MAC Prep + Prime Natural Radiance

Naturally present in skin (urea makes up about 7% of natural moisturizing factors in skin). Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Also has a positive effect on the skin barrier beyond the humectant action. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients. Is an exfoliating ingredient when used in high concentrations

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

An emollient that is naturally found in skin

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

A mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

Naturally present in skin and helps to attract water to its upper layer

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

A sugar that attracts water to the upper layer of the skin

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and soften it

A plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help neutralize free radicals

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

Used to create a thicker product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin

An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

Used to improve the product consistency and soften the upper layer of the skin

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

A seaweed extract that contains sugars and can be helpful in attracting water to the upper layers of the skin if used in high enough concentrations

Plant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance

A plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help neutralize free radicals

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. It contains a compound salicin that can theoretically be converted into salicylic acid that, in turn, helps reduce inflammation in skin, but the evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking and the extract is usually not used in a concentration that would enable an exfoliating effect

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals. Can have a dehydration effect that might somewhat decrease the look of puffy eyes

A mix of amino acids and plant-based lipids. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and reduce water loss over time

A likely irritant. Might have some anti-oxidant activity, but is mostly used as a fragrance in cosmetic products

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.

Can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Preliminary studies show that it can be more effective than coenzyme Q10 but studies on effective concentration for topical applications are lacking

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties. Avoid if you are sensitive to gluten

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

Plant extract that might have moisturizing properties. Avoid if you suffer from wheat or gluten intolerance

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable than ascorbic acid, but still degrades quickly and needs to be stabilized in a formulation with another ingredient. It is claimed to penetrate skin better than pure vitamin C and have the the similar benefits, but solid studies of its effectiveness are lacking. Is likely to require a higher concentration in a product than pure vitamin C to be effective. It might be able to help reduce pore clogging.

Used for skin exfoliation. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, helps to unclog pores, prevent blemishes and speed up healing of the existing ones. Sometimes referred to as a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid)