Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
A synthetic emollient that helps to soften and smooth the skin, improving texture.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps spread the product.
Usually helps with
Smooth application
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
The base solvent for many cosmetic formulations.
Usually helps with
Dissolving ingredients
A classic humectant that draws moisture to the skin, helping to keep it hydrated.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Sucrose Distearate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components, creating a stable formulation.
Usually helps with
Stabilizing formula
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Emulsifier
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
A mild emulsifier derived from amino acids, often used in gentle formulations.
Usually helps with
Gentle emulsification
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A mix of fatty acids derived from coconut oil and glycerin, it's an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredient.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Derived from chamomile, it has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, helping to calm redness.
Usually helps with
Calming skin, reducing redness
Fragrance
Methyldihydrojasmonate
A synthetic fragrance ingredient that provides a clean, floral scent.
Watch for
Potential for sensitivity in some individuals
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
A common preservative used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetic products.
Usually helps with
Product preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating in high concentrations
Preservative Booster
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster that enhances the efficacy of other preservatives.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
A form of Vitamin E, it acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A phospholipid that acts as an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent.
Usually helps with
Emulsification, skin conditioning
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*
Rich in linoleic acid, it's a good emollient that helps to support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier support, emollience
Also known as CoQ10, it's a potent antioxidant that helps protect skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant defense
Used to adjust the pH of the formulation, can also have mild exfoliating properties.
Usually helps with
pH balance
Watch for
Can cause irritation at high concentrations
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
A fat-soluble form of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant benefits.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Watch for
Less potent than L-Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Derived from bilberries, rich in antioxidants that help protect skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emollient
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil
A plant-derived oil that provides emollience and can be rich in antioxidants.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Antioxidant
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A stable, water-soluble form of Vitamin C that offers antioxidant benefits and can help with brightening.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, brightening
Skin Conditioning Agent
Capryloyl Glycine
An amino acid derivative that can help regulate sebum production and has skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Sebum regulation, skin conditioning
Exfoliant
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract
A natural source of glycolic acid, providing mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation
Derived from jojoba oil, these esters provide emollience and help improve skin texture.
Usually helps with
Emollience, texture
A precursor to Vitamin A, it acts as an antioxidant and can contribute to skin health.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection, skin nourishment
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax
A plant-derived wax that contributes to the balm's texture and provides emollience.
Usually helps with
Texture, emollience
Antioxidant
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants and can provide a subtle citrus scent.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant properties
Watch for
Potential for photosensitivity in some citrus extracts, though typically low in rinse-off products.
Antioxidant
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Contains antioxidants and can provide a subtle citrus scent.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant properties
Watch for
Potential for photosensitivity in some citrus extracts, though typically low in rinse-off products.
An essential fatty acid that helps to strengthen the skin barrier and improve hydration.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier function, hydration
An essential fatty acid that contributes to skin health and barrier function.
Usually helps with
Skin barrier function
Surfactant
Decyl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant that creates lather and helps to cleanse the skin.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Exfoliant
Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract
Contains natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) that provide mild exfoliation.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation
Emollient
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax
A plant-derived wax that contributes to the balm's texture and provides emollience.
Usually helps with
Texture, emollience
A synthetic emollient that provides a smooth feel and helps with product spreadability.
Usually helps with
Texture, spreadability
Watch for
Generally well-tolerated
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
A smaller molecular weight form of hyaluronic acid that can penetrate the skin to provide hydration.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, it attracts and holds moisture in the skin.
Usually helps with
Surface hydration
A polysaccharide used as a thickening agent to improve product texture.
Usually helps with
Product texture
A synthetic emulsifier and solubilizer. Can be a source of irritation for some.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Potential for irritation
Prebiotic
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
A sugar-based ingredient that can help support the skin's natural microbiome.
Usually helps with
Microbiome support
Humectant
Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice
Derived from the yacon root, it acts as a humectant and can help support the skin's microbiome.
Usually helps with
Hydration, microbiome support
Antioxidant
Superoxide Dismutase
An enzyme that acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize harmful free radicals.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A polysaccharide derived from starch, used as a binder or texturizer.
Usually helps with
Texture
A type of beneficial bacteria that can help support a healthy skin microbiome.
Usually helps with
Microbiome support
A potent antioxidant naturally found in the body, it helps protect cells from damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection