A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers and lotions blend oil and water without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
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 synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers and lotions blend oil and water without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, but offers no direct skin benefit beyond formulation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures in skincare products.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A workhorse emulsifier that keeps creams and cleansers stable, but offers no direct skin benefit.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps oil and water mix, making creams and lotions stable and smooth.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may be slightly drying for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
PPG-1-Deceth-5 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in products, but it offers no direct skin benefit beyond formula stability.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and shampoos, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause mild irritation in sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A mild synthetic helper that blends oil and water, generally safe but not a star ingredient.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but may cause mild irritation for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil in cleansers and lotions, generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, but may be slightly drying for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers and conditioners, with a low risk of irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic conditioning agent that helps reduce static and soften hair, generally considered safe at low concentrations.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
PPG-10 Butanediol is a reliable synthetic humectant that boosts moisture without common irritation, making it a safe choice for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, synthetic emollient that improves product texture and skin feel without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures but offers no direct skin benefit.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic emollient that softens skin and improves the feel of creams and lotions without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps create stable, creamy textures without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, synthetic humectant that pulls moisture into the skin without the stickiness of glycerin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that helps soften skin and hair without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, jojoba-derived emollient that softens skin and improves product feel without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle, lanolin-based emollient that softens skin but may clog pores for some people.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, generally safe for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, glucose-derived humectant that helps hydrate skin without stickiness, suitable for most skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle synthetic emollient that helps products feel smooth and non-greasy, but offers no active skincare benefits on its own.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, synthetic humectant that helps your skin hold onto moisture without feeling sticky or greasy.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, non-stripping cleanser that also delivers antioxidant benefits from vitamin E.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A synthetic helper that makes cleansers foam and rinse clean, but can be drying for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A lightweight silicone that smooths skin and helps products glide on without a greasy feel.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A mild synthetic surfactant that helps products spread and rinse cleanly, but may be too stripping for very dry or sensitive skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A mild, sugar-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being gentle on the skin barrier.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A gentle silicone that makes products feel silky and smooth without clogging pores or causing irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water, but offers no direct skin benefit beyond texture.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps products rinse cleanly, but offers no direct skin benefit beyond formulation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
PPG-12-Buteth-16 is a gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in products, with a low risk of irritation or clogged pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A versatile, low-irritation lanolin derivative that helps blend oil and water while softening skin.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic
A synthetic film-former that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but may feel tight or heavy on some skin types.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic polymer that improves product feel and spreadability without common irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable lotions and creams with a pleasant feel.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic emulsifier that helps mix oil and water in cleansers without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, synthetic humectant that pulls moisture into the skin without feeling sticky or heavy.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and feel lightweight, but offers no active skincare benefits.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic polymer that helps products stay put on skin and resist water, but offers no active skincare benefit.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic film-former that helps products spread smoothly and feel silky, but offers no active skincare benefit.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic emollient that improves product texture and skin feel without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A reliable synthetic emulsifier that helps mix water and oil, but may not suit those avoiding ethoxylated ingredients.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily, but may be slightly clogging for acne-prone skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic emollient that helps products feel smooth and spread easily without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A lightweight, non-greasy emollient that helps products glide on smoothly without clogging pores.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
PPG-16 is a safe, synthetic ingredient that helps other ingredients spread and absorb, but it offers no direct skin benefit.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle, synthetic humectant that attracts moisture to the skin without feeling sticky or heavy.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A mild-to-moderate synthetic cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil but may cause irritation for sensitive skin.
Irritation
moderate
Source
synthetic
A synthetic emollient that helps products feel silky and spread easily, but offers no active skin benefits.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A safe, synthetic solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients and leaves a light, non-greasy feel on skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A synthetic polymer that helps makeup and sunscreen stay put longer, but offers no direct skin benefit.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A gentle synthetic humectant that pulls moisture into the skin without feeling sticky or greasy.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
A mild synthetic emulsifier that helps cleansers and shampoos mix oil and water without stripping the skin.
Irritation
low
Source
synthetic
PPG-2 Arginine is a gentle, modified amino acid that helps keep skin and hair soft, smooth, and hydrated without irritation.
Irritation
low
Source
semi-synthetic