A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVA rays.
Usually helps with
Sun protection
Watch for
Can degrade in the presence of UV light without stabilizers.
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays.
Usually helps with
Sun protection
Watch for
Potential endocrine disruptor concerns.
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays.
Usually helps with
Sun protection
Watch for
Can enhance the penetration of other ingredients.
A chemical sunscreen agent that absorbs UVB rays and helps stabilize Avobenzone.
Usually helps with
Sun protection, UV filter stabilization
Watch for
Potential skin irritant for some.
The base for many skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A plant-derived solvent that helps ingredients penetrate the skin and provides hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration, ingredient delivery
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Active
Myristyl Nicotinate
A derivative of niacin that supports skin barrier function and improves the appearance of aging.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, skin barrier support
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Watch for
Generally non-irritating.
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Isononanoate
An emollient that provides a light, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Emulsifier
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Antioxidant
Prunus Persica (Peach) Flower Extract
Contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from environmental damage and soothe dryness.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant protection
Active
Nicotiana Benthanmiana Hexapeptide-40 sh-Polypeptide-76
A peptide that mimics the effects of retinol, supporting skin renewal and anti-aging benefits without the potential irritation of traditional retinol.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, skin renewal
Watch for
Peptides are generally well-tolerated.
A form of Vitamin A that promotes cell turnover, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots, and improves skin texture. Optimized Surface Release technology aims to deliver it more evenly and continuously.
Usually helps with
Anti-aging, texture improvement, hyperpigmentation
Watch for
Can cause irritation, redness, and peeling, especially when first starting. Sun sensitivity is increased. Use with caution if you have sensitive skin or are new to retinoids.
Soothing Agent
Beta-Glucan
A polysaccharide that helps to soothe, hydrate, and support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Soothing, hydration, barrier support
Antioxidant
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some individuals.
A component of chamomile that has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming irritation
A plant-derived sterol with emollient properties that can help soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Fruit Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it can help protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Extract
Contains antioxidants that help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract
Contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Antioxidant
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Contains antioxidants that help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A silicone that forms a breathable barrier on the skin, providing a smooth feel and helping to prevent moisture loss.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, occlusive barrier
Watch for
Can feel heavy on oily skin for some; may clog pores for acne-prone individuals.
Active
Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate
A fermented ingredient that may offer skin conditioning and soothing benefits.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A salt form of hyaluronic acid that attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A PHA that provides gentle exfoliation and hydration, suitable for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, hydration
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
An emulsifier used to blend oil and water components in a formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Emollient
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil
A plant-based oil that can help condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
A fat-soluble form of Vitamin C, providing antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Less potent than L-Ascorbic Acid.
Pure Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that brightens skin, boosts collagen, and protects against free radicals.
Usually helps with
Brightening, collagen support, antioxidant protection
Watch for
Can be unstable and irritating at high concentrations or low pH.
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E, providing antioxidant and moisturizing benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, moisturizing
Watch for
Less potent than pure tocopherol.
An emulsifier that can sometimes be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Watch for
Potential for irritation and contamination.
A sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A simple sugar that can act as a humectant.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A solvent and humectant that helps improve skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A solvent and humectant that helps improve skin hydration and product texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture enhancement
Film Former
Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
A polymer that can form a film on the skin, providing a smooth feel and potentially improving wear.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
A humectant that also has preservative properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservative booster
Emulsifier
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
An emulsifier and thickener that helps stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
A phospholipid that acts as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, skin conditioning
A humectant and solvent that helps improve skin hydration and product texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture enhancement
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A polymer used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Chelating Agent
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Preservative
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
A preservative that helps prevent microbial growth in the product.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some.
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and can help improve product spreadability.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Watch for
Can feel heavy on oily skin for some.
Antioxidant
Propyl Gallate
An antioxidant used to prevent oxidation of ingredients.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Fragrance
Parfum/Fragrance
Adds scent to the product. Can be a source of allergens and irritation for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Sensory experience
Watch for
Potential for allergic reactions and irritation.
pH Adjuster
Aminomethyl Propanol
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
A chelating agent that enhances the effectiveness of preservatives and improves product stability.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can increase skin penetration of other ingredients.
A natural gum used to thicken and stabilize formulations.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Preservative
Phenethyl Alcohol
A preservative with a mild floral scent.
Usually helps with
Preservation
An alpha-hydroxy acid used to adjust pH and provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
pH adjustment, mild exfoliation
Watch for
Can be irritating at high concentrations.
A synthetic antioxidant that helps prevent oxidation. Concerns exist regarding its potential health effects.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Potential health concerns for some.
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
A common preservative that prevents microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can form benzene in the presence of Vitamin C and UV light.
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
A preservative used to inhibit the growth of mold and yeast.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Fragrance Ingredient
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
A synthetic fragrance ingredient that can be a potential allergen.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential allergen.