Carnitine

PEG-8 ISOSTEARATE

Helps water and oil mix together. Can work as a cleanser

CARBOMER

Helps create a gel-like product texture. Can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

PEG-20 GLYCERYL TRIISOSTEARATE

Helps water and oil mix together

SORBETH-30 TETRAOLEATE

Helps water and oil mix together

POLYGLYCERYL-10 DECAOLEATE

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

1-TRIMETHYL-2-CYCLOHEXENYL-1-PENTEN-3-ONE

POLYGLYCERIN-6

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

ACETYL GLUCOSAMINE

An effective moisturizing ingredient that also has been shown to be effective in evening out the skin tone and reducing hyperpigmentation. It can help somewhat reduce wrinkles in skin

AHNFELTIA CONCINNA EXTRACT

An algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Also used to create a thicker product texture

AHNFELTIOPSIS CONCINNA EXTRACT

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

RETINOL

Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating

ACETYL CARNITINE HCL

Might be helpful in decreasing sebum production making the skin less oily. Is claimed to be able to support ceramide production in skin that leads to better hydration, but evidence is lacking. Is able to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

CARNITINE HCL

Might be helpful in decreasing sebum production making the skin less oily. Is claimed to be able to support ceramide production in skin that leads to better hydration, but evidence is lacking. Is able to attract water to the upper layer of the skin

Tretinoin

Bioavailable form of Vitamin A that is the most effective known topical ingredients for reducing wrinkles, improving skin firmness, treating acne, as well as hyperpigmentation. It is not available over-the counter in many countries, including US and UK

ALLANTOIN

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

GLYCOLIC ACID

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

LAURIC ACID

Helps water and oil mix together. Has anti-bacterial properties that might be helpful in preventing blemishes

LINOLEIC ACID

An excellent emollient. Helps soften the skin, restore its barrier function, and can help to calm down inflammation. It can be helpful to prevent blemishes and clogged pores