Paula's Choice

Water-Infusing Electrolyte Moisturizer

An organic compound that helps absorption of product into skin. Alternative name: 1,3-dihydroxypropane

Stearic Acid

What it does: Cleansing, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking

A saturated fatty acid that helps to prevent ingredient separation, thicken products, and moisturizes the skin.

Glyceryl Stearate

What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying

Helps blend the water and oil together within a product, can act as a stabilizer, and adds volume. Glyceryl Stearate can be derived from vegetable or animal fats, and is naturally occurring in our bodies. Alternate names: Stearic acid, monoester with glycerol

Hydrocarbons, C4, 1,3-butadiene-free, polym., tetraisobutylene fraction, hydrogenated

Potassium PCA

What it does: Humectant

Potassium 5-oxo-L-prolinate

Magnesium PCA

What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Magnesium 2-oxopyrrolidine-5-carboxylate

Calcium PCA

What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning

L-Proline, 5-Oxo, Calcium Salt (2:1)

2-Ethylhexyl olivate

Polyglyceryl-6 Olivate is an ester of Olive Acid and Polyglycerin-6.

Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Apple, Pyrus malus L., Rosaceae

Laminaria Saccharina Extract is an extract of the thallus of the Alga, Laminaria saccharina, Laminariaceae

Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the kiwi, Actinidia chinensis, Actinidiaceae

Coffea Arabica Seed Extract is an extract of the beans of the Coffee plant, Coffea arabica L., Rubiaceae

Biotin/Folic Acid/Cyanocobalamin/Niacinamide/Pantothenic Acid/Pyridoxine/Riboflavin/Thiamine/Yeast Polypeptides

What it does: Skin Conditioning

Biotin/Folic Acid/Cyanocobalamin/Niacinamide/Pantothenic Acid/Pyridoxine/Riboflavin/Thiamine/Yeast Polypeptides is the product formed by the controlled heating of a mixture of Biotin, Folic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Niacinamide, Pantothenic Acid, Pyridoxine, Riboflavin, thiamine, and yeast polypeptides

Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract is an extract of the peel of the Mangosteen, Garcinia mangostana L., Hypericaceae

Prunus Serotina Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Wild Cherry, Prunus serotina, Rosaceae

Squalane is a stable and popular moisturizer. It can be derived from plants or certain types of fish, and is found in the sebum of human skin. Alternate name: 2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane

Ceramide EOP

What it does: Skin Conditioning

Ceramide EOP is a type of Ceramide. Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. Ceramide EOP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Stearoyloxyheptacosamide,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyloxyheptacosanoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine

Ceramide Ap

What it does: Skin Conditioning

Ceramide AP is a type of Ceramide. Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. 1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-(2-Hydroxy) Stearamide

Ceramide Np

What it does: Skin Conditioning

Ceramide NP is one type of ceramide. Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine

Pisum Sativum Extract is an extract of the whole plant of the Pea, Pisum sativum L., Leguminosae

Phytosphingosine

What it does: Skin Conditioning

1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-amino-, (2S, 3S, 4R)-

Cholesterol is used to soothe skin and may help bind ingredients. Alternate name: Cholest-5-en-3-ol (beta)-

Acetyl Hexapeptide-37 is the product obtained by the acetylation of Hexapeptide-37

Oryza Sativa Bran Extract is the extract of the bran of the Rice, Oryza sativa L., Poaceae

Tocopherol

What it does: Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

A common antioxidant that protects against UVB rays and has soothing properties Alternate names: 3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E

Glycine, N-(Aminoiminomethyl)-N-Methyl-

Bisabolol

What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing

(R*,R*)-.alpha.,4-dimethyl-.alpha.-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)cyclohex-3-ene-1-methanol; 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, alpha,4-dimethyl-alpha-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-, (theta,theta)-(+/-)-; 3-Cyclohexene-1-methanol, alpha,4-dimethyl-alpha-(4-methyl-3-pentenyl)-, (S-(theta,theta))- (levomenol)

Sorbitol

What it does: Humectant, Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning

D-Glucitol

cis-1,2,3,5-trans-4,6-Cyclohexanehexol

Xylitol

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

What it does: Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning

A fatty acid found in the milk of mammals, coconuts, and palm-kernels. It is antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory. Alternate names: Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl

Sodium 4-oxovalerate

Docosyl docosanoate

Propane-1,2,3-triyl tridocosanoate

Sodium 2-(1-carboxylatoethoxy)-1-methyl-2-oxoethyl laurate

Helps prevent ingredients from separating and helps to add thickness. Can be made by fermenting simple sugars.

Sodium octanoate

These are polymers made from Acrylic Acid. They help to keep an in-soluble solid in a liquid and to prevent the separation of ingredients. Alternate names: 2-Propenoic acid, polymer with 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)propane-1,3-diol 2-propenyl ether

AKA lye, used to adjust the pH of a product.

Tetrasodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate

Phenoxyethanol

What it does: Preservative

Germicidal, antimicrobial, and aromatic. Often used as a perfume fixative, antiseptic, or preserving agent in pharmaceutical products. Alternate name: 2-Phenoxyethanol

A common preservative for cosmetic products. AKA 1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)