The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A hydrating ingredient that also helps other ingredients penetrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for some
Helps fade post-blemish marks, reduce redness, and improve skin tone. Also supports barrier function.
Usually helps with
Uneven tone, redness, oil control, barrier support
Watch for
Can cause flushing or irritation in high concentrations or for sensitive skin
Intensely moisturizes, calms irritation, and reduces redness. Mimics skin's natural oils.
Usually helps with
Dryness, redness, irritation
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Watch for
Rarely causes irritation
A common and effective humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Softens and smooths skin, improves texture.
Usually helps with
Skin texture
Emollient
Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
A complex emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps with product spreadability.
Usually helps with
Texture
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
Emollient
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
A thick emollient that provides long-lasting moisture and a smooth skin feel.
Usually helps with
Dryness
Watch for
Can feel heavy on oily skin
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A hydrating ingredient that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for some
Emollient
Diisostearyl Malate
A skin-conditioning agent that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Texture
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Helps to stabilize the emulsion and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Product texture
A solvent and humectant that also has preservative properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for some
A silicone that creates a smooth feel and forms a protective barrier on the skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothness, protection
Watch for
Can feel occlusive for some
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Se
An emulsifier that helps blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Emulsifier
Cetearyl Glucoside
A gentle emulsifier derived from plant sugars.
Usually helps with
Product texture
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Watch for
Can be mildly irritating for some
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps stabilize emulsions and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A fatty acid that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative that also has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Watch for
Can cause irritation in some
An emulsifier that helps mix oil and water.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
A plant-derived oil that closely resembles skin's natural sebum, providing moisture and conditioning.
Usually helps with
Dryness, balancing oil
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
Helps to improve the stability and effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Product pH balance
Watch for
Can cause irritation at high concentrations
Emollient
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Rich in fatty acids, it helps to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness
Emollient
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil
A lightweight oil that moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide Np
A lipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
A form of Vitamin E that helps protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Soothing Agent
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Known for its soothing and hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration
Watch for
Rarely causes allergic reactions
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide Ns
A lipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Antioxidant
Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Cholesterol
A lipid that helps support the skin's barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier support
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Caprylate
An emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Product texture, skin conditioning
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Undecylenate
An emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Product texture, skin conditioning
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Phospholipids
Essential components of cell membranes that help maintain skin hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
Hydration, barrier support
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Phytosphingosine
A lipid that plays a role in skin barrier function and has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, anti-acne
A common thickening agent that improves product texture.
Usually helps with
Product texture
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide Ap
A lipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide As
A lipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide Eop
A lipid that helps restore and maintain the skin's barrier function.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated