The base of many skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A silicone that provides a smooth, silky feel and helps to create a barrier on the skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, barrier support
Watch for
Can feel heavy on very oily skin
Emollient
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
An emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening, smoothing
Active
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
A stable, oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that brightens, boosts collagen, and offers antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
Brightening, anti-aging, antioxidant
Watch for
Can be irritating for some, especially at higher concentrations or when combined with other actives
A humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A solvent and humectant that helps ingredients penetrate the skin and draws moisture to it.
Usually helps with
Hydration, penetration enhancement
Emollient
Phenyl Trimethicone
A silicone that provides a smooth feel and can help to condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, conditioning
A classic humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
Hydration, softening
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/ Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients, creating a stable formula.
Usually helps with
Stabilizing formulas
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
A form of hyaluronic acid that hydrates and plumps the skin by attracting and retaining moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
A powerful antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage and supports skin health.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, skin health
A carotenoid antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Soothes and calms the skin, promoting healing and reducing irritation.
Usually helps with
Soothing, calming, healing
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantium Amara (Neroli) Oil
Adds a natural fragrance to the product. Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential for irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Emulsifier
Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Crosspolymer
Helps to create a stable emulsion and can provide thickening properties.
Usually helps with
Stabilizing formulas
A sugar alcohol that can help to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant and preservative booster that helps improve skin hydration.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A solvent that can help to dissolve other ingredients and provides a lightweight feel.
Usually helps with
Lightweight feel
Emollient
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
A silicone that creates a smooth, non-greasy feel on the skin and can help to lock in moisture.
Usually helps with
Smoothing, moisture retention
Chelating Agent
Sodium Phytate
A chelating agent that helps to improve the stability of the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
An antioxidant that helps to protect the product from degradation.
Usually helps with
Product stability
UV Filter
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol
A UV filter that helps protect the product from UV light degradation.
Usually helps with
Product stability
Emollient
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
A silicone that provides a soft, matte finish and can help to absorb excess oil.
Usually helps with
Matte finish, oil absorption
Emulsifier
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
An emulsifier that helps to create a stable and pleasant texture in the product.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
Emollient
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil
A plant-derived oil rich in fatty acids that helps to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, conditioning
Fragrance
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Sweet Orange) Peel Oil
Adds a natural citrus fragrance. Can be a potential irritant for sensitive skin.
Usually helps with
Fragrance
Watch for
Potential for irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause irritation in some individuals
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
A preservative used to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A preservative that also acts as a skin conditioner.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Used to adjust the pH of the product, making it more compatible with the skin.
Usually helps with
pH balancing
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to create a stable and pleasant texture.
Usually helps with
Emulsifying, texture