Water is a great solvent. It’s neutral and doesn’t provide any strong positive or negative effects. It just helps components to mix better and to transport active components.
Glycerin is one of the most outstanding and helpful skincare components. It's used in many skincare products because it works and provides notable results. It's one of the best moisturizers. Molecules of Glycerin can absorb water and deliver it into deep layers of the skin making it hydrated.
3
Glycosaminoglycans
Roles: Skin conditioning, Emollient, Film former
Moisturizing
Anti-aging
4
Glucosyl Hesperidin
Roles: Skin conditioning, Humectant
5
Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil
Roles: Skin conditioning, Emollient
Comedogenic rating [ 3 ]
Good for dry skin
Bad for oily skin
6
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Roles: Humectant
7
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Roles: Skin conditioning
Soothing
8
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Roles: Skin conditioning
Anti-aging
9
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice PowderAntioxidant
Roles: Skin conditioning
10
Coffea Robusta (Congo Coffeetree) Seed Extract
Roles: Skin conditioning
11
Actinidia Deliciosa (Kiwi) Fruit Extract
12
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
Roles: Cleansing, Foaming, Surfactant
13
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water
Roles: Skin conditioning
Good for oily skin
14
Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil
Roles: Fragrance, Masking
15
Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil
Roles: Fragrance, Masking
16
Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil
17
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Roles: Skin conditioning, Fragrance
Acne fighting
Healing
Antiseptic
Good for oily skin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil is known for ages. It has a pleasant scent but it's not the only great property of this component. It has great antiseptic and antibacterial activity which is great for oily skin. It also helps to heal small wounds and calm down the skin.
18
Lilium Candidum (Madonna Lily) Flower Extract
Roles: Skin conditioning
19
Pfaffia Paniculata Root Extract
20
N-Hydroxysuccinimide
Roles: Skin conditioning
21
Steareth-20
Roles: Cleansing, Emulsifying, Surfactant
Softening
Comedogenic rating [ 2 ]
22
Chrysin
Roles: Skin conditioning
Moisturizing
Soothing
Anti-aging
Lightening
Rejuvenation
Regeneration
23
Ptychopetalum Olacoides Bark/stem Extract
24
Sodium Hydroxide
Roles: Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide is used mostly for formulation purposes. It helps to hold the pH level of a product. It also works as a chemical exfoliator that removes dead cells. Usually concentration of this component is low in skin care products and it’s used mostly for adjusting pH.
25
Potassium Sorbate
Roles: Fragrance, Preservative
Antifungal
Antiseptic
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative that increases the shelf life of the product. It’s a great alternative to parabens. That's why manufacturers like to use this component. It is safe in concentration of up to 10% but it is used in cosmetics in amounts of 1% or even lower.
Alcohol Denatured is a great bacteria killer. Manufacturers often put it inside products to increase their shelf life.
27
Carbomer
Roles: Emulsion stabilizer, Gel forming, Viscosity controlling
Moisturizing
Carbomer is used for formulation purposes. It helps to control the viscosity and flow of a product. It’s considered safe but only if it’s well purified. Poorly purified carbomers may contain benzol which may lead to irritation.
28
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Roles: Chelating
Cleansing
29
Ethylhexylglycerin
Roles: Skin conditioning, Deodorant
Moisturizing
Softening
Antiseptic
Deodorant
Ethylhexylglycerin makes the skin softer, smoother and more hydrated. It acts deeply but without any heavy or sticky feeling. In haircare products, it works as a conditioner and scalp cleanser. It is safe but only in concentration below 8% in rinse-off products and below 2% in leave-on products. Can be an irritator in higher concentrations. In general, this component is great if you see it somewhere at the bottom of the list.
30
Phenoxyethanol
Roles: Fragrance, Preservative
Antiseptic
Phenoxyethanol is one of the most popular preservatives. It kills bacteria and makes the product live longer. Manufacturers like this ingredient because it can dissolve in any liquid, even in oils.
Another purpose of this component is the fixation of aromas in perfumery. Phenoxyethanol is also used as a strong antiseptic and a good antibacterial agent. It is widely used in dermatological cosmetics alongside natural antiseptics such as chamomile, sage, and calendula.
