Skin Friend Ingredient Dictionary
| NAME | INGREDIENTS |
|---|---|
Apricot Kernel Oil |
A natural oil rich in vitamins A and E that nourishes and softens dry skin. |
Bilberry (Vaccinium Myrtillus) |
A natural fruit extract rich in antioxidants and anthocyanins that help protect skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage. Also known to support microcirculation and improve skin tone. |
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil (Organic) |
A lightweight, natural oil rich in antioxidants that hydrates and helps improve skin elasticity. |
Caprylhydroxamic Acid |
A gentle, natural plant-based preservative alternative that helps prevent microbial growth. |
Castor Seed Oil |
A thick, natural oil with cleansing and moisturising properties. |
Cetostearyl Alcohol |
A naturally derived fatty alcohol that stabilises formulas and conditions the skin. |
Cetearyl Alcohol |
A plant-based emulsifier that gives products a creamy texture and helps soften skin. |
Cetearyl Glucoside |
A sugar-derived emulsifier that improves skin feel and locks in moisture. |
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate |
A natural emollient derived from coconut that mimics skin's natural oils for hydration. |
Dexpanthenol (ProVitamin B5 / Panthenol) |
A form of vitamin B5 known for its powerful hydrating and skin-repairing abilities. |
Dunaliella Salina |
A microalgae naturally high in beta-carotene and antioxidants, known to protect skin from UV damage and support a healthy, radiant complexion. |
Elderberry Fruit Extract |
A natural antioxidant with antimicrobial properties that supports skin health and acts as a gentle preservative. |
Ethylhexylglycerin |
A skin-conditioning agent that boosts hydration and enhances preservative efficacy. |
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract (Seaweed) |
An organic seaweed extract that supports the skin microbiome and soothes irritation. |
Glycerol (Glycerin) |
A natural humectant that draws moisture into the skin for deep hydration. |
Glyceryl Caprylate |
A natural co-emulsifier and mild preservative with moisturising properties. |
Glyceryl Stearate |
A plant-based emulsifier that gives products a smooth feel and helps retain moisture. |
Grapeseed Oil |
A lightweight, non-comedogenic oil rich in linoleic acid, vitamin E, and polyphenols. It helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce inflammation, and boost shine and softness in both skin and hair. Reference |
Guar Gum |
A natural thickener derived from guar beans that helps stabilise skincare formulations. |
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Sunflower Wax) |
A natural waxy ingredient used for stability and to give products a silky, smooth finish. |
Hydroxyethylcellulose |
A naturally derived thickener and stabiliser that gives products a smooth, gel-like texture. Commonly used in clean beauty formulations due to its non-irritating, skin-friendly profile. |
Isostearic Acid |
A natural fatty acid used to stabilise formulations and maintain texture. |
Jojoba Esters |
A natural wax-like ingredient similar to skin's natural oils; helps moisturise and stabilise the product. |
Kakadu Plum Extract |
The richest source of natural vitamin C that brightens skin and boosts collagen production. |
Lactic Acid |
A gentle AHA that adjusts product pH and provides mild exfoliation for smoother skin. |
Lactobacillus Ferment |
A probiotic-based antimicrobial ingredient that supports the skin's microbiome while acting as a natural preservative. Helps calm irritation and balance the skin barrier. Reference |
Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract) |
A powerful botanical extract with skin-brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. Helps reduce hyperpigmentation, calm redness, and soothe sensitive skin. |
Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate (Epsom Salt) |
Supports healthy skin function, and acts as a natural stabiliser in oil-rich skincare creams. |
Mangifera Indica Seed Oil (Mango Butter) |
A deeply hydrating natural butter that softens and soothes dry or damaged skin. |
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) |
A powerhouse ingredient that helps improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and brighten uneven tone. Known for its ability to strengthen the skin barrier and calm redness. |
Octanohydroxamic Acid (Caprylhydroxamic Acid) |
A natural preservative alternative that inhibits microbial growth. |
Phenoxyethanol |
A widely used preservative that protects against bacteria while being gentle on sensitive skin. It's microbiome-friendly (when used under 1%) and a safer alternative to harsher preservatives like parabens. |
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate |
A natural emulsifier that prevents oil and water from separating. |
Purified Water |
The base of most formulations, used to dissolve active ingredients and hydrate skin. |
Raspberry Seed Oil |
A nourishing oil rich in omega fatty acids and vitamin E. Provides natural UV protection, soothes inflammation, and locks in moisture for both skin and hair. |
Shea Butter |
A rich, nourishing butter packed with vitamins and fatty acids that soften and protect the skin barrier. |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate |
A gentle, sulfate-free surfactant derived from coconut oil. Commonly used in hand and body washes for its rich, creamy lather and non-drying cleansing action. |
Sorbitan Oleate |
A sugar-derived emulsifier that helps oil and water mix while conditioning the skin. |
Stearic Acid |
A plant-derived fatty acid that thickens and stabilises formulations while softening skin. |
Sunflower Seed Oil |
A natural oil that improves skin hydration and maintains skin barrier function, making it a trusted option for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin. Reference |
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) |
A potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals, support skin repair, and maintain moisture. Found naturally in many plant oils. |
Xanthan Gum |
A natural, skin-friendly thickener that helps give creams and gels a smooth, stable texture without irritation. |
Zinc Oxide (Non-Nano) |
A mineral used for sun protection and calming irritated or inflamed skin. |
Click to see references
References
Bhattacharya, S., & Manna, P. R. (2022). Cosmeceutical applications of grape seed extract: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties in skin health and aging. National Library of Medicine.
Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35713012/
Active Micro Technologies. (n.d.). Leucidal® SF Max – Natural Antimicrobial Ingredient.
Available at: https://activemicrotechnologies.com/product/leucidal-sf-max/
Lopes, M. A., & Filho, G. C. (2013). Sunflower seed oil: a potential treatment for skin barrier dysfunction. National Library of Medicine.
Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22995032/
behind the brand
Karen
From TV host to trusted skin expert—Karen Fischer is a mum, nutritionist and author of 5 skin health books, dedicated to helping others feel comfortable and confident in their skin.
Skin Friend Founder
Ayva Lily
Karen’s daughter Ayva was the inspiration for The Eczema Diet. Now an artist and designer, she’s passionate about creating content that uplifts and supports others living with eczema.
Design + Social Media
Carmen
She’s the friendly voice behind Skin Friend’s customer care. Whether it’s by email or phone, her genuine desire to help shines through—people love her and so do we!
Customer Care