The base of the formulation, dissolving other ingredients.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Draws moisture into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Emulsifier
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Helps to blend oil and water components in the formula.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some acne-prone individuals
Emollient/Emulsifier
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths the skin, also helps stabilize the emulsion.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin that replenishes skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
A rich emollient that can be moisturizing but is also highly comedogenic for many.
Usually helps with
Very dry skin
Watch for
Acne-prone and oily skin
Emulsifier/Emollient
Stearic Acid
Helps to stabilize the formula and provides emollient properties.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Can be irritating for sensitive skin
Preservative/Solvent
Benzyl Alcohol
Used as a preservative and solvent; can be a potential allergen.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Sensitive skin, potential allergen
A thickening agent that gives the product its gel-like consistency.
Usually helps with
All skin types
pH Adjuster
Sodium Hydroxide
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation to be skin-friendly.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A multi-tasking ingredient that helps with oil control, redness, and barrier support.
Usually helps with
Oily, combination, and redness-prone skin
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but high concentrations can cause flushing for some.
Humectant/Soothing Agent
Panthenol
A form of Vitamin B5 that hydrates and soothes the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and sensitive
Active
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A stable, water-soluble form of Vitamin C that brightens and offers antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
All skin types, including sensitive
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it draws moisture to the skin for hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Antioxidant/Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
A form of Vitamin E that protects the skin from oxidative damage and softens it.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative Booster/Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Enhances the effectiveness of preservatives and has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative
Dehydroacetic Acid
A broad-spectrum preservative that helps prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emulsifier/Skin Conditioning
Lecithin
A phospholipid that helps stabilize emulsions and can improve skin hydration.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Chelating Agent
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Helps to stabilize the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
An oil-soluble antioxidant form of Vitamin C that can help protect skin from free radicals.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Watch for
Less stable and potent than other forms of Vitamin C.
Pure Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Emollient/Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Rich in linoleic acid, it's a good emollient and antioxidant that supports the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
All skin types