The base of most skincare formulations.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A common humectant and solvent that helps ingredients penetrate the skin.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can be a mild irritant for very sensitive skin in high concentrations.
A classic humectant that draws water into the skin, keeping it hydrated and soft.
Usually helps with
All skin types
A versatile ingredient that acts as a humectant, solvent, and preservative booster.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Emollient
Hydrogenated Didecene
A synthetic emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry and normal skin
Known for its soothing, moisturizing, and skin-protecting properties. It helps to calm irritation.
Usually helps with
Sensitive and irritated skin
A sugar that helps skin retain moisture and protects it from environmental stressors.
Usually helps with
Dry and dehydrated skin
Astringent
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Traditionally used for its astringent properties, it can help to tighten pores and reduce inflammation.
Usually helps with
Oily and acne-prone skin
Watch for
Can be drying or irritating for some, especially if it contains alcohol.
Pro-vitamin B5, it hydrates, soothes, and helps repair the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry and sensitive
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
A smaller molecule form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin for hydration.
Usually helps with
Dehydrated skin
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types, especially dry
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
A polymer form of hyaluronic acid that forms a hydrating film on the skin's surface.
Usually helps with
Dehydrated and dry skin
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
A modified form of hyaluronic acid that has enhanced skin penetration and moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Dry and dehydrated skin
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
A low molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid for deeper hydration.
Usually helps with
Dehydrated skin
Thickener
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
A polymer used to thicken formulations.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Film Former
PVM/MA Copolymer
Forms a film on the skin, which can help with texture and moisture retention.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Emulsifier
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
A humectant that helps to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths the skin, and helps stabilize emulsions.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated, but can cause irritation in very sensitive individuals.
Emulsifier
C14-22 Alcohols
A blend of fatty alcohols that act as emulsifiers and emollients.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Emulsifier
C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
A plant-derived emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A humectant that also has antimicrobial properties, helping to preserve the formula.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation in some individuals.
Emulsifier
Sorbitan Isostearate
An emulsifier that helps to create stable oil-in-water emulsions.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A skin-conditioning agent derived from coconut oil and glycerin that replenishes the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Also known as Neem extract, it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Acne-prone and inflamed skin
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types.
Antioxidant
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Extract from the neem flower, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Usually helps with
Inflamed and acne-prone skin
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive skin.
Antioxidant
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Extract from the ivy gourd, rich in antioxidants and used for its soothing properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Holy basil extract, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Antioxidant
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory benefits.
Usually helps with
Inflamed and dull skin
Watch for
Can temporarily stain the skin yellow, especially in higher concentrations.
Antioxidant
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Red algae extract, rich in minerals and antioxidants.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Soothing Agent
Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Extract
Clary sage extract, known for its calming and antioxidant properties.
Usually helps with
Sensitive skin
Soothing Agent
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Extract
Lavender extract can have calming properties, but its fragrance can be irritating for some.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Potential for irritation and allergic reactions due to fragrance.
Soothing Agent
Hyacinthus Orientalis (Hyacinth) Extract
Extract from hyacinth flowers, used for its soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Sensitive skin
Soothing Agent
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Chamomile extract is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties.
Usually helps with
Sensitive and irritated skin
Soothing Agent
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
Cornflower extract, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Usually helps with
Sensitive and irritated skin
Skin Conditioning
Borago Officinalis Extract
Borage extract, rich in fatty acids, helps to condition and soothe the skin.
Usually helps with
Dry and sensitive skin
Chelating Agent
Disodium EDTA
Helps to improve the stability and performance of the formula by binding to metal ions.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Some concern about environmental impact, but generally safe in rinse-off products.
A polymer used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
A natural gum used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
A potent antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and may brighten skin tone.
Usually helps with
Dull skin, anti-aging
Watch for
Can be unstable in formulations; effectiveness varies.
Antioxidant
Malachite Extract
A mineral extract rich in copper, believed to have antioxidant and protective properties.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent that also enhances the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Most skin types
Watch for
Can cause mild irritation in some individuals.