause temporary flushing or redness in some individuals.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating to very sensitive skin in higher concentrations.
A natural thickening agent that improves product texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Film Former
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Helps to create a smooth feel and can provide a light occlusive layer.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Film Former
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Similar to the above, it contributes to product texture and feel.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances the effectiveness of preservatives and has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Fragrance
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Provides a scent and can have calming properties, but is a potential allergen for some.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Fragrance Ingredient
Linalool
A naturally occurring compound in essential oils, used for fragrance. It's a common allergen.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Potential allergen, can cause skin irritation.
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Adds fragrance and can have some skin benefits, but is photosensitizing and a potential allergen.
Usually helps with
Most skin types (with caution)
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; potential allergen.
Fragrance Ingredient
Limonene
A common component of citrus essential oils, used for fragrance. It's a potential allergen.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Potential allergen, can cause skin irritation.
Chelating Agent
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Helps to stabilize the formulation by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Can help absorb excess oil and provide a matte finish.
Usually helps with
Oily skin
Skin-Replenishing
Ceramide NP
A lipid that helps restore the skin barrier, improving moisture retention and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive, compromised skin
A highly effective humectant that draws moisture into the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
A synthetic antioxidant that helps protect the formula from degradation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A form of Vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin and formula.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Fruit Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it can help to soothe and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types