Soothing Agents

1,2-Hexanediol

Synthetic multi-tasking ingredient | Works as a preservative, solvent, humectant, and texture enhancer

Alanine

An amino acid, one of the building blocks for the creation of protein | Occurs naturally in the human body

Aqua/Water/Eau

The most widely used cosmetic ingredient | Functions as a solvent

BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid)

Also known as salicylic acid | Best known for exfoliating/anti-acne properties

Biosaccharide Gum-1

Naturally-derived complex sugar with humectant properties | Forms a flexible film on skin’s surface

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Provides emolliency and beneficial fatty acids | Derived from coconut oil and glycerin

Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer

A type of silicone powder | Can be difficult to disperse in a formulation

Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate

Derived from sodium hyaluronate | Has moisturizing properties

Disiloxane

Part of the siloxane group of silicones | Imparts slip and anti-foaming properties into formulas

Ethylhexyl Isononanoate

Isononanoic acid and 2-ethylhexyl alcohol ester | Hydrates skin through water loss prevention

Glycereth-7 Trimethyl Ether

Works as an emollient and humectant to enhance skin moisturization and hydration | Imparts a silky feel to skin, leaving a subtly dry finish

Glyceryl Caprylate

Multitalented emollient, emulsifier and cleansing agent | Made from portions of glycerin and coconut-derived caprylic acid

Hydroxypropyl Tetrahydropyrantriol

Derived from xylose (a sugar abundant in beech trees) | Used in skin care products for its purported anti-aging and hydrating properties

Isoleucine

An essential amino acid that provides hydrating benefits | Plays a role in maintaining collagen and elastin (when consumed)

Microencapsulated Retinol

Retinol

Stabilised retinol for enhanced efficacy and reduced irritation

MIPA-Laureth Sulfate

Gentle cleansing agent/surfactant | Commonly used in transparent oil-based body washes or facial cleansing oils

Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate

Diester of neopentyl glycol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid | Emollient properties hydrate and soften skin

Oleyl Erucate

Ester of oleyl alcohol and erucic acid | Serves as a humectant

Olive Oil PEG-7 Esters

Works as an emollient, emulsifier, and mild cleansing agent | Also used as solubilizing agent for essential oils and fragrance ingredients

PCA Dimethicone

Stable siloxane polymer | Created through the combination of dimethicone and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid

PEG

Versatile ingredient used as a cleansing agent, emollient, and emulsifier | Considered safe for skin when used in cosmetic formulations

PEG-33

Lightweight, skin-friendly polymer | Helps draw and hold moisture within skin

PEG-4

Type of polyethylene glycol | Used as a humectant and solvent in cosmetics

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil

Acts as an emollient, emulsifying agent, and solubility-enhancing ingredient | Imparts a soft feel on skin and minimizes moisture loss

PEG-8 Dimethicone

Synthetic replenishing agent that has a softening effect on skin and hair | Can be used as an oil-in-water emulsifier to enhance the overall texture of a formula

PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer

Works primarily as a solvent | Additional functions include moisturizer and cleansing agent

PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone

Type of silicone that enhances formulary texture and spreadability | Creates a breathable barrier that prevents water loss (ideal for improving dehydrated skin)

PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone

PEG stands for polyethylene glycol; PPG stands for polypropylene glycol

Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate

Assists skin in trapping moisture, allowing for a smooth, plump appearance | Enhances and thickens a formula’s texture

Polyethylene Glycol

Helps keep products stable | Functions similar to glycerin

Polyglycerin-6

Synthetic glycerin polymer composed of six repeating glycerin molecules | Best known for its humectant properties

Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax

Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax is the ester of fatty acids from beeswax

Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate

An emollient and surfactant formed by the combination of polyglycerin-4 + capric acid | As a skin-conditioning agent, it smooths and hydrates skin

Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate

Ester of oleic acid and polyglycerin-4 | Emulsifying agent used to mix oil and water-based ingredients in formulas

Polyglyceryl-6 Ricinoleate

Ester of polyglyceryl-6 and ricinoleic acid | Serves as an emollient and surfactant

Polypropylene Glycol

Polymer of propylene glycol | Functions as a humectant and delivery agent

Polyquaternium-51

Synthetic polymer with a large molecular structure | Has humectant and film-forming properties for skin and hair

PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer

A synthetic polymer combined with polypropylene glycol | Offers film-forming and skin-conditioning properties

PPG-14 Butyl Ether

Functions as a solvent and skin-conditioning agent | Helps restore a supple feel to skin and enhances the texture of personal care product formulas

PPG-20 Methyl Glucose Ether

Blend of polypropylene glycol + methyl glucose derivatives | Helps soften and smooth skin and hair

PPG-26-Buteth-26

Synthetic ingredient that has a variety of cosmetic applications | Functions as a hair conditioning ingredient, surfactant, and emulsifier

PPG-5 Ceteth-20

Ether of cetyl alcohol | Helps to create cohesive, well-mixed formulas

Propanediol

Also known as 1,3-propanediol | Improves absorption of ingredients to their boost effectiveness in skin

Propylene Glycol Diethylhexanoate

Emollient ingredient used to soften and smooth skin | Functions as a solvent and texture enhancer in cosmetic formulas

Serine

Amino acid used in the body’s synthesis of proteins | Produced naturally by the body

Sinorhizobium Meliloti Ferment Filtrate

Biofermented ingredient | Moisturizes and smoothes skin

Sodium Gluconate

The synthetic salt form of gluconic acid | Helps improve the stability of skin care formulas

Sorbeth-230 Tetraoleate

Synthetic surfactant (cleansing agent) | Has helpful emulsifying properties

Sorbitan Laurate

Works as a cleansing agent and emulsifier | Also used to enhance the overall texture of skin care products

Sucrose

Natural sugar with gentle humectant properties