The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil
A plant-derived oil that can help soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Watch for
May be too rich for very oily or acne-prone skin
A common humectant that helps draw moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Isostearyl Neopentanoate
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps prevent moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
A powerful humectant that draws water into the skin, supporting hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A salt form of hyaluronic acid, it effectively attracts and binds moisture to the skin, plumping and hydrating.
Usually helps with
Dryness, fine lines, dullness
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that can gently exfoliate and help improve skin texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
Dullness, uneven texture
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; start slowly if new to AHAs
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Sphingolipids
Lipids that are naturally found in the skin barrier, helping to maintain its integrity and moisture.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
A type of starch that can help condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Phospholipids
Essential components of cell membranes that help with skin barrier function and moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
A synthetic polymer used to thicken cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent with preservative properties, often used to boost the efficacy of other preservatives.
Usually helps with
Product stability
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation to ensure stability and efficacy.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be irritating at high concentrations, but safe in cosmetic formulations
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
A fat-soluble form of Vitamin C that acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Less potent than L-Ascorbic Acid
Also known as Vitamin E, it's an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A phospholipid that helps stabilize oil and water mixtures and can also condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, skin conditioning
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Can be irritating for some, especially when combined with ascorbic acid
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Malachite Extract
A mineral extract believed to have antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant support
Watch for
Limited scientific evidence for significant topical benefits
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract
An extract from red algae, rich in minerals and believed to have soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, mineral support
pH Adjuster
Sodium Citrate
A salt of citric acid used to adjust pH and sometimes as a chelating agent.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant that helps improve skin hydration and also acts as a preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Emollient
Isostearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient, softening and smoothing the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
A polysaccharide used as a thickening and stabilizing agent.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emollient
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
An emollient that helps condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry skin
A silicone that forms a protective barrier on the skin, helping to reduce moisture loss and provide a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, moisture retention
Watch for
Can feel heavy on oily skin; may clog pores for some
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A widely used preservative that helps prevent bacterial contamination.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Watch for
Can be irritating for sensitive skin; potential allergen for some