A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
Synthetic polyethylene glycol-based surfactant derived from lauric acid, developed in the mid-20th century for use as an emulsifier and solubilizer in cosmetics. Has no traditional or historical use prior to modern synthetic chemistry.