The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it helps to replenish skin and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Draws water into the skin to keep it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
A skin-conditioning agent that can also help to improve the texture of the product.
Usually helps with
Normal, dry skin
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that moisturizes and softens the skin, and also acts as a thickener.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Helps to mix oil and water components, creating a stable emulsion and leaving skin feeling soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A sugar beet-derived ingredient that helps to hydrate the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A common humectant that helps to draw moisture into the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating for sensitive skin in high concentrations
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
A preservative that also has solvent and viscosity-decreasing properties. It can be a potential allergen.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Potential allergen for some
A gelling agent that helps to thicken the product and improve its texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich emollient known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Dry, normal skin
Watch for
Can be heavy for oily skin
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
A gentle emulsifier that helps to create a stable product texture.
Usually helps with
All skin types
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the product to ensure stability and efficacy.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent with preservative properties, often used to boost the efficacy of other preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Chelating Agent
Sodium Gluconate
Helps to improve the stability of the formulation by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Dehydroacetic Acid
A preservative that helps to protect the product from bacterial and fungal growth.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier
Hydrogenated Lecithin
A modified form of lecithin that helps to stabilize emulsions and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Phenethyl Alcohol
A preservative with a mild floral scent, often used in combination with other preservatives.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Active
Acetyl Hexapeptide-37
A peptide that aims to improve skin hydration by promoting aquaporin production, which helps water move through skin cells.
Usually helps with
Dryness, hydration
A polysaccharide derived from starch, used as a binder and texture enhancer.
Usually helps with
All skin types