Understanding Functional Ingredients

Our categorization of functional ingredients is lifted from Formula Botanica, though it is not a perfect system. Many ingredients cross categories, but this approach helps present them the way we learned about them while formulating our products.

Some functional ingredients, like **hyaluronic acid**, may feel like "actives," but they also influence product texture and performance. If you're unsure where to find something, use the **search function** at the top of the page!

How Functional Ingredients Affect Formulations

Ingredient Type Example Function in Formulations
Humectants Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin Attracts moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated
Emulsifiers Olivem 1000, BTMS-50 Allows water and oils to blend into a stable formula
Gums Xanthan Gum, Guar Gum Thickens and stabilizes formulations
Surfactants Coco Glucoside, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate Cleanses by breaking down oils and dirt
Fatty Thickeners Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid Adds richness and structure to creams and lotions
Solubilizers Polysorbate 80, Symbiosolv Helps disperse oils into water-based formulations

Why Ingredients Can Shift Categories

Some ingredients serve multiple purposes depending on the formulation. For example, **hyaluronic acid** is typically used for deep hydration, but in some formulations, it can contribute to the texture and feel of a product.

Likewise, certain **surfactants** may also act as **solubilizers**, and some **fatty thickeners** can double as emulsifiers. This section is the hardest to categorize perfectly, but we hope it provides clarity as you explore our encyclopedia.

🧐 Did You Know?

Your body contains approximately **half an ounce of pure hyaluronic acid at any given time**! It is found in **skin, connective tissues, joints, and even the eyes**, helping retain moisture and keep everything functioning smoothly.

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