Alanine

Alanine in skin care is an amino acid that moisturizes, helps maintain skin structure, and promotes hydration by attracting and retaining moisture. It is a building block for skin proteins like collagen and elastin, which helps with firmness and elasticity. As a humectant, it improves skin hydration and supports the skin barrier.

Arachidyl Alcohol

A fatty alcohol derived from plant sources that helps soften skin and support barrier function. Unlike drying alcohols, fatty alcohols help reinforce the skin’s lipid structure, making them beneficial for dry, stressed, or sensitive skin. It contributes to a smooth, comfortable skin feel without stripping moisture.

Arachidyl Glucoside

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water for a stable, even formula. Known for its high skin compatibility, it supports gentle delivery of ingredients without disrupting the skin barrier. Especially well-suited for sensitive and reactive skin types.

Arginine

Arginine in skincare is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps hydrate the skin, support the skin's barrier, and promote collagen synthesis. It is a versatile ingredient that can help with moisturization, improving skin elasticity, and assisting with skin repair and wound healing.

Asiaticoside

A naturally occurring compound found in Centella Asiatica (CICA), known for its soothing and skin-supportive properties. Asiaticoside is commonly used in sensitive-skin formulas to help calm visible irritation and support the skin’s natural recovery processes. Well-tolerated and widely used in barrier-focused care.

Behenyl Alcohol

A plant-derived fatty alcohol that helps soften skin and improve moisture retention. Unlike drying alcohols, behenyl alcohol supports the skin barrier by reinforcing its lipid structure, making it beneficial for dry, compromised, or sensitive skin. It also helps improve texture and stability in gentle formulations.

Beta-Glucan

A skin-soothing polysaccharide derived from sources like oats or yeast, valued for its high tolerance in sensitive skin. Beta-glucan helps support hydration and comfort while reinforcing the skin’s barrier against everyday stressors. Especially beneficial for skin that feels reactive, tight, or easily overwhelmed.

Butylene Glycol

A lightweight humectant that helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It also improves the delivery and feel of a formula, allowing active ingredients to spread evenly without heaviness. Commonly used in sensitive-skin products due to its good tolerability.

C9-12 Alkane

A lightweight, skin-smoothing emollient derived from plant sources that helps reduce moisture loss. It provides a silky feel without clogging pores or weighing skin down, making it well-suited for compromised or reactive skin. Often used as a gentle alternative to heavier occlusives.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

A skin-conditioning emollient derived from coconut and glycerin that helps soften and smooth the skin. It supports the skin barrier by reducing moisture loss while remaining highly compatible with sensitive skin. Known for its lightweight feel and excellent tolerance.

Carbomer

A texture-enhancing ingredient used to give skincare formulas their smooth, gel-like consistency. It helps ensure even application and stable delivery of ingredients without affecting skin function. Non-sensitizing and widely used in formulations designed for sensitive skin.

Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract

A botanical extract traditionally used to help soothe and comfort stressed skin. Known for its high tolerance, Centella Asiatica supports skin barrier function and is commonly included in sensitive- and eczema-prone skin care. Often referred to as CICA.

Ceramide NP

A skin-identical lipid naturally found in the outer layer of the skin. Ceramide NP helps reinforce the skin barrier and reduce moisture loss, making it essential for maintaining comfort and resilience in sensitive skin. Especially beneficial for skin prone to dryness or imbalance.

Cetearyl Alcohol

A blend of plant-derived fatty alcohols that helps soften skin and support moisture retention. Unlike drying alcohols, cetearyl alcohol strengthens the skin barrier and improves texture, making it well-suited for dry or sensitive skin. Commonly used in barrier-focused formulations.

Copper Tripeptide-1

A naturally occurring peptide complex that supports skin’s visible repair and resilience. Copper tripeptide-1 is used in sensitive-skin formulas to help maintain skin strength and comfort over time. Known for its compatibility with compromised skin when used at appropriate levels.

Coptis Chinensis Root Extract

A botanical extract traditionally used in East Asian medicine for its skin-calming properties. It is valued in sensitive-skin care for helping soothe visible signs of stress and support overall skin balance.

Coptis Japonica Root Extract

A plant extract traditionally used to comfort stressed skin and support a balanced skin environment. Known for its high tolerance, it is commonly used in formulations designed for reactive or sensitive skin. Also a key component of the Bi-Om Complex™.

Dictamnus Dasycarpus Root Extract

A traditional botanical extract used to help calm and condition stressed skin. It is often included in sensitive-skin formulations for its gentle, skin-soothing properties. Part of the Bi-Om Complex™, where it works synergistically with other botanicals.

Dimethicone

A skin-protective silicone that helps smooth the skin and reduce moisture loss. Dimethicone forms a breathable barrier that supports comfort without clogging pores, making it especially helpful for compromised or sensitive skin. It is also recognized by the FDA as an over-the-counter skin protectant active used to help relieve minor irritation associated with conditions like eczema when formulated at approved concentrations.

Dipropylene Glycol

A lightweight solvent that helps dissolve and evenly distribute ingredients within a formula. It also contributes to a smooth application and helps prevent irritation by ensuring consistent delivery. Well tolerated in sensitive-skin products.

Ethylhexylglycerin

A gentle, multifunctional ingredient that helps condition skin and support preservative systems. It allows formulas to remain stable while minimizing the need for harsher preservatives. Commonly used in sensitive-skin formulations due to its mild nature.

Gluconolactone

Gluconolactone is a gentle chemical exfoliant used in skin care for its exfoliating, moisturizing, and antioxidant properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It works by removing dead skin cells to improve texture and brightness, while its humectant and antioxidant qualities help hydrate the skin and protect it from free radical damage. This makes it a good alternative to more irritating alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs).

Glucose

A naturally occurring sugar that helps support skin hydration and comfort. Glucose is also part of the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMF), making it well suited for sensitive skin. It contributes to a balanced, well-hydrated skin environment.

Glutamic Acid

An amino acid that plays a role in maintaining skin hydration and balance. As a component of the skin’s natural moisturizing factors, glutamic acid helps support moisture retention without overwhelming sensitive skin. Known for its high compatibility.

Glycerin

A well-studied humectant that attracts and holds moisture in the skin. Glycerin helps strengthen the skin barrier and improve comfort, making it especially beneficial for dry, stressed, or sensitive skin. Widely recognized for its safety and effectiveness.

Glyceryl Stearate SE

An emulsifier that helps blend oil and water for a smooth, stable formula. It also has skin-conditioning properties that support softness and comfort without disrupting the skin barrier. Commonly used in gentle, sensitive-skin formulations.

Glycine

An amino acid naturally found in the skin that helps support hydration and overall skin comfort. As part of the skin’s natural moisturizing factors, glycine contributes to a balanced moisture profile. Well tolerated and suitable for sensitive skin.

Hedera Helix (Ivy) Extract

Hedera Helix (ivy) extract is a skincare ingredient with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties, derived from the leaves and stems of the ivy plant. It helps to soothe the skin, reduce redness and inflammation, tighten and tone the skin, and protect against free radical damage. It is used in various products like creams and serums to improve skin texture, moisturize, and promote a smoother appearance.

Houttuynia Cordata Extract

A botanical extract traditionally used to help soothe and comfort stressed skin. Known for its gentle nature, it is commonly included in sensitive-skin formulas to support a balanced, calm-looking complexion. Also used to help maintain overall skin comfort. Part of the Bi-Om Complex™

Hydrogenated Lecithin

A skin-identical lipid derived from plant sources that helps support the skin barrier. Hydrogenated lecithin improves moisture retention and helps deliver ingredients more gently to the skin. Especially beneficial for dry, compromised, or sensitive skin.

Hedera Helix (Ivy) Extract

Hedera Helix (ivy) extract is a skincare ingredient with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties, derived from the leaves and stems of the ivy plant. It helps to soothe the skin, reduce redness and inflammation, tighten and tone the skin, and protect against free radical damage. It is used in various products like creams and serums to improve skin texture, moisturize, and promote a smoother appearance.

Lactobacillus Ferment

A lab-derived ferment created from Lactobacillus, included in skincare to help support a healthy-looking skin barrier and maintain skin balance. As a postbiotic ingredient (non-live), it helps improve the look of smoothness and hydration while supporting skin that appears calmer and more resilient. Commonly used for its skin-conditioning and microbiome-supportive properties.

Madecassoside

A key active compound found in Centella Asiatica (CICA), known for its soothing properties. Madecassoside is widely used in sensitive-skin care to help calm visible redness and support skin barrier function. Well tolerated and commonly found in barrier-repair formulas.

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

A mild, plant-derived emulsifier that helps blend ingredients smoothly and evenly. It is valued for its gentle nature and low irritation potential. Commonly used in formulations designed for sensitive or reactive skin.

Propanediol

A humectant and solvent that helps improve hydration and ingredient delivery. Propanediol is often used as a gentler alternative to traditional glycols and is well tolerated by sensitive skin. It also helps enhance the overall feel of a formula.

Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract

A traditional botanical extract used in East Asian medicine to help soothe stressed skin. It is known for its calming properties and high skin compatibility. Included as part of Treats Lab’s Bi-Om Complex™.

Serine

An amino acid naturally found in the skin and part of the skin’s natural moisturizing factors (NMF). Serine helps support hydration and skin comfort without overwhelming sensitive skin. Known for its excellent tolerability.

Sorbitan Stearate

A mild emulsifier that helps keep oil and water evenly blended in skincare formulas. It contributes to a smooth texture and consistent application without disrupting the skin barrier. Suitable for sensitive-skin formulations.

Squalane

A lightweight, skin-identical emollient derived from plant sources. Squalane helps reduce moisture loss and support barrier function while remaining non-greasy and highly compatible with sensitive skin. Widely used for its comfort and stability.

Synthetic Beeswax

A plant-based alternative to beeswax that helps improve texture and reduce moisture loss. It forms a protective yet flexible layer on the skin, supporting comfort without heaviness. Well suited for sensitive and compromised skin.

Threonine

Threonine is an essential amino acid used in skincare for its hydrating, collagen-building, and barrier-strengthening properties. It is naturally present in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), helps bind water to the skin, and supports the production of collagen and elastin for skin structure and firmness. Its use in cosmetics helps improve skin elasticity, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and supports overall skin renewal and protection.

Tocopheryl Acetate

A stable form of vitamin E used to help condition and protect the skin. Tocopheryl acetate supports the skin barrier and helps maintain skin comfort when used in gentle formulations. Commonly included in sensitive-skin care for its good tolerability.

Tromethamine

A pH-adjusting ingredient used to keep formulas within a skin-friendly range. Maintaining proper pH helps support the skin barrier and reduce the likelihood of irritation. Used in very small amounts and considered safe for sensitive skin.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid used in skincare for its antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-restoring properties. It helps protect skin cells from damage, improves moisture retention, and supports the skin's natural renewal process by aiding in collagen synthesis and cell regeneration.

Water

Water serves as the base of most skincare formulas. It helps dissolve and deliver ingredients evenly across the skin. Purified water is used to ensure stability and skin compatibility.

Xanthan Gum

A natural thickening agent that helps give skincare formulas a smooth, gel-like texture. It ensures even application and stability without affecting the skin barrier. Well tolerated and commonly used in gentle, sensitive-skin formulations.