A common and effective humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
Emollient
Isopropyl Myristate
An emollient that can feel smooth on the skin, but may be comedogenic for some.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Watch for
Potential for clogged pores in acne-prone individuals
Emollient/Thickener
Cetyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and thickener, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin, improving texture
An emollient ester that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to create a smooth texture and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, softening skin
Emollient/Thickener
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax
A plant-based wax that provides emollience and helps to thicken the product's texture.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich emollient known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Emollient
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
A rich emollient that helps to soften and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, softening skin
Emollient
C10-18 Triglycerides
A blend of fatty acids that acts as an emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, softening skin
A stable, non-comedogenic emollient that mimics the skin's natural oils, providing hydration and improving suppleness.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support, all skin types
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it effectively draws moisture into the skin for hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Soothing/Humectant
Panthenol
Also known as Pro-Vitamin B5, it hydrates, soothes, and helps improve skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration, barrier support
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E that provides antioxidant protection and moisturizes the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, moisturizing
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive individuals
pH Adjuster/Exfoliant
Citric Acid
Used to adjust pH, but at higher concentrations can act as an AHA exfoliant. In this formula, it's likely for pH balance.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment
Watch for
Potential for irritation if used in high concentrations or on sensitive skin
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Thickener/Stabilizer
Xanthan Gum
A common thickening agent and stabilizer derived from fermented sugar.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability and efficacy of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
An emollient that can provide a smooth feel but may be comedogenic for some.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Watch for
Potential for clogged pores in acne-prone individuals
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that helps prevent microbial growth. Can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation, especially in sensitive skin
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold, yeast, and fungi.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Thickener/Humectant
Glucomannan
A soluble fiber that can act as a thickener and humectant, helping to hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
Preservative Booster/Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster that also has some emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Emulsifier/Emollient
Trihydroxystearin
An emulsifier and emollient that helps to stabilize the formula and provide a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, softening skin
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent bacterial contamination. Can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Potential for irritation, especially in sensitive skin