The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A stable lipid that mimics skin's natural oils, providing moisture and improving suppleness.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support
Humectant
Pentylene Glycol
A moisturizing agent that also helps to preserve the product.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A fatty alcohol that softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
A rich butter known for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier repair
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, this oil moisturizes and nourishes the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, nourishment
Emollient
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
A nourishing oil packed with vitamins and fatty acids that moisturizes and soothes.
Usually helps with
Dryness, soothing
Emollient
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil
A lightweight oil rich in antioxidants that moisturizes without feeling heavy.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, antioxidant
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus (Sweet Almond) Dulcis Oil
A gentle emollient that softens and conditions the skin.
Usually helps with
Softening skin
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Stearate
A synthetic ester that provides a smooth feel on the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Emulsifier
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
A silicone derivative that helps to blend oil and water, and can provide a smooth feel.
Usually helps with
Texture enhancement
Watch for
Some individuals may be sensitive to silicones.
A sugar alcohol that attracts and retains moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Viscosity controlling agent
Disteardimonium Hectorite
A clay derivative used to thicken formulations and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Fragrance
Methyldihydrojasmonate
A synthetic fragrance compound that provides a pleasant scent.
Watch for
Potential for irritation in sensitive individuals.
A form of Vitamin B5 that moisturizes, soothes, and aids in skin repair.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing
Humectant
Magnesium Sulfate
Can help to draw moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
An emulsifier that helps to stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
A common ingredient that helps to draw moisture into the skin and improve product texture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, texture
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
A derivative of coconut oil and glycerin that replenishes skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
A mineral that can give products a subtle shimmer or pearlescent effect.
Usually helps with
Appearance
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
A stable form of Vitamin E that protects skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emollient
Cera Alba (Beeswax)
A natural wax that helps to soften and protect the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience, protection
Derived from jojoba oil, these provide a smooth feel and moisturize the skin.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, texture
Emulsifier
Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate
An emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components.
Usually helps with
Formula stability
Opacifier
Titanium Dioxide
A mineral pigment used to make products opaque and can provide UV protection.
Usually helps with
Opacifying
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax
A plant-based wax that helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
Emulsifier
Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate
An emulsifier that helps to create a stable and pleasant texture.
Usually helps with
Texture, stability
Solvent
Propylene Carbonate
A solvent that can help to dissolve other ingredients and improve texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Peptide
Acetyl Hexapeptide-37
A peptide that may help to improve skin hydration and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Usually helps with
Hydration, anti-aging
Antioxidant
Superoxide Dismutase
An enzyme that helps to protect skin cells from oxidative stress.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
A potent antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage and can brighten skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, brightening
Exfoliant
Lactobionic Acid
A gentle polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that exfoliates and hydrates without irritation.
Usually helps with
Gentle exfoliation, hydration
An essential fatty acid that helps to maintain the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support
An essential fatty acid that helps to maintain the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support
Surfactant
Decyl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived surfactant used for cleansing.
Usually helps with
Cleansing
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
A smaller molecule of hyaluronic acid that penetrates deeper for hydration.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration
Preservative
Phenethyl Alcohol
A preservative with a mild floral scent.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emollient
Passiflora Incarnata Seed Oil
A nourishing oil rich in fatty acids.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
A nourishing oil rich in linoleic acid, known for its moisturizing properties.
Usually helps with
Moisturizing, barrier support
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates and can help with acne and hyperpigmentation.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, acne
Watch for
Can cause sensitivity, especially with sun exposure.
An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates the skin, improving texture and tone.
Usually helps with
Exfoliation, texture
Watch for
Can cause irritation and increased sun sensitivity.
Peptide
N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate
A peptide that may help to improve skin barrier function and hydration.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, hydration
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
The salt form of hyaluronic acid, which attracts and holds water in the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
A cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that provides sustained hydration.
Usually helps with
Sustained hydration
Soothing agent
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
A derivative of avenanthramide, known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Usually helps with
Soothing, anti-inflammatory
A polysaccharide that hydrates, soothes, and can help to support the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Hydration, soothing, barrier support
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
A skin-conditioning agent and preservative.
Usually helps with
Preservation, skin conditioning
Emollient
Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax
A plant-derived wax that helps to condition and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Emollience
A humectant and emollient that helps to moisturize and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration, emollience
A moisturizing agent that also has antimicrobial properties.
Usually helps with
Hydration, preservation
Antioxidant
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
A stable form of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant benefits and can help brighten skin.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant, brightening
Watch for
Less potent than L-Ascorbic Acid, but generally more stable and less irritating.
A classic humectant that draws moisture to the skin.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
A fat-soluble form of Vitamin C that provides antioxidant protection.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Peptide
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8
A peptide that may help to reduce skin sensitivity and redness.
Usually helps with
Soothing, anti-redness
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
A smaller molecular weight hyaluronic acid that can penetrate deeper into the skin for hydration.
Usually helps with
Deep hydration
Humectant
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
A derivative of hyaluronic acid that offers enhanced hydration and skin barrier function.
Usually helps with
Enhanced hydration, barrier support
Preservative
Benzyl Alcohol
A preservative that can also act as a solvent and fragrance component.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be a potential allergen for some individuals.
Viscosity controlling agent
Xanthan Gum
A thickening agent derived from fermented sugar.
Usually helps with
Texture
A polysaccharide that can help to attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
A surfactant and emulsifier used to help mix oil and water.
Usually helps with
Emulsification
Watch for
Can be a skin irritant for some.
Preservative
Dehydroacetic Acid
A preservative that helps to prevent microbial growth.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Used to adjust the pH of the product.
Usually helps with
pH balance