Rating: Good
Categories: Emollient, Emulsifier, Cleansing-Agent
A glycerin-derived emulsifier used to improve stability and aesthetics of skin care products in a cream or lotion base.

Rating: Good
Categories: Cleansing-Agent, Emulsifier
Amino acid-derived cleansing agent with emulsifying properties that contribute to softer, smoother skin. May be synthetic or animal-derived.

Rating: Best
Categories: Antioxidant, Retinoids
Form of retinol that is a direct precursor to retinoic acid, with significant research backing its ability to visibly reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Can also be used to improve the appearance of blemish-prone skin.

Rating: Best
Categories: Antioxidant
One of four forms of vitamin E. It can be naturally or synthetically derived. Regardless of its origin, tocopherol has potent oil-soluble antioxidant properties and can help defend skin from pollution and environmental stressors.

Rating: Best
Categories: Antioxidant
A form of vitamin E frequently used in cosmetics for its antioxidant benefit.

Rating: Good
Categories: Antioxidant, Plant-Extracts, Humectant
Natural ingredient obtained by the fermentation and filtration of yeasts; provides soothing, hydrating, and antioxidant benefits.

Rating: Best
Categories: Antioxidant, Plant-Extracts
Alternative name for pomegranate peel, which like other parts of this fruit is a rich source of antioxidants for healthier skin.

Rating: Good
Categories: Emollient, Emulsifier, Cleansing-Agent
This moisturizing ingredient is found naturally in the human body but is usually plant- or synthetically derived in cosmetics. It has been deemed safe as used in cosmetics and is also used as a food additive.

Rating: Good
Categories: Texture-Enhancer, Emulsifier, Cleansing-Agent
Gentle multi-tasking fatty alcohol that acts as a moisturizer and cleansing agent in skin care and helps keep other ingredients intact in a formulation. It has been ruled safe as used in cosmetics

Rating: Good
Categories: Texture-Enhancer
Hydroxyapatite is a mineral found in bones, teeth and phosphate rock. The type used in cosmetics is mineral-derived.

Rating: Good
Categories: Humectant, Texture-Enhancer
Humectant (hydration booster), texture/penetration enhancer, and formulary solvent. May also help decrease rough surface skin and stabilize the formula.

Rating: Good
Categories: Emollient, Solvent
A skin-softening emollient made from a reaction of glycerin and cetyl alcohol. Considered safe for skin.

Rating: Good
Categories: Film-Forming-Agent, Polymer, Absorbent
Has multiple uses in cosmetics as a film-forming agent, emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and absorbent. It can absorb 100–1000 times its mass in water.

Rating: Good
Categories: Emollient, Texture-Enhancer
Texture enhancer and emollient as used in cosmetics.

Rating: Best
Categories: Antioxidant, Humectant
Hydroxyacetophenone is a versatile humectant and preservative booster that also has skin-soothing properties.

Rating: Good
Categories: Chelating-Agent, Preservative
This stable, water-soluble preservative protects cosmetics from mold growth and helps chelate metal ions that can destabilize formulas.

Rating: Good
Categories: Chelating-Agent
Synthetic salt form of the antioxidant phytic acid. Acts as a stabilizer and chelating agent to keep metals such as iron and copper from binding to water in the formula.

Rating: Good
Categories: Texture-Enhancer, Cleansing-Agent, Emulsifier
This naturally derived ingredient is produced from the fermentation of simple sugars, and acts as a thickening agent, texture enhancer, and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetics.

Rating: Best
Categories: Humectant, Texture-Enhancer, Solvent
A naturally occurring substance in skin that helps retain moisture. It is used in skin care products to help defend against dryness.

Rating: Good
Categories: Emollient, Texture-Enhancer, Cleansing-Agent
A gentle, plant-derived ingredient whose versatility lends itself to many types of cosmetics, including cleansers, sunscreens, hair care, and makeup.

Rating: Good
Categories: Cleansing-Agent, Emulsifier
This emulsifier and cleansing agent has been ruled safe as used in cosmetics.

Rating: Best
Categories: Antioxidant, Plant-Extracts
A plant-derived antioxidant compound that’s proven to help skin withstand environmental exposure so it can look younger and healthier.

Rating: Good
Categories: Ph-Adjuster-Stabilizer, Chelating-Agent
Ingredient used in skin care products to adjust a formula's pH. In the right concentration/formula, it can also exfoliate skin.

Rating: Best
Categories: Uv-Filters, Coloring-Agent-Pigment, Occlusive-Opacifying-Agent
A versatile ingredient that serves several functions in cosmetics, this earth mineral is perhaps best known as a sunscreen active that's gentle enough even for skin prone to redness and sensitivity.