Skin Conditioning

A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.

Humectant

A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.

Fragrance

Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.

Solvent

Dissolves other ingredients