Parker Williams Skincare Ingredient Glossary

Agave Americana Leaf Extract (Agave)
A plant-based extract rich in fructans and phenolic compounds. Commonly used to help boost hydration and defend the skin against everyday environmental stress.

Allantoin
Helps keep skin feeling smooth and well-maintained. Commonly used in formulas for its skin-conditioning properties.

Aloe Vera Powder
A plant-based ingredient often used to calm the skin and support a refreshed appearance.

Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, and Arachidyl Glucoside
A plant-based emulsifier that helps create smooth, stable creams by blending water and oils.

Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Glycerin, and Sorbic Acid
A preservative blend derived from natural sources, used to keep products stable and safe to use.

C13-C15 Alkane (Hemisqualane)
A light, fast-absorbing emollient that helps soften skin and support moisture retention—without any greasy feel.

Caprylyl Caprylate
A lightweight emollient that softens skin without leaving behind a greasy residue.

Cetearyl Alcohol
A waxy, skin-safe fatty alcohol that helps give products a smooth texture and improves spreadability. It can also help soften the skin and support a more conditioned feel.

Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate
A multi-functional, naturally derived ingredient that supports moisture retention, improves the feel of creams, and helps blend oils and water into a smooth, stable formula.

Coco Glucoside
A gentle plant-based cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil without over-stripping the skin.

Copper Gluconate
A mineral complex used to improve skin texture and help maintain a smooth, nourished look.

Copper Tripeptide GHK
A well-studied peptide known for its role in skin maintenance. Often included in advanced formulations to help improve skin texture, enhance suppleness, and support a healthier-looking complexion.

Decyl Glucoside
A mild, non-stripping cleanser that helps create a soft lather suitable for all skin types.

Distilled Water
Purified water that acts as the base of most skincare formulas. It's commonly used to dissolve and deliver key ingredients evenly across the skin. 

Fuller’s Earth
A natural clay used to absorb excess oil and leave the skin feeling clean and clarified.

Glyceryl Oleate
An emollient that adds softness and helps the skin feel smoother after cleansing.

Glyceryl Stearate
A key ingredient for blending oils and water, also helps leave skin with a soft, smooth finish.

Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil (Jojoba Pearls)
Smooth, biodegradable beads that gently exfoliate the skin without causing irritation.

Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract (Prickly Pear Exfoliating Enzyme)
A fruit-derived enzyme used to help break down dead skin cells and support a smoother texture.

Jojoba Esters
Plant-based waxes that condition the skin and help restore a soft, balanced surface.

Kaolin Clay
A fine, natural clay used to absorb oil, smooth texture, and give skin a clean, matte finish.

Opuntia Tuna Fruit Extract (Prickly Pear) (OS)
An oil-based botanical extract often used to help soften and condition the skin.

Opuntia Tuna Flower/Stem Extract (Prickly Pear) (WS)
A water-based version of prickly pear extract, used to help the skin feel soothed and well-conditioned.

Opuntia Ficus-Indica Nopal Powder (Cactus Nopal Powder)
A fine plant-based exfoliant that helps polish the skin’s surface without overdoing it. It also contains naturally occurring nutrients like polysaccharides, flavonoids, and vitamins that are commonly used to help keep skin looking smooth and refreshed.

Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil (Prickly Pear)
A lightweight, nourishing oil that supports smooth-feeling skin without a greasy finish. Also helps lock in moisture to keep skin feeling soft and nourished.

Panthenol B5
A form of vitamin B5 that helps condition skin and support a softer, calmer feel.

Pentylene Glycol
A bio-based, multi-tasking ingredient that draws moisture to the skin and helps other ingredients absorb more effectively.

Propanediol 1,3
A plant-derived humectant that helps improve moisture retention, enhances texture, and supports better absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Salix Alba Extract (White Willow Bark)
A botanical ingredient used in exfoliating formulas to help improve skin texture and clarity. It’s also commonly included to help loosen buildup in pores and around hair follicles.

Sclerotium Gum
A natural thickener that helps create a smooth, gel-like consistency in skincare formulas.

Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
A coconut-derived cleansing agent that’s gentle on skin and commonly used in sensitive formulas.

Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)
A low-molecular-weight form known for its ability to bind water and support skin that feels more supple.

Sorbitan Oleate Decylglucoside Crosspolymer
A natural, sugar-derived emulsifier that helps blend oil and water ingredients into a smooth, stable formula. It also contributes to a softer skin feel and can support better ingredient delivery.

Vegetable Glycerin
A classic humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping to maintain a soft, hydrated feel.

Xanthan Gum 
A natural thickener that stabilizes formulas and gives them a smooth, easy-to-apply texture.