Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultra Facial Oil-Free Cleanser vs Lancôme Crème Mousse Confort Creamy Foaming Cleanser

Aqua, commonly known as water, serves primarily as a solvent in cosmetic formulations. It is the most abundant ingredient in many products and is essential for dissolving other ingredients, facilitating their application and absorption on the skin. Formulators often add Aqua to create a suitable texture and consistency, ensuring that products are easy to spread and apply. Additionally, water can help to hydrate the skin, making it a vital component in many moisturizing formulations.

Glycerin, also known as Glycerine, is a naturally occurring compound that serves primarily as a humectant in cosmetic formulations. This means it has the ability to attract moisture from the environment and bind it to the skin, helping to maintain hydration levels. Due to its effective moisturizing properties, formulators often include Glycerin in products to enhance skin softness and elasticity, making it a popular choice in various skincare and cosmetic formulations.

MYRISTIC ACID is a fatty acid commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its various functions. It serves as a surfactant, helping to cleanse the skin by breaking down oils and dirt, making it easier to wash away. Additionally, MYRISTIC ACID can act as a perfuming agent, contributing to the fragrance profile of products. Its opacifying properties allow formulators to create a more visually appealing texture in creams and lotions by providing a milky appearance. Due to its multifunctional nature, MYRISTIC ACID is a versatile ingredient that formulators may include to enhance both the sensory experience and the efficacy of their products.

PALMITIC ACID is a fatty acid commonly found in both plant and animal fats. In cosmetics, it serves primarily as a skin-conditioning emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin. Additionally, it functions as a surfactant-emulsifying agent, which aids in blending oil and water components in formulations, enhancing texture and stability. Formulators may add PALMITIC ACID to improve the overall feel of a product on the skin and to ensure a consistent and effective application, making it a versatile ingredient in various cosmetic formulations.

STEARIC ACID is a fatty acid commonly used in cosmetics for its multifunctional properties. It serves as a cleansing agent and a surfactant, helping to emulsify and stabilize formulations, which is essential for creating smooth and consistent textures in creams and lotions. Additionally, it can act as a refatting agent, replenishing skin lipids that may be stripped away during cleansing. Formulators may add STEARIC ACID to enhance the overall stability and performance of a product, as well as to contribute to its sensory attributes, such as texture and feel on the skin.

Potassium Hydroxide is an inorganic compound commonly used in cosmetics primarily as a pH adjuster. By modifying the acidity or alkalinity of formulations, it helps to stabilize the product and enhance the effectiveness of other ingredients. Formulators may add Potassium Hydroxide to ensure that the final product maintains an optimal pH level, which is crucial for skin compatibility and overall product performance.

LAURIC ACID is a fatty acid commonly derived from coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It is known for its cleansing properties and functions as a surfactant, which helps to emulsify and remove dirt and oils from the skin. Due to its ability to create a lather and enhance the texture of formulations, formulators may incorporate LAURIC ACID into various cosmetic products to improve their cleansing efficacy and overall sensory experience. Additionally, its surfactant-cleansing capabilities make it a popular choice in formulations aimed at providing a refreshing and clean feel.

Phenoxyethanol is a widely used cosmetic ingredient recognized for its role as a preservative. It helps to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast in cosmetic formulations, thereby extending the shelf life of products and ensuring their safety for consumers. Formulators may add Phenoxyethanol to protect the integrity of the product and maintain its effectiveness over time, especially in water-based formulations where microbial growth is a concern.