The base for many skincare formulations, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Attracts water to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated. Can also help other ingredients penetrate.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating for very sensitive skin in high concentrations.
A classic humectant that draws moisture into the skin, improving hydration and barrier function.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Softens and smooths the skin by forming a protective barrier that reduces water loss.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.
Humectant/Preservative Booster
1,2-Hexanediol
A multifunctional ingredient that hydrates the skin and helps to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
A stable, plant-derived oil that mimics the skin's natural sebum, providing excellent hydration without greasiness.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and mature
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Rich in fatty acids and vitamins, it deeply moisturizes and soothes the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.
Emollient
Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate
A synthetic emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.
Emollient/Solvent
Cyclopentasiloxane
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and helps spread the product. It can create a temporary barrier.
Usually helps with
Most skin types, except very acne-prone
Watch for
Can build up on the skin and potentially clog pores for some. Not biodegradable.
Emollient/Occlusive
Dimethicone
A silicone that forms a breathable barrier on the skin, preventing moisture loss and providing a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Most skin types, except very acne-prone
Watch for
Can feel heavy or occlusive for some. Not biodegradable.
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to mix oil and water, and also softens the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Solvent
Cyclohexasiloxane
Similar to cyclopentasiloxane, it provides a smooth feel and helps with product application.
Usually helps with
Most skin types, except very acne-prone
Watch for
Can build up on the skin and potentially clog pores for some. Not biodegradable.
A sugar that helps the skin retain moisture and protects it from environmental stress.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and dehydrated
Emulsifier/Emollient
C14-22 Alcohols
Helps to stabilize the formula and provides a softening effect on the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Surfactant
Palmitic Acid
A fatty acid that can help to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.
Emollient/Surfactant
Stearic Acid
A fatty acid that softens and smooths the skin, and also acts as an emulsifier.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, and helps to stabilize the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but can be irritating for some very sensitive individuals.
Emollient/Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate
An emollient that helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Thickener/Emulsifier
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
A modified starch used to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
PEG-100 Stearate
A common emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating for some, and concerns exist about potential impurities in its manufacturing process.
Silicone Elastomer
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Provides a smooth, velvety feel and can help to mattify the skin.
Usually helps with
Most skin types, except very acne-prone
Watch for
Can create a film on the skin. Not biodegradable.
Emulsifier
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
A gentle, plant-derived emulsifier that helps to create a stable product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A synthetic polymer used to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can potentially be irritating for some.
Emollient/Emulsifier
Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
A plant-derived ingredient that helps to soften and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Emulsifier
C12-16 Alcohols
Fatty alcohols that help to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.
Thickener
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
A synthetic polymer used to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can potentially be irritating for some.
Used to adjust the pH of the product for optimal stability and efficacy.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Fragrance
Fragrance/Parfum
Adds a scent to the product.
Watch for
Can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and photosensitivity in some individuals.
Thickener/Emulsifier
Xanthan Gum
A natural polysaccharide used to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant/Soothing
Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
A fruit extract known for its antioxidant and soothing properties, contributing to skin health.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Preservative Booster
Glyceryl Caprylate
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Juglans Regia (Walnut) Seed Extract
Contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Potential allergen for some.
Fragrance Component
Limonene
A common fragrance ingredient derived from citrus fruits.
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Listed as a potential allergen.
Emollient/Thickener
Polyisobutene
A synthetic polymer that helps to condition the skin and thicken the product.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can be occlusive.
Antioxidant/Soothing
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
A botanical extract with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive
Emulsifier/Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to stabilize emulsions and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Skin Brightening/Antioxidant
Morus Alba Root Extract
Known for its potential to brighten the skin and provide antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the product by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can enhance the penetration of other ingredients, which may be a concern with certain actives.
Preservative Booster/Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent that also helps to boost the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Thickener/Humectant
Dextrin
A carbohydrate that can help to thicken the product and attract moisture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it helps to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Soothing
Honey/Mel/Miel
A natural humectant that draws moisture to the skin and has soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Dry, sensitive skin
Watch for
Potential allergen for some.
Fragrance Component
Linalool
A common fragrance ingredient with a floral scent.
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Listed as a potential allergen.
A synthetic emulsifier that helps to solubilize oils and fragrances in water-based formulas.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can be a source of 1,4-dioxane contamination. Can cause irritation for sensitive skin.
Soothing/Antioxidant
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
A botanical extract known for its soothing and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Soothing/Antioxidant
Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract
A traditional herbal ingredient with potential soothing and antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Soothing/Moisturizing
Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
A botanical extract used in traditional medicine for its potential to soothe and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Soothing/Antioxidant
Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
A floral extract known for its soothing and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Soothing
Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract
A botanical extract that may offer soothing benefits to the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Emollient
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that also provides emollient properties to soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Antioxidant/Skin Conditioning
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Known for its antioxidant properties and potential to improve skin's vitality.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can be stimulating for some individuals.
Antioxidant
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract
Rich in antioxidants, it helps protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Humectant/Solvent
Propanediol
A hydrating ingredient that also helps to dissolve other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated.
Fragrance Component
Citronellol
A fragrance ingredient with a rose-like scent.
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Listed as a potential allergen.
Fragrance Component
Citral
A fragrance ingredient with a strong lemon scent.
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Listed as a potential allergen.
Fragrance Component
Geraniol
A fragrance ingredient with a rosy scent.
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Listed as a potential allergen.
Emulsifier/Surfactant
Myristic Acid
A fatty acid that can act as an emulsifier and emollient.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for acne-prone skin.
A fatty acid that can help to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
A sugar that can help to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Solvent/Fragrance Component
Benzyl Benzoate
Used as a solvent and can also contribute to fragrance.
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
Soothing/Brightening
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract
Known for its anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially sensitive and hyperpigmented
Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Punica Granatum Flower Extract
An extract from the pomegranate flower, rich in antioxidants.
Usually helps with
All skin types