The Ordinary Squalane + Amino Acids Hydrating Lip Balm for Lips, Elbows, and Cuticles

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.

TRIHYDROXYSTEARIN is a cosmetic ingredient primarily recognized for its skin-conditioning and viscosity-controlling properties. As a skin-conditioning agent, it helps to improve the feel and appearance of the skin, making it smoother and more supple. This function is particularly valuable in formulations aimed at enhancing skin texture and overall comfort. Additionally, its viscosity-controlling capability allows formulators to adjust the thickness and flow of cosmetic products, ensuring optimal application and performance. This dual functionality makes TRIHYDROXYSTEARIN a versatile ingredient in various cosmetic formulations.

BETAINE is a versatile ingredient commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its hair-conditioning and skin-conditioning properties. As a humectant, it helps to attract and retain moisture, which can enhance the hydration of both hair and skin. This moisture retention is beneficial in cosmetic products, as it can contribute to a smoother and more supple appearance. Formulators may add BETAINE to improve the overall texture and feel of a product, making it more appealing to consumers.

JOJOBA ESTERS are derived from the jojoba plant and are primarily used in cosmetics for their skin-conditioning and emollient properties. They help to moisturize the skin, providing a soft and smooth feel while also enhancing the overall texture of formulations. Formulators may add JOJOBA ESTERS to products to create a soothing effect on the skin, making them suitable for a variety of cosmetic applications where hydration and comfort are desired.

HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED WAX, commonly known as sunflower seed wax, is a natural wax derived from the seeds of the sunflower plant. This ingredient is primarily used for its skin-conditioning properties, helping to create a protective barrier on the skin that can enhance moisture retention and improve overall skin texture. Formulators may add HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEED WAX to cosmetic products to provide a smooth application, enhance product stability, and contribute to a luxurious feel on the skin, making it a valuable component in various formulations.

SODIUM PCA is a naturally occurring component of human skin that plays a crucial role in maintaining moisture levels. It functions primarily as a humectant, attracting water to the skin and helping to keep it hydrated. Additionally, SODIUM PCA has skin-conditioning and hair-conditioning properties, making it beneficial for improving the texture and feel of both skin and hair. Formulators may add SODIUM PCA to cosmetic products to enhance moisture retention and provide a smoother, softer appearance, contributing to overall product efficacy.

PCA, or pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, is a naturally occurring component of the skin that functions primarily as a humectant and moisturizing agent. It helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin, contributing to a hydrated and plump appearance. Formulators often include PCA in cosmetic products to enhance skin hydration, improve texture, and support the overall moisture balance of the skin. Its ability to bind water makes it a valuable ingredient in formulations aimed at maintaining skin softness and elasticity.

SERINE is an amino acid that plays a versatile role in cosmetic formulations. It is commonly used for its skin-conditioning and hair-conditioning properties, helping to improve the texture and moisture retention of both skin and hair. Additionally, SERINE can function as an antistatic agent, reducing static electricity in hair products, and may also contribute to the fragrance profile of formulations. Formulators may add SERINE to enhance the overall sensory experience and efficacy of their products, making them feel more luxurious and effective.

ALANINE is an amino acid that serves multiple functions in cosmetic formulations. It is commonly used for its skin-conditioning and hair-conditioning properties, helping to improve the texture and appearance of both skin and hair. Additionally, ALANINE can act as an antistatic agent, reducing static electricity in hair products, and may also contribute to the fragrance of formulations. Formulators may add ALANINE to enhance the overall sensory experience of a product while providing beneficial effects to the skin and hair.

ARGININE is an amino acid that plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including protein synthesis. In cosmetics, it is commonly used for its multifunctional properties, such as acting as an antistatic agent, hair conditioner, and skin conditioner. Formulators may add ARGININE to enhance the texture and feel of products, improve moisture retention, and provide conditioning benefits to both skin and hair. Its ability to impart a pleasant fragrance also makes it a valuable ingredient in many formulations.

PROLINE is an amino acid that plays a significant role in the structure and function of proteins, particularly in collagen. In cosmetics, it is primarily used for its hair-conditioning and skin-conditioning properties. Formulators may add PROLINE to products to enhance moisture retention, improve texture, and support the overall health of hair and skin. Its ability to help maintain hydration makes it a valuable ingredient in formulations aimed at promoting softness and smoothness.

GLYCINE is an amino acid that serves multiple functions in cosmetic formulations. It is commonly used for its antistatic properties, helping to reduce static electricity in hair and skin, which can enhance manageability and appearance. Additionally, GLYCINE acts as a buffering agent, helping to maintain the pH balance of products, and it provides conditioning benefits for both hair and skin, contributing to a smoother and softer texture. Formulators may include GLYCINE to improve the overall performance and sensory attributes of their products, making them more appealing to consumers.

GLUTAMIC ACID is an amino acid that serves multiple functions in cosmetic formulations. It is commonly used as a humectant, which means it helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin and hair, contributing to hydration. Additionally, GLUTAMIC ACID has antistatic properties, making it beneficial in hair care products by reducing static electricity and improving manageability. Its hair-conditioning abilities also enhance the overall texture and appearance of hair, making it a valuable ingredient for formulators looking to improve the performance of their products.

LYSINE HCL, or L-lysine hydrochloride, is an amino acid that serves as a building block for proteins. In cosmetics, it is primarily utilized for its hair-conditioning and skin-conditioning properties. Formulators may add LYSINE HCL to products to enhance moisture retention and improve the overall texture and appearance of hair and skin. Its ability to support the structural integrity of proteins makes it a valuable ingredient in formulations aimed at promoting healthy-looking hair and skin.

THREONINE is an amino acid that plays a vital role in various cosmetic formulations, particularly those aimed at hair care. It is known for its antistatic properties, helping to reduce static electricity in hair, which can lead to smoother and more manageable locks. Additionally, THREONINE functions as a hair-conditioning agent, enhancing the overall texture and appearance of hair by providing moisture and nourishment. Formulators may include THREONINE in products designed for hair waving or straightening, as it can assist in maintaining the desired style while improving hair health.

SODIUM LACTATE is a sodium salt of lactic acid, commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its multifunctional properties. It serves as a buffering agent, helping to maintain the pH balance of products, which is crucial for skin compatibility and product stability. Additionally, it acts as a humectant, attracting moisture to the skin and helping to keep it hydrated. Furthermore, SODIUM LACTATE has keratolytic properties, which means it can aid in the exfoliation of dead skin cells, promoting a smoother skin texture. Formulators may include this ingredient to enhance the overall efficacy and sensory profile of their products.

ADANSONIA DIGITATA SEED OIL is primarily used as a skin-conditioning emollient and hair-conditioning agent in cosmetic formulations. Its skin-conditioning emollient function helps to improve the skin's moisture retention and overall texture, making it feel softer and smoother. Additionally, its hair-conditioning properties can enhance the manageability and appearance of hair, contributing to a healthier look. Formulators may add this ingredient to provide these beneficial effects, enhancing the overall performance and sensory experience of the product.

CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE is a mixed triester derived from caprylic and capric acids, which are medium-chain fatty acids. This ingredient is commonly used in cosmetics for its functions as a skin-conditioning agent, providing an occlusive barrier that helps to retain moisture in the skin. Additionally, it serves as a solvent and fragrance component, enhancing the overall sensory experience of cosmetic formulations. Formulators may add CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE to improve texture and spreadability, making products feel smoother and more luxurious on the skin.

ACACIA DECURRENS FLOWER WAX is a natural wax derived from the flowers of the Acacia decurrens plant. It serves primarily as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin by forming a protective barrier that locks in moisture. Formulators may add this ingredient to enhance the texture and feel of cosmetic products, providing a luxurious and creamy consistency while also contributing to the overall hydration of the skin.

POLYGLYCERIN-3 is a humectant derived from glycerin, which is known for its ability to attract and retain moisture in the skin. This ingredient helps to improve the hydration levels of cosmetic formulations, making it a popular choice among formulators looking to enhance the moisturizing properties of their products. By drawing water from the environment and binding it to the skin, POLYGLYCERIN-3 can contribute to a smoother and more supple appearance, thereby supporting overall skin health and comfort.

Tocopherol, commonly known as Vitamin E or Alpha Tocopherol, is a fat-soluble antioxidant that plays a crucial role in protecting skin cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Its antioxidant properties help to stabilize and preserve the integrity of cosmetic formulations, thereby enhancing their shelf life and effectiveness. Formulators often include Tocopherol in products to provide additional skin benefits, such as moisturizing and soothing properties, making it a popular choice in skincare and cosmetic products.

CALCIUM GLUCONATE is a compound formed from calcium and gluconic acid, often used in cosmetic formulations for its chelating properties. It helps to bind metal ions, which can prevent them from interfering with the stability and efficacy of other ingredients in a product. Additionally, it serves as a skin-conditioning agent, contributing to the overall feel and hydration of the skin. Formulators may add CALCIUM GLUCONATE to enhance the performance of a product by ensuring ingredient compatibility and improving skin texture.

GLUCONOLACTONE is a naturally occurring polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that serves multiple functions in cosmetic formulations. It is primarily known for its chelating properties, which help to bind metal ions and prevent them from destabilizing the formulation or affecting the skin. Additionally, GLUCONOLACTONE acts as a skin-conditioning agent, providing hydration and improving the overall texture of the skin. Formulators may add this ingredient to enhance product stability and to contribute to a more moisturized and smooth skin appearance.

SODIUM BENZOATE is a multifunctional ingredient commonly used in cosmetics for its properties as an anticorrosive, fragrance, and preservative. As an anticorrosive, it helps to prevent the degradation of products by inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, which is essential for maintaining product integrity and extending shelf life. Additionally, it can serve as a fragrance component, contributing to the overall scent profile of a formulation. Formulators may add SODIUM BENZOATE to ensure that products remain stable and effective over time, while also enhancing the sensory experience for the user.