Solvent for ingredients that do not like to dissolve in oils but rather in water. the water used in cosmetics is purified and deionized (it means that almost all of the mineral ions inside it is removed). Like this, the products can stay more stable over time.

can be used to improve skin moisturization, as a solvent, to boost preservative efficacy or to influence the sensory properties of the end formula.

Glycerin is a humectant, a type of moisturizing agent that pulls water into the outer layer of your skin from deeper levels of your skin. Glycerin is totally natural ingredient that is also in the outermost layer of our skin (called stratum corneum - SC) and helps to maintain the healthy state of our skin.

viscosity controlling, a cationic polymer molecule (a big molecule with repeated subunits and a positive charge) that acts both as a film-former and conditioning ingredient as well as a thickening agent.

A helper ingredient that helps water and oil to mix together. It usually comes to the formula as part of a solubilizer trio coupled with PPG-1-PEG-9 Lauryl Glycol Ether and PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil. The three form an easy to handle liquid that works with many types of oils and gives good sensorial properties to the formula.

emulsifying, surfactant/cleansing

Caprylyl glycol is used as a humectant and conditioning agent. It also increases the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives thereby increasing the shelf life of a product.

amino acid that is one of the primary building blocks of hair keratin and skin collagen. It's a natural moisturizing factor, a skin hydrator and might also help to speed up wound healing.

with exfoliating properties, moisturizer, buffer, the most researched AHA acid after glycolic acid, gently removes dead skin cells, reveals newer, fresher and smoother skin, amazing skin moisturizing properties

extract of the germ of the soybean, glycine soja, leguminosae

Wheat Germ Extract

Skullcap Root Extract, soothing, antioxidant, antimicrobial/antibacterial, moisturizer/humectant, astringent. A traditional Chinese herbal medicine loaded with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoids such as baicalin, baicalein, and wogonin. Skullcap Root is also claimed to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties as well as some skin-brightening activity. A multi-functional skin-goodie.

Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1 stimulates the growth of hair follicle cells to produce the important building blocks of hair - laminin 5 and collagen IV. Laminin and collagen help hair grow stronger, thicker and longer.

Exactly as it sounds: a scented component in a cosmetic product, so that the end product also smells nice. Fragrance in the US and perfume in the European Union is a generic name in the ingredients list, consisting of an average of 30-50 chemicals (but can have up to 200 components). Natural perfume is as allergenic as synthetic, if not worse. Therefore, if your skin is very sensitive, it is worth paying attention, because perfume is one of the causes of contact allergy to cosmetic products.

Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient used as a humectant, emollient, and to boost the anti-microbial efficacy of other ingredients, including preservatives, to protect products from spoilage.

A mildly viscous, amber-colored liquid, made from Castor Oil and polyethylene glycol (PEG). If it were a person, we’d say, it’s agile, diligent & multifunctional. It’s mostly used as an emulsifier and surfactant but most often it is used to solubilize fragrances into water-based formulas.

Polyhydroxy acid (PHA), often referred to as the next generation AHA, gently removes dead skin cells to leave the skin smooth and even, is a great moisturizer and even helps repair the damaged skin barrier. It is an antioxidant and does not make the skin more sensitive to the sun, it can be used even for very sensitive skin, does not irritate the skin.

solvent, viscosity regulator, fragrance, does not irritate the skin, score 0 on a scale of 0-5 for comedogenic and irritating rating

buffering, denaturant. The unfancy name for it is lye. It’s a solid white stuff that’s very alkaline and used in small amounts to adjust the pH of the product and make it just right. For example, in case of AHA or BHA exfoliants, the right pH is super-duper important, and pH adjusters like sodium hydroxide are needed.

ingredient that helps to make the products stay nice longer, aka preservative. It works mainly against fungi.

A frequently used, soothing and moisturizing active ingredient, also known as provitamin B5. Its main role in skin and hair care products is moisturizing, which means it can help the skin attract water and then retain it. Studies have also shown that panthenol can help our skin produce more beneficial lipids, which are essential for a strong and healthy skin barrier.

is a type of sugar that is used in cosmetics and skincare formulations as a moisturizer and antioxidant.

chelating, handy helper ingredient that helps products to remain nice and stable for a longer time. It does so by neutralizing the metal ions in the formula (that usually get into there from water) that would otherwise cause some not so nice changes.

Humectant or moisturizer, ingredient that helps your skin to cling onto water and hold onto it so that your skin feels nicely moisturized.

A common fragrance. It is found in both plants and cosmetics. It is part of 200 natural oils, including lavender, ylang-ylang, bergamot, jasmine, geranium, and is found in 90-95% of prestige perfumes on the market. Linalool oxidizes when exposed to air and becomes allergenic. Therefore, a product containing linalool that has been open for several months is more likely to be allergenic than fresh. Sensitive skin should be careful.

is a very common fragrance ingredient, it’s in products to make it smell nice.

fragrance component. Like other fragrances (e.g. linalool and limonene), may cause irritation on sensitive skin.

a common fragrance, found in rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, and is a major component of citrus peel oil. When exposed to air, limonene oxidizes and can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Sensitive skin should be careful