Solvent
Water / Aqua / Eau
The base for many skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it helps to replenish skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
A plant-derived solvent and humectant that helps ingredients penetrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, ingredient delivery
A stable, hydrogenated form of squalene, it's a skin-identical lipid that hydrates and protects the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
A classic humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components in a formula.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps improve skin barrier function, reduce inflammation, and minimize the appearance of pores.
Usually helps with
Pores, redness, barrier support
Watch for
Can sometimes cause flushing in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations.
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich emollient known for its moisturizing and skin-soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
An emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Texture, emollience
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Emulsion Stabilizer
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Helps to stabilize the emulsion and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Formula texture
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
A smaller molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper to hydrate.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Skin-Conditioning Agent
Ceramide NG
Ceramides are essential lipids for a healthy skin barrier, helping to retain moisture and protect against environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Peptide
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
A peptide that supports skin's natural collagen production, contributing to firmness and elasticity.
Usually helps with
Firmness, elasticity
Antioxidant
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Fruit Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it can help protect skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Active
Hydrolyzed Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Extract
Derived from Sacha Inchi seeds, this extract is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, helping to improve skin texture and hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture improvement
Humectant
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
A mushroom extract known for its potent hydrating properties, often compared to hyaluronic acid.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A form of Vitamin E, it's an antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to stabilize emulsions and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Formula stability, emollience
An Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin's surface, promoting cell turnover and improving texture. It also has hydrating properties.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, hydration, texture
Watch for
Can increase sun sensitivity; start slowly if new to AHAs.
A common thickening agent that improves product texture and stability.
Usually helps with
Formula texture
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
Helps to improve the stability of the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, providing antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A phospholipid that helps to emulsify and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, emollience
A sugar beet-derived ingredient that helps to hydrate and protect skin cells.
Usually helps with
Hydration, skin protection
A sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formula to be skin-compatible.
Usually helps with
Formula pH balance
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative that also has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative that inhibits the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A widely used preservative to prevent bacterial contamination.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some individuals.