This ingredient is a water-soluble emollient and is derived from glycerin. It also has surfactant properties and can help dissolve oils or actives in water-based products.

According to the manufacturer, this ingredient:

• Moisturizes without stickiness or greasiness.
• Improves the penetration of water-based ingredients while reducing penetration of oil-based ones to help balance delivery in formulations

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

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.