Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water

Glycerin

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin

Propanediol

Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Butylene Glycol

Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.

Learn more about Butylene Glycol

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Allantoin

Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing

Allantoin plays a role in soothing and moisturizing the skin. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.

Some studies have shown this ingredient can promote wound healing with higher concentrations.

Allantoin is derived from the comfrey plant but produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.

Learn more about Allantoin

Xanthan Gum

Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Gel Forming

Xanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.

On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.

Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.

Learn more about Xanthan Gum

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate

Ingredient Ratings

Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.

Multi Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser

Heartleaf My Type Calming Cream

When to use

Beplain Multi Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser 41 ingredients

AXIS - Y Heartleaf My Type Calming Cream 24 ingredients

35 Routines

51% use in am

49% use in pm

94% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

216 Routines

53% use in am

47% use in pm

96% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Beplain Multi Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser 41 ingredients

1.5 /5

from 2 ratings

Absorbs Well (1) Broke Me Out (1) Doesn't Work (1)

AshN.

1 year ago

Review

This was one of the few products suggested to me by Skinsort (Albeit based on favorite ingredients), so I was curious to try. After nearing the end of this product, I have to say I'm a bit disappointed. With all the hydrating ingredients contained, I expected the current condition of my skin to be maintained. Even after having to use more moisturizer than usual, I noticed increased dryness around Show more

#hydrating

#absorbs well

#no scent

#doesn't work

Beplain

Multi Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser

aria lin

10 months ago

Review

This product broke me out so bad. Im guessing this is for dry skin bc it left a heavy film on my face as well.

#broke me out

#heavy

Beplain

Multi Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser

AXIS - Y Heartleaf My Type Calming Cream 24 ingredients

5.0 /5

from 5 ratings

Hydrating (3) Works Well (3) Absorbs Well (2)

hxavens

1 year ago

Review

I have oily acne prone sensitive skin and it's always been a massive struggle to find good moisturizers that don't leave me looking like grease ball but are hydrating and light weight enough so my skin doesn't produce excess sebum. This is literally one of the best that I've tried. It has gel like consistency but it's hydrating enough and it leaves a nice finish. Didn't experience any issues with Show more

#great value

#hydrating

#absorbs well

#no scent

AXIS - Y

Heartleaf My Type Calming Cream

Kitty

9 months ago

Review

As a combi skin girly still trying to figure out her triggers on skin sensitivities/breakouts, this moisturizer is bomb! Problem with most gel type moisturizer is that it lacks moisture and just gives off this instant hydration, but this one gives a great balance of hydration and moisture without it being sticky nor greasy. The first product that introduced me to Heartleaf, long way before I Show more

#hydrating

#absorbs well

#no scent

#works well

AXIS - Y

Heartleaf My Type Calming Cream