The base of the formulation.
Usually helps with
All skin types
Draws moisture into the skin to hydrate and soften.
Usually helps with
Dryness, dullness, fine lines
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Softens and smooths the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness
Watch for
Can be comedogenic for some
Solvent/Humectant
Propanediol
Helps to dissolve ingredients and attract moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Thickener
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Gives the product its creamy texture.
Usually helps with
Texture
Helps to mix oil and water ingredients.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be irritating for some sensitive skin types
Antioxidant
Inonotus Obliquus Extract/Mushroom Extract
Contains antioxidants that may help protect skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant support
Humectant
Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
A hydrating polysaccharide that attracts and retains moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration, plumping
Used in small amounts to adjust the product's pH.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Watch for
Can be irritating in higher concentrations
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
A form of hyaluronic acid that hydrates and plumps the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, fine lines
Chelating Agent
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Helps to stabilize the formula.
Usually helps with
Formulation stability
Antioxidant
Withania Somnifera Root Extract
Also known as Ashwagandha, it's an adaptogen with antioxidant properties that can help soothe skin.
Usually helps with
Soothing, antioxidant support
Soothing/Barrier Support
Niacinamide
A versatile ingredient that can help soothe skin, improve barrier function, and reduce redness.
Usually helps with
Redness, barrier support, tone
Watch for
Can cause flushing in high concentrations for some
Humectant/Soothing
Panthenol
A form of Vitamin B5 that hydrates and soothes the skin.
Usually helps with
Dryness, redness, barrier support
A form of Vitamin E that helps protect skin from environmental damage.
Usually helps with
Antioxidant protection
Emollient/Barrier Support
Avena Sativa Kernel Oil/Oat Kernel Oil
Contains lipids that help to moisturize and support the skin's natural barrier.
Usually helps with
Dryness, barrier support, soothing
Barrier Support
Ceramide Np
A skin-identical lipid that helps to strengthen and restore the skin barrier.
Usually helps with
Barrier support, dryness
Emollient/Preservative Booster
Caprylyl Glycol
Helps to condition the skin and boost the effectiveness of preservatives.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A mild surfactant that helps to create lather and cleanse the skin.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Watch for
Can be irritating for very sensitive skin
A very mild, plant-derived surfactant that gently cleanses.
Usually helps with
Gentle cleansing
Preservative Booster/Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Helps to preserve the product and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
A natural sugar that can help attract and retain moisture.
Usually helps with
Hydration
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Oleate
Helps to stabilize the formula and soften the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin softening
Emulsifier/Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Helps to stabilize the formula and condition the skin.
Usually helps with
Skin conditioning
Emollient/Opacifier
Glycol Distearate
Provides a creamy texture and pearlescent look.
Usually helps with
Texture
Viscosity Adjuster
Sodium Chloride
Used to thicken the product.
Usually helps with
Texture
Provides a natural color to the product.
Usually helps with
Appearance
Helps to prevent microbial growth in the product.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can be irritating for some
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Helps to prevent microbial growth in the product.
Usually helps with
Preservation
Watch for
Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Helps to prevent microbial growth in the product.
Usually helps with
Preservation