Representative Ingredients in a Facial Moisturizer

Below is a chart that shows the ingredient type, ingredient function and ingredient examples that make up a facial moisturizer.

Ingredient Type	Examples	Function
Skin Conditioners	Glycerin, VitaNiacin, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Sucrose Polycottonseedate, Panthenol Pro-Vitamin B5, or Panthenol, is a derivative of vitamin B5 -- improves hair condition. (Pro Vitamin B5), Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E), Dimenthiconol, Stearyl Alcohol	The "active" components in the product that improve the skin.
Humectants	Glycerin	Substances which hold and retain water (moisture).
Emollients	Isohexadecane, Isopropyl Isostearate, Sucrose Polycotteonseedate, C13-C14 Isoparaffin, Panthenol, Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E)	Substances which are lubricating, thickening agents that prevent water loss and have a softening and soothing effect on the skin.
Emulsifier	Sorbitan stearate, Laureth-7, Sucrose Cocoate, PEG 100 Stearate, Stearic Acid	Substances which are surface-active agents that promote the mixing of oils and water.
Thickeners	Polyacrylamide, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol	Substances which increase or decrease the thickness/viscosity.
Antioxidants A substance that reduces oxidative damage. This damage due to ROS most commonly is related to free radicals. An antioxidant usually works by giving up one of its own electrons to quench the free radical. It also helps stop the ongoing chain reaction or further propagation of free radicals which can lead to additional damage.	Tocopherol	Substances which are thought to protect the skin by binding to free radicals and minimizing the harm they do to the skin.
Sunscreen Agents	Octyl Methoxy Cinnamate	Substances which protect the skin against UV rays by absorbing these rays.
Opacifying Agent	Titanium Dioxide	Substances which reduce the clear appearance of a product. Some of the agents may provide pearly appearances desired in some products.
Preservatives	Benzyl Alcohol, Ethyl Paraben, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben	Substances which slow or inhibit the growth of micro-organisms.
Chelating Agents	EDTA Used as a chelant in hair colorants for shelf stability. Acts by chelating and inactivating metal ions that would otherwise react with the hydrogen peroxide and cause it to disintegrate.	Substances which form complexes with metal ions and prevent their adverse effects on the stability and/or appearance of products.
pH Adjuster, Buffering Agents	Sodium Hydroxide	Substances used to adjust or stabilize pH.
Color	FD&C Red #40	Substances color the cosmetic product and/or to impart color to the skin.