THE PROTAGONIST Ingredient Glossary
Water (Aqua) – Purified Water – The primary solvent in skincare formulations, helping dissolve ingredients and deliver hydration while creating an elegant, lightweight texture.
Propanediol – Natural Humectant – A plant-derived moisturizing ingredient that attracts water to the skin, enhancing hydration, improving texture, and boosting ingredient penetration.
Glycerin – Vegetable Glycerin – A gold-standard humectant that draws moisture into the skin, supporting long-lasting hydration, skin barrier function, and a healthy complexion.
Cocoglycerides – Coconut-Derived Emollient – A skin-conditioning ingredient that helps soften, smooth, and moisturize skin while improving product spreadability and comfort.
Niacinamide – Vitamin B3 – A multitasking skincare ingredient that helps improve skin tone, strengthen the skin barrier, minimize visible pores, and support healthy aging.
Sorbitan Stearate – Emulsifier – Helps blend oil and water ingredients into a stable formula while contributing to a smooth, luxurious skincare texture.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil – Jojoba Oil – A nourishing botanical oil rich in fatty acids that supports skin barrier health and helps maintain balanced hydration.
Cetearyl Olivate – Olive-Derived Emulsifier – A gentle emulsifier that helps create a silky texture while supporting moisture retention and skin softness.
Caffeine – Caffeine – An antioxidant-rich ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of puffiness, revitalize tired-looking skin, and promote a refreshed complexion.
Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters – Lightweight Emollient Ester – Provides a silky, non-greasy feel while improving skin smoothness and enhancing the sensory experience of skincare products.
Isoamyl Laurate – Plant-Derived Emollient – A lightweight alternative to silicones that delivers softness, improves spreadability, and leaves skin feeling smooth and conditioned.
Sorbitan Olivate – Olive-Derived Emulsifier – Helps stabilize skincare formulations while enhancing skin comfort and supporting a soft, moisturized skin feel.
Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract – Prickly Pear Flower Extract – Rich in protective compounds that help soothe skin, support hydration, and defend against environmental stressors.
Evodia Rutaecarpa Fruit Extract – Evodia Fruit Extract – Known for promoting visible radiance and helping improve skin luminosity for a healthier, more energized appearance.
Ergothioneine – Ergothioneine Antioxidant – A powerful antioxidant amino acid that helps protect skin from oxidative stress linked to premature aging and environmental damage.
Trehalose – Trehalose Sugar – A moisture-binding ingredient that helps prevent dehydration, supports skin barrier resilience, and improves overall skin hydration.
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter – Mango Butter – A rich emollient that deeply nourishes skin, helping improve softness, comfort, and moisture retention.
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil – Macadamia Seed Oil – A nutrient-rich oil that helps replenish skin lipids, support barrier function, and enhance skin smoothness.
Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Oil – Sandalwood Oil – A fragrant botanical oil traditionally used to help soothe skin and provide antioxidant support.
Tricholoma Matsutake Extract – Matsutake Mushroom Extract – A mushroom-derived extract valued for antioxidant properties that help support healthy-looking, resilient skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate – Hyaluronic Acid – A highly effective humectant that attracts moisture to visibly plump skin and support lasting hydration.
Spondias Mombin Pulp Extract – Hog Plum Fruit Extract – A fruit-derived extract containing beneficial antioxidants that help support skin vitality and environmental protection.
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Pulp Extract – Mango Fruit Extract – Rich in antioxidants and skin-conditioning compounds that help support hydration and promote healthy-looking skin.
Musa Sapientum (Banana) Pulp Extract – Banana Fruit Extract – Provides skin-conditioning benefits and antioxidant support while helping maintain soft, smooth-looking skin.
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract – Turmeric Extract – A potent antioxidant botanical that helps soothe skin, support radiance, and defend against environmental stressors.
Withania Somnifera Root Extract – Ashwagandha Root Extract – An adaptogenic botanical extract that helps support skin resilience and protect against visible signs of stress.
Glabridin – Licorice Root Active – A brightening ingredient derived from licorice that helps promote a more even-looking skin tone and radiant complexion.
Arginine – Amino Acid – A skin-conditioning amino acid that supports hydration, promotes comfort, and contributes to healthy skin function.
Phospholipids – Skin-Identical Lipids – Help support the skin barrier, improve ingredient delivery, and enhance hydration for smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides – Plant-Derived Lipid Complex – A nourishing lipid blend that helps reinforce skin barrier function and improve moisture retention.
Panthenol – Provitamin B5 – A soothing moisturizer that helps improve skin hydration, support barrier repair, and reduce feelings of dryness.
Tocopheryl Acetate – Vitamin E – An antioxidant form of vitamin E that helps protect skin from free radical damage and supports skin conditioning.
Carbomer – Texture Enhancer – A formulation ingredient used to create smooth, stable textures and improve the application experience.
Sodium Phytate – Plant-Derived Chelating Agent – Helps maintain formula stability by binding trace metals that could otherwise impact product performance.
Sorbityl Laurate – Emulsifier – Supports formula stability and contributes to a smooth, uniform texture for consistent skincare application.
Quartz – Quartz Mineral – A naturally derived mineral that can contribute to product aesthetics and enhance the sensory experience during application.
Caprylyl Glycol – Humectant and Preservative Booster – Helps maintain skin hydration while supporting the effectiveness of the product preservation system.
Hexylene Glycol – Solvent and Humectant – Enhances ingredient delivery, improves texture, and helps maintain moisture balance within the skin.
Pentylene Glycol – Humectant – Attracts moisture to the skin while supporting hydration and improving the feel and performance of skincare formulas.
1,2-Hexanediol – Humectant and Preservative Booster – Helps maintain skin hydration while contributing to formula stability and preservation support.
Propylene Glycol – Humectant – Draws moisture into the skin and helps improve the delivery and effectiveness of other skincare ingredients.
Ethylhexylglycerin – Skin Conditioning Agent – Helps soften skin while enhancing preservation efficacy and contributing to overall formula stability.
Phenoxyethanol – Preservative* – A widely used preservative that helps protect skincare products from microbial contamination and maintain product safety throughout use.
