A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Beauty ingredient research
Browse the review database to understand what an ingredient is, what it does in a beauty formula, when it is useful, and when it deserves caution across skincare, haircare, bodycare, makeup, and more.
20769
Reviewed ingredients
524
Low-concern standouts
2884
Need usage caution
A gentle, plant-derived emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Pentadecane is a lightweight, natural emollient that gives skincare products a silky feel without clogging pores, making it a great choice for oily and sensitive skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Pentadecyl alcohol is a gentle, non-drying fatty alcohol that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Emollient
PENTAERYTHRITYL ADIPATE/CAPRATE/CAPRYLATE/HEPTANOATE
A well-tolerated, non-greasy emollient that gives products a silky feel without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and stability without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, plant-based emollient that hydrates and softens skin with a lightweight, non-greasy finish.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturize and improve product feel without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky on skin, with a very low risk of irritation or clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Stearate/Caprate/Caprylate/Adipate
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for oil-free or lightweight formulas.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without common irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without greasiness, suitable for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that improves product feel and spreadability without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A lightweight, synthetic emollient that makes products feel silky and spread easily, with a very low risk of irritation or clogged pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and helps products spread smoothly.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A lightweight synthetic emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, commonly used to create a smooth, silky finish in creams and makeup.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves the feel of creams and lotions without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps skin feel soft and smooth without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps creams and lotions feel silky and spread easily without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that softens skin without clogging pores, ideal for sensitive or oily skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps moisturize and improve product feel without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, nourishing oil rich in oleic and palmitoleic acids that helps soften and protect the skin without feeling overly greasy.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based oil that helps soften and smooth skin without feeling greasy, though research on its unique benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-derived oil that helps soften skin and provides antioxidant benefits, though research is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A lightweight, non-greasy synthetic emollient that helps products glide on smoothly and can enhance the feel of sunscreens and serums.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A lightweight, fast-evaporating synthetic liquid that helps products glide on smoothly without leaving a greasy feel.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products spread smoothly, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Film Former
PERFLUORONONYL OCTYLDODECYL GLYCOL GRAPESEEDATE
A novel film-forming emollient that helps products feel silky and spread smoothly, but research on long-term safety is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Emollient
PERFLUORONONYL OCTYLDODECYL GLYCOL MEADOWFOAMATE
A high-tech emollient that provides water resistance and a silky feel, but its environmental persistence raises concerns.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, antioxidant-rich oil from perilla flowers that helps soften skin and may calm irritation, though research is still emerging.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A nourishing, non-greasy oil that hydrates and calms skin, with a good safety profile for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Phenethyl Dimethicone is a lightweight silicone that smooths skin, reduces tackiness, and helps products glide on without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
Phenoxyethyl Caprylate is a gentle, synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic emollient that helps soften skin and improve product texture without common irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, plant-based emollient with antioxidant potential, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based oil that helps soften and smooth skin without feeling heavy, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A skin-friendly phospholipid that hydrates and helps other ingredients penetrate more effectively.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, skin-identical phospholipid that supports barrier function and hydration without irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, skin-identical lipid that supports barrier function and hydration without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Phosphatidylserine is a gentle, skin-identical lipid that helps strengthen the moisture barrier and soothe dryness, but its anti-aging benefits are still being studied.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Phytosphingosine lactate is a skin-friendly lipid that strengthens the moisture barrier and gently helps calm blemishes without harshness.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
Emollient
Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-derived emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to support barrier function and improve moisture retention.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Phytosterols are plant-based lipids that mimic your skin's natural fats, helping to repair and reinforce the moisture barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based emollient that supports the skin barrier and soothes dryness without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to improve moisture and comfort without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to support moisture retention and barrier function.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based emollient that mimics skin's natural lipids to soften and support the barrier without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
Emollient
Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
A gentle, plant-based emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, plant-based lipid duo that mimics your skin's natural fats to strengthen the moisture barrier and soothe dryness.
Irritation
low
Source
natural
A gentle, multi-functional ester that helps soften skin and support the moisture barrier without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, plant-based emollient that helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve moisture retention without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic