RAW MATERIALS
Raw materials are the foundational building blocks of every cosmetic formulation, each serving a distinct role. Actives deliver targeted skin and hair benefits, functional ingredients support performance qualities like cleansing, emulsifying, and pH balancing, while thickeners give products their desired texture, viscosity, and stability.
Whether you're a seasoned formulator or just beginning your DIY journey, this blog is designed to demystify these essential ingredients and show you how to use them to elevate your next creation.
Explore articles on trending favorites like apple cider vinegar powder and silk raw materials, alongside proven essentials such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and zinc oxide—each one a building block toward more effective, intentional formulations.
ACTIVES
HYALURONIC ACID
It is commonly used in both serums and creams, with moisturizers offering added benefits from occlusive ingredients that help lock in hydration.
SILK RAW MATERIALS
Silk additives are widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations due to their strong compatibility with human skin and hair.
SODIUM HYALURONATE
Sodium Hyaluronate, a form of Hyaluronic Acid, helps restore moisture to the scalp and hair as natural levels decline with age and environmental exposure.
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C, commonly known as Ascorbic Acid, is a water-soluble vitamin widely used in skincare, hair care, and cosmetic formulations for its protective and rejuvenating properties.
VITAMIN E (LIQUID)
Liquid Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant known for supporting skin health, nourishing hair, and strengthening overall immunity.
FUNCTIONAL
ALOE VERA JUICE
Commonly used in skincare, hair care, massage therapy, and wellness applications, it helps moisturize without leaving a greasy residue.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (POWDER)
Commonly used in skincare and haircare, it helps maintain the skin’s pH, soothe the scalp, and cleanse effectively.
ARROWROOT POWDER
In modern cosmetics, it appears in natural makeup, skincare, and hygiene products as a gentle alternative to talc or cornstarch, helping to thicken, mattify, bind, and absorb moisture.
CETYL ALCOHOL
Unlike drying alcohols, it hydrates skin and hair while improving texture and stability, helping formulations blend smoothly and retain moisture.
CITRIC ACID
Valued in natural formulations for its ability to adjust and balance pH, enhance product stability, and support the performance of active ingredients.
COCO GLUCOSIDE
Known for being suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and baby skin, it helps cleanse without stripping natural moisture.
COLLOIDAL OATMEAL
A deeply soothing skin protectant rich in beta glucans and avenanthramides that help hydrate, calm irritation and itching, and shield the skin
D-LIMONENE
D-Limonene is a naturally occurring citrus terpene found in the peels of fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes, valued for its fresh citrus aroma
GLYCERYL STEARATE SE
Widely used in cosmetic formulations, it functions as an emulsifier, emollient, and stabilizer that helps blend oil and water-based ingredients.
MENTHOL CRYSTALS
Derived naturally from the Mint plant Mentha arvensis, Menthol Crystals are prized for their powerful cooling, soothing, and refreshing properties.
OLIVE SQUALENE
Olive Squalane is a lightweight, stable emollient prized in cosmetic formulations for its ability to deeply moisturize and protect without a greasy feel.
POLYSORBATE 20 (SOLUBILIZER)
Polysorbate 20 works by binding essential oils and fragrance oils to liquid, gel, or cream bases, preventing separation and improving product stability and clarity.
SODIUM COCOYL ISETHIONATE
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, commonly known as Baby Foam, is a mild coconut-derived surfactant that provides gentle cleansing with rich, stable foam.
STEARIC ACID
It appears as a waxy solid and is widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations for its emulsifying, thickening, and stabilizing properties.
TERPENES
Terpenes are aromatic plant compounds—especially abundant in conifers, citrus, and cannabis—that give each species its distinctive scent.
VEGETABLE GLYCERINE
Vegetable Glycerine is a clear, odorless, plant-derived liquid known for its powerful moisturizing and skin-softening properties.
WITCH HAZEL DISTILLATE
Witch Hazel Distillate, derived from the Hamamelis virginiana shrub, is a gentle botanical extract widely used for its cleansing, toning, and soothing properties.
ZINC OXIDE
It works by forming a physical barrier on the skin that helps shield against UV exposure and environmental irritants while also calming, healing, and balancing irritated or damaged skin.
THICKENERS
GUAR GUM
Guar Gum is a natural, plant-derived polysaccharide widely used in cosmetic formulations as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier.
TARA SEED BIONUTRIENT
As a galactomannan similar to guar gum, it acts as a natural thickener and stabilizer, enhancing viscosity, consistency, and spreadability in gels, creams, and other personal care products.