The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Active
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
A stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that brightens, targets signs of aging, and provides antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
Brightening, anti-aging, antioxidant
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals at high concentrations.
A solvent and humectant that helps ingredients penetrate the skin and draws moisture to it.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A lightweight emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A classic humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E that protects the skin from oxidative stress and supports the efficacy of Vitamin C.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emollient/Thickener
Behenyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that helps to thicken the formula and provides emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Emollient/Surfactant
Palmitic Acid
A fatty acid that acts as an emollient and can also help with cleansing.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
An ester that acts as an emollient, softening and smoothing the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Emollient/Emulsifier
Stearic Acid
A fatty acid that acts as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to create a smooth texture.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Emollient/Thickener
Stearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that provides emollient properties and thickens the formula.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A fatty acid that acts as an emollient, helping to soften and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A fatty acid derived from soybeans, used for its emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A potent antioxidant that enhances the stability and effectiveness of Vitamin C and E, and protects against free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, anti-aging
Antioxidant
Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
An extract from kale, rich in antioxidants and nutrients that can help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract
Olive fruit extract provides antioxidant benefits and can help soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Smaller peptides of collagen that can help improve skin hydration and texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin texture
Watch for
Not a replacement for topical collagen production.
A protein that helps skin elasticity; topical application may offer some conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Ginger root extract offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, soothing
Watch for
Can be a potential irritant for some.
Exfoliant/Humectant
Lactic Acid
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin and also acts as a humectant.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; use with SPF.
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
A type of ceramide that helps to restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, which effectively attracts and binds moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich emollient derived from shea nuts, known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, skin conditioning
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone skin types.
Humectant
Wheat Amino Acids
Amino acids derived from wheat that help to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin conditioning
Emollient
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols
Sterols derived from soybeans that help to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Skin Conditioning
Saccharomyces Ferment
A fermented ingredient that can help improve skin texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, hydration
Esters derived from jojoba oil, providing emollient and skin-conditioning benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Emollient
Olus (Vegetable) Oil
A blend of vegetable oils that provides emollient and moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning, moisturizing
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to stabilize the formula and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability, skin conditioning
Exfoliant/Humectant
Gluconolactone
A PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid) that offers gentle exfoliation and humectant properties, suitable for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, hydration
Antioxidant
Calcium Gluconate
A mineral that can help support skin's antioxidant defenses.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some individuals.
A component of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF), helping to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
An emulsifier that helps to create stable emulsions in skincare products.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Emollient/Surfactant
Myristic Acid
A fatty acid that can act as an emollient and cleansing agent.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation to ensure stability and efficacy.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations, but used safely in small amounts.
The sodium salt of lactic acid, acting as a humectant to draw moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
An amino acid derivative that provides a silky feel and improves skin texture.
Usually helps with
Skin texture, emollience
A fatty acid that can act as an emollient.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Emollient/Surfactant
Lauric Acid
A fatty acid that can have emollient and cleansing properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
A lightweight emollient derived from coconut oil and caprylic acid, providing a non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
A derivative of beta-glucan that can help soothe and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, skin conditioning
A form of the amino acid histidine, which plays a role in skin health.
Usually helps with
Skin health
A dipeptide with antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Emollient/Emulsifier
Arachidyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Emollient/Thickener
Cetyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that provides emollient and thickening properties.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Emollient
Lignoceryl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A polysaccharide used as a thickening agent to improve product texture.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
A polymer used as a thickening and suspending agent.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Emulsifier/Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
A derivative of beeswax that acts as an emulsifier and emollient.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability, skin conditioning
Preservative Booster/Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative booster and emollient that also helps to improve skin feel.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
A mineral that can provide a subtle shimmer or opacity to the product.
Usually helps with
Aesthetics
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent bacterial contamination.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.