A beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates inside pores to clear congestion and reduce breakouts. It's effective for oily and acne-prone skin.
Usually helps with
Acne, oiliness, visible pores
Watch for
Can cause dryness or irritation if overused, especially on sensitive skin.
The base solvent for most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Surfactant
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
A mild surfactant that creates lather and helps to cleanse the skin.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Rarely, can cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.
A fatty alcohol that helps to soften and smooth the skin, and can also act as a thickener.
Usually helps with
Dry to normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for very acne-prone skin in high concentrations, but generally safe in cleansers.
A humectant that draws moisture to the skin, improving hydration and texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Surfactant
Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate
A mild, amino acid-based surfactant that gently cleanses without stripping.
Usually helps with
Sensitive skin
An alpha-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin's surface, improving texture and brightness. It can also help unclog pores.
Usually helps with
Dullness, uneven texture, mild congestion
Watch for
Can cause stinging or increased sun sensitivity.
A clay that absorbs excess oil and impurities from the skin.
Usually helps with
Oily skin
Watch for
Can be drying if used too frequently.
A form of Vitamin B3 that helps regulate oil production, minimize pores, and improve skin barrier function. Also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
Oiliness, visible pores, redness, uneven tone
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but high concentrations can cause flushing in some.
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to ensure stability and efficacy.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
None in this context.
A dicarboxylic acid that has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and exfoliating properties. It helps with acne, redness, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Usually helps with
Acne, redness, hyperpigmentation
Watch for
Can cause mild itching or tingling.
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Green tea extract, rich in antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A form of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A common humectant that attracts water to the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative enhancer that also has emollient properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A synthetic polymer that can act as a humectant and skin conditioner.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A carbohydrate used as a binder or thickening agent.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A complex carbohydrate used as a binder or thickening agent.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Surfactant
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
A mild, amino acid-based surfactant that gently cleanses.
Usually helps with
Sensitive skin
A polysaccharide used to thicken and stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Common salt, used to adjust the thickness of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation in some sensitive individuals.
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A widely used preservative that protects against bacterial contamination.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some individuals.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.