Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.

Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.

Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.

This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.

Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.

Learn more about Cetearyl Alcohol

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.

There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.

D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.

Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):

Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.

This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.

Learn more about Panthenol

Betaine

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.

This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.

Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.

Learn more about Betaine

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

Water

Skin Conditioning, Solvent

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

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

Adenosine

Skin Conditioning

Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.

Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.

Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.

In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.

Learn more about Adenosine

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

Arginine

Masking, Skin Conditioning

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.

Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.

Learn more about Arginine

Ingredient Ratings

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

No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream

Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream

When to use

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream 116 ingredients

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream 22 ingredients

119 Routines

48% use in am

52% use in pm

94% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

1,997 Routines

46% use in am

54% use in pm

96% use every day

When to use See routines that use it ->

Reviews

Here's what our community thinks

Numbuzin No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream 116 ingredients

3.3 /5

from 3 ratings

Broke Me Out (2) Light Scent (2) Drying (1)

Vans

10 months ago

Review

This is incredible at first use since it feels like a butter melting into your skin. Easily absorbed and what I love about this it doesn’t leave a sticky finish. Not at all. Has a little citrusy smell and has bit of orange granules that melt. But throughout my use, I noticed that it somehow triggered my acne and noticed hardcore drying along my nasolabial folds and chin area where I usually apply Show more

#drying

#broke me out

#irritating

#light scent

Numbuzin

No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream

Hannah Mae

7 months ago

Review

This is actually amazing! It helped me hydrate my skin. Although, this is a heavy cream, so you’d rather use this at night only

#hydrating

#works well

Numbuzin

No. 5 Daily Multi-Vitamin Cream

COSRX Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream 22 ingredients

2.7 /5

from 49 ratings

Sticky (31) No Scent (25) Hydrating (17)

Shane Jordan

8 months ago

Review

6-Month Update: Honestly, I may have spoken too soon—I actually like the CosRX Snail Mucin All-in-One Cream! I had to accept that not every product is meant for daily use, and I find myself reaching for this more in warm weather. It layers well under sunscreen and is perfect for days when I want something lighter. I love the way it feels, and since I’m just about done with my original jar, a Show more

#great value

#light

#absorbs well

#no scent

COSRX

Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream

Min

10 months ago

Review

like thicker snail mucin, personally it works great for me especially in the summer. i have dry sensitive skin so this has helped with my barrier. i don't use this as my last step (only on exfoliation day tho) and usually put my sunscreen overtop or use it with the sandwich method for my retinol

#light

#sticky

#no scent

#works well

COSRX

Advanced Snail 92 All In One Cream