Common ingredients in Face Moisturizer
What shows up on face moisturizer labels, why brands use it and how it's regulated, in plain English.
41 ingredients you may see in face moisturizer
Aluminum Compounds
A group of aluminum-based compounds used primarily as the active ingredient in antiperspirants.
Avobenzone
One of the few chemical UV filters that provides good UVA protection.
Benzophenone
A group of aromatic ketones used as UV filters, fragrance ingredients, and UV stabilizers in cosmetics and packaging.
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole)
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as face moisturizer.
BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene)
A synthetic antioxidant closely related to BHA, used to prevent oxidation in cosmetics and food.
Bismuth Oxychloride
A synthetic inorganic pigment used in mineral makeup, eyeshadows, and face powders to create a pearlescent, luminous finish.
Ceteareth-20
An ethoxylated fatty alcohol used as an emulsifier and surfactant in creams, lotions, and other cosmetic formulations.
Coal Tar
A thick, dark liquid derived from the processing of coal.
DEA, MEA & TEA (Ethanolamines)
A group of amino acid-based emulsifiers and pH adjusters.
Dimethicone
A silicone-based polymer widely used in cosmetics and skincare for its smoothing, water-repellent properties.
EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid)
A chelating agent used in cosmetics to bind metal ions that would otherwise degrade the product or reduce preservative effectiveness.
Formaldehyde Releasers
A group of preservatives that work by slowly releasing small amounts of formaldehyde over time.
Homosalate
Homosalate is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as face moisturizer.
Hydroquinone
A skin-lightening agent that works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production.
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Imidazolidinyl Urea is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as face moisturizer.
Lanolin
A natural waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands of sheep to waterproof their wool.
Lead
Lead is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as face moisturizer.
Methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI)
A potent synthetic biocide and preservative, almost always used in combination with methylisothiazolinone (MI) as the blend 'Kathon CG.
Methylisothiazolinone
A powerful synthetic biocide and preservative.
Mineral Oil
A colorless, odorless oil derived from petroleum distillation.
Octinoxate
A chemical UV filter used in sunscreens and SPF cosmetics.
Octisalate
Octisalate is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as face moisturizer.
Oxybenzone
A chemical UV filter found in many sunscreens and SPF-containing cosmetics.
Palm Oil
An edible vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palms.
Parabens
A class of synthetic preservatives used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics and personal care products.
Petroleum / Petrolatum
A semi-solid mixture of hydrocarbons derived from petroleum refining.
Phenoxyethanol
A glycol ether used as a preservative in cosmetics, often marketed as a 'safer' alternative to parabens.
Phthalates
A group of plasticizing chemicals used to make cosmetics more flexible and fragrances last longer.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG Compounds)
A family of petroleum-derived compounds used as emulsifiers, thickeners, solvents, and penetration enhancers.
Propylene Glycol
A synthetic liquid used as a humectant, solvent, and penetration enhancer in cosmetics.
Quaternium-15
A quaternary ammonium salt used as a preservative in cosmetics and personal care products.
Retinyl Palmitate
A form of vitamin A (retinol ester) used in sunscreens, anti-aging creams, and moisturizers.
Salicylic Acid
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) used for its exfoliating and anti-acne properties.
Siloxanes (Cyclic Silicones)
A group of cyclic silicone compounds used in cosmetics and skincare for their silky, smooth texture and ability to evaporate quickly.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
An ethoxylated surfactant closely related to SLS but milder.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
A powerful anionic surfactant derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, then chemically processed.
Synthetic Fragrance
An umbrella term that can hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals.
Talc
Talc is an ingredient used in cosmetics such as face moisturizer.
Titanium Dioxide (Nanoparticle Form)
Titanium dioxide in nanoparticle form (<100nm) used in sunscreens to eliminate the white cast of traditional mineral sunscreens.
Triclosan
An antibacterial and antifungal agent once widely used in soaps, toothpastes, and cosmetics.
Triethanolamine (TEA)
An organic compound used as a pH adjuster, emulsifier, and surfactant in cosmetics.
