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1
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water/aqua/eau
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Plain old water
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2
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ascorbic acid
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One of the few well researched potent anti-aging ingredients. When it is able to penetrate the skin in an active state, it is effective against fine lines and wrinkles, helps improve skin elasticity and reduce hyperpigmentation. It acts as a powerful anti-oxidant and stimulates collagen production. The main issue with ascorbic acid is that it is highly unstable, in other words, it is losing its effectivenss quickly when exposed to air and light (if a serum or cream containing ascorbic acid has an orange color, it is a likely that the ingredient has oxidized and is no longer active). In addition, it is water-soluble, meaning that it has difficulty pentrating the skin. It is also quite irritating, and can cause stinging. When used in low concentrations, helps stabilize the product formulation
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3
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ethoxydiglycol
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Helps to improve the product consistency
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4
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pyrus malus (apple) fruit extract
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Can have some moisturizing properties due to its sugar content
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5
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glycerin
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One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
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6
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aminopropyl ascorbyl phosphate
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A more stable but less potent derivative of vitamin C. It can help neautralize free radicals and even out the skin tone if used in high enough concentration (required levels are likely to be much higher than for pure vitamin C, and solid studies are lacking at the moment)
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7
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glycolic acid
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An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin reveling a more even, smoother complexation. It is also able to stimulate collagen production with long-term use. Could help to reduce pore congestion. It can be irritating to the skin. Apply sunscreen daily if using products with glycolic acid
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8
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sodium hydroxide
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Used to adjust the product's pH
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9
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phytic acid
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An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics
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10
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plankton extract
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Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
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11
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sodium hyaluronate
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One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
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12
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lecithin
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Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
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13
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xanthan gum
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Used to create a thicker product consistency
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14
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phenoxyethanol
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A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
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15
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caprylyl glycol
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Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
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16
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ethylhexylglycerin
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A preservative
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17
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hexylene glycol
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Helps create a more spreadable product texture
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