Rating: Good
Categories: Solvent, Texture-Enhancer
Improves ingredient absorption while adding moisturizing properties for skin. Can also be used to support the stability of a formula.

Rating: Good
Categories: Emollient, Solvent, Texture-Enhancer
Emollient that is used to create lightweight, smooth glide formula bases, touted for its quick absorbency and non-greasy finish. Can be derived from okra and other natural sources.

Rating: Good
Categories: Cleansing-Agent, Emulsifier
This detergent cleansing agent and emulsifier is used in concentrations up to 8.3% in cosmetics.

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

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: Cleansing-Agent
Commonly used mild surfactant in cleansing formulas; may also function as an emulsion stabilizer.

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: 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: Humectant, Solvent, Texture-Enhancer
Humectant (hydrator) that can enhance the delivery of key ingredients into skin. Also plays a role in keeping formulas from melting in high heat or freezing in low temps.

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: 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.