Ingredient Library

Actives

The ingredients doing the visible work.

Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract Humectant plant sugar.
Allantoin Soothes and softens. Quietly one of the best-tolerated ingredients there is.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Cooling, hydrating base.
Artemisia Vulgaris (Mugwort) Extract Calms irritation.
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour Colloidal oats. Soothes and softens, the reason oatmeal baths exist.
Bakuchiol A plant-derived retinol alternative. Softens fine lines and evens tone without the irritation.
Beta-Glucan Soothing sugar from oats and yeast. Comforts stressed skin.
Betula Alba (White Birch) Bark Extract Traditional soothing bark extract.
Caffeine Temporarily tightens and de-puffs.
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract The gentlest thing in the cabinet. Calms angry skin.
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract Antioxidant. Calms and protects.
Centella Asiatica Extract Cica. Calms redness and supports repair.
Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract Classic soother for reactive skin.
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract Brightening fruit extract.
Copper Tripeptide-1 A signal peptide studied for firmness and repair.
Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi Mushroom) Extract Antioxidant mushroom extract. Calms and protects.
Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract Monoi. Softening floral infusion.
Glycolic Acid The smallest alpha hydroxy acid. Helps dead surface cells let go so fresher skin shows through.
Glycosphingolipids (Ceramides) Rice-derived ceramides. The mortar between your skin cells.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract Brightens and calms. Gentle on reactive skin.
Griffonia Simplicifolia Seed Extract Studied for reducing the look of under-eye puffiness.
Hexapeptide-11 A peptide studied for elasticity.
Hyaluronic Acid The full-size molecule. Holds water right at the surface for immediate plumpness.
Hydrolyzed Collagen Marine-sourced, broken small enough to hold water at the surface.
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein Forms a light, smoothing film. Good under makeup.
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate The smallest fragment, small enough to reach the deeper layers of the epidermis.
Kaolin Clay. Absorbs oil without stripping.
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate A postbiotic that supports the skin microbiome.
Lactobacillus Ferment A soothing postbiotic that helps balance the skin's microbiome and support a healthy skin barrier.
Lactobacillus/Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi Mushroom) Extract/Lentinus Edodes (Shiitake Mushroom) Extract Ferment Filtrate Reishi and shiitake mushrooms fermented with lactobacillus. Calms skin and offers antioxidant support.
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract Calming botanical.
Magnesium Chloride Transdermal magnesium, the reason this lotion exists.
Malic Acid An alpha hydroxy acid first found in apples. Loosens dead surface cells for a gentle polish.
Morus Alba (Mulberry) Root Extract Brightening botanical.
Nelumbo Nucifera (Lotus) Root Extract Lotus root extract. An antioxidant botanical that helps calm and protect skin.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Evens tone, softens the look of pores, supports the barrier.
Opuntia Ficus-Indica (Prickly Pear Cactus) Fruit Extract Prickly pear cactus extract. A gentle hydrator that helps skin hold onto moisture.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder Finely milled rice. Adds slip and a gentle physical polish without the scratch of a scrub.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) Calms, hydrates, and helps rebuild the skin barrier.
Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract Antioxidant-rich.
Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract Mild fruit-acid conditioning.
Quillaja Saponaria Wood Extract Plant saponin. Adds slip.
Rosa Damascena Extract Damask rose extract. A soothing botanical with antioxidant benefits.
Rosa Damascena Flower Extract Soothing floral extract.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract Natural antioxidant that keeps oils fresh.
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract Fermented yeast. Supports barrier recovery.
Saccharum Officinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract Natural source of glycolic acid.
Sambucus Nigra (Elderberry) Fruit Extract Antioxidant fruit extract.
Saponaria Officinalis Leaf/Root Extract Soapwort. Gentle plant cleanser.
Snail Secretion Filtrate Yes, really. Rich in glycoproteins that hydrate and help repair.
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate Modified to cling to skin longer than standard HA.
Sodium DNA Plant-based DNA fragments, also known as PDRN. Helps skin attract and hold onto moisture.
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer A cross-linked form that sits on the surface and releases moisture slowly.
Sodium Hyaluronate Hyaluronic acid in a smaller salt form that sinks in instead of sitting on top.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C) An oil-soluble, stable form of vitamin C. Brightens without the sting.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Antioxidant. Protects skin from free radicals and keeps the oils in the jar from going rancid.
Tripeptide-1 A signal peptide for firmness.
Tripeptide-29 A collagen-mimicking peptide.
Vaccinium Angustifolium (Blueberry) Fruit Extract Antioxidant fruit extract.
Zinc Oxide Mattifies and calms. Not an SPF claim at this level.
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract Warming, antioxidant.

Cleansing agents

The ingredients doing the actual cleansing.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine Mild secondary surfactant. Softens the cleanse.
Coco-Glucoside Sugar and coconut derived. Cleans without stripping.
Laureth-4 Helps oil and water mix on contact with water.
MIPA-Laureth Sulfate Turns an oil into a foam the moment water hits it.
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides Lets the micellar phase lift makeup and rinse clean.
Polysorbate 80 Lets an oil cleanser rinse away with water instead of leaving a film.
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate Coconut-derived. The gentlest lather there is.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate Big fluffy lather, and no, it is not SLS.
Sucrose Laurate Sugar ester. Cleanses gently.
Sucrose Palmitate Sugar ester. Adds a milky texture.
Sucrose Stearate Sugar ester. Emulsifies and softens.

Nourish & hydrate

Moisture in, moisture kept.

Anhydroxylitol Works alongside xylitylglucoside to build hydration over time.
Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil Vitamin E rich, softening, never heavy.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Rich, cushioning, the backbone of a good body product.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil Occlusive and softening.
Corylus Avellana (Hazelnut) Seed Oil Dry-feeling and slightly astringent. Good for oilier skin.
Crambe Abyssinica (Abyssinian) Seed Oil A light, silky oil that softens skin without a greasy feel.
Garcinia Indica (Kokum) Seed Butter The hardest of the butters. Adds structure without waxiness.
Glycerin A moisture magnet. Pulls water into skin and holds it there.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil High in linoleic acid. Barrier-friendly and non-comedogenic.
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate Olive-derived emollient. Gives a soft, dry finish.
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables The nourishing fraction of olive oil, concentrated.
Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil Unusually stable. Locks moisture in without a heavy film.
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter Lighter than shea, less greasy, melts on contact.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil Ancient, occlusive, deeply conditioning.
Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil Melts at body temperature. Feels like coconut oil but lighter.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil Silky, antioxidant-rich, dissolves makeup beautifully.
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil Deeply nourishing, rich in sterols.
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil Softening and gentle. A classic for a reason.
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil Fatty acids plus vitamins A and E. Light, sinks in fast.
Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil Rich in punicic acid. Regenerative and protective.
Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil Thick, glossy, and why lip products cling.
Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil Naturally high in vitamin A precursors. Great for tone and texture.
Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Seed Oil Arctic berry oil, high in vitamins C and E.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil Technically a wax ester, which is why it behaves so much like skin's own oil.
Sodium Lactate Humectant from fermented sugar. Part of skin's own moisturizing factor.
Squalane Olive-derived, weightless, and almost identical to what your skin already makes.
Sucrose Sugar. The scrub part of the scrub.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter Firm, protective, and it smells like cocoa because it is.
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil Light, fast-absorbing, high in antioxidants.
Xylitol Birch sugar. A humectant and the third part of the moisture complex.
Xylitylglucoside Part of a sugar complex that boosts the skin's own water reserves.

Texture & stability

Why it feels the way it does instead of separating.

2,3-Butanediol Fermentation-derived solvent and humectant. Helps botanicals dissolve and adds light hydration.
Behentrimonium Methosulfate Conditioning emulsifier. Not a sulfate, despite the name.
Butylene Glycol Bio-based solvent and humectant. Helps actives dissolve and absorb.
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer Partner polymer for that same cushion.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Coconut-derived emollient. The reason things feel silky instead of greasy.
Cera Alba (Beeswax) Structure and a protective seal. The reason balm is balm.
Cetearyl Alcohol A fatty alcohol, not the drying kind. Thickens and softens.
Cetearyl Glucoside Sugar-derived emulsifier. Gentle and biodegradable.
Cetearyl Olivate Olive-derived emulsifier. Skin-friendly and stable.
Cetyl Alcohol Fatty alcohol. Adds body and a velvet finish.
Citric Acid A fruit acid. Adjusts pH in small amounts and gently exfoliates in larger ones.
Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax Hardest plant wax. Adds gloss and hold.
Dipropylene Glycol Carrier that softens how a fragrance lands on skin.
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer Gives lip treatment its cushiony, non-sticky body.
Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax Plant wax. The vegan answer to beeswax.
Glyceryl Stearate Emulsifier. Marries the oil and the water so they stay married.
Hexylene Glycol Solvent. Keeps solids dissolved.
Isohexadecane Lightweight emollient. Adds slip without grease.
Lactic Acid An alpha hydroxy acid. Gently exfoliates at higher amounts and adjusts pH in smaller ones.
Lauryl Laurate Plant-derived wax ester. Adds slip and melt.
Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Water Floral hydrosol used in place of plain water.
Pentylene Glycol Solvent and humectant with mild preservative support.
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 Gives a fresh, bouncy texture that vanishes on contact.
Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate Plant-based emulsifier.
Polysorbate 60 Emulsifier. Keeps the formula from splitting.
Propanediol Corn-derived solvent and humectant. Helps actives dissolve and absorb.
Propylene Glycol Solvent and humectant.
Sodium Carbomer Thickener. Creates a clean, non-tacky gel.
Sodium Hydroxide A pH adjuster. A tiny amount neutralizes acids and brings a formula into a skin-friendly range.
Sodium Stearate Structures a stick so it glides instead of crumbles.
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate Emulsifier from lactic acid. Gives cream its cushion.
Sorbitan Olivate Partner emulsifier to cetearyl olivate.
Soy Wax Paraffin-free wax base.
Stearic Acid Plant-derived fatty acid. Thickens and stabilizes.
Water (Aqua) The base everything else lives in.
Xanthan Gum Fermented sugar thickener. Gives gel its gel.

Keeps it safe

An unpreserved product grows mold in about a week. These are why it doesn't.

1,2-Hexanediol A humectant that also boosts the preservative system.
Alcohol Denat. Carries fragrance and flashes off. Not the same as drying alcohol in skincare.
Benzoic Acid Preservative, part of a natural-standard system.
Benzyl Alcohol Naturally occurring preservative.
Caprylyl Glycol Humectant that doubles as preservative support.
Dehydroacetic Acid Preservative partner to benzoic acid.
Ethylhexylglycerin Boosts the preservative so less is needed. Also softens skin.
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate Fermented radish root. A natural antimicrobial.
Phenoxyethanol Broad-spectrum preservative. Well-studied and effective under 1%.
Sodium Phytate From rice bran. Mops up trace metals that would degrade the formula.
Sorbic Acid Preservative from rowan berries.

Color & scent

Color, scent, and shimmer.

Eucalyptus Polybractea Leaf Oil Essential oil, crisp and clearing.
Flavor (Aroma) Lip-safe flavor, no sweeteners.
Fragrance (Parfum) Phthalate-free fragrance. Allergen breakdown is listed on each product.
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil Essential oil. Naturally contains linalool and limonene.
May Contain: FD&C Colorants Cosmetic colorants. Which ones depends on the variant.
Mentha Arvensis (Cornmint) Oil Essential oil. Cooling.
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil Essential oil. Cooling tingle.
Mica Mineral shimmer.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil Essential oil, herbaceous and clarifying.
Tanacetum Annuum (Blue Tansy) Flower Oil The reason the primer is blue. Calming and lightly sweet.

Every ingredient I use, and the job it's doing