# Ingredients, decoded
Every CapyOnsen product carries a full INCI list on the box — the same international ingredient naming system every skincare brand in Europe is required to use. Most brands leave it there, in small print, in Latin. We’d rather explain it. A ritual you can trust starts with knowing what’s actually in the bottle, in language that doesn’t require a chemistry degree.
How to read an INCI list. Ingredients are listed in descending order of concentration — roughly, what’s near the top makes up more of the formula, and by the time you reach the last few names, you’re usually looking at fractions of a percent. Water and the main oils or humectants tend to lead; preservatives, pH adjusters and fragrance components usually trail near the end.
What COSMOS certification checks. Our formulas are COSMOS Natural or COSMOS Organic certified, an independent European standard that audits where ingredients come from, how they’re processed, and how much of the formula is natural or organic in origin — it’s a paper trail, not a marketing word.
About the asterisk. Where you see a `*` next to an ingredient on our packaging, it marks that ingredient as coming from organic farming. It’s a small honest flag, not a claim about the whole product — check the “% organic of total” figure on each product page for the real picture.
Browse the full glossary below, ingredient by ingredient.
A
Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Seed Extract (Horse chestnut seed extract) — A seed extract used in small amounts for its traditional skin-conditioning properties around the delicate eye area. Found in: Calming Eye Cream.
Alcohol (Alcohol (denatured)) — Used in small amounts as a solvent and preservative booster; can be drying in high concentrations. In this formula it appears mid-to-low on the ingredient list. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser.
Algin (Algin (seaweed-derived thickener)) — A thickener derived from brown seaweed that helps give a gel formula its texture. Found in: Barrier Serum.
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice (Aloe vera leaf juice) — Juice from the aloe vera leaf, used for its hydrating, soothing feel on skin. Found in: Micellar Cleansing Water, Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Barrier Serum, Calming Eye Cream.
Aqua (Water) — The base solvent that carries and dissolves the other ingredients in a formula. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser, AHA Peeling Concentrate, Micellar Cleansing Water, Hydrating Toner, Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Barrier Serum, Calming Eye Cream.
Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C ester) — A fat-soluble form of vitamin C used as an antioxidant to help protect a formula's oils. Found in: Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Calming Eye Cream.
B
Benzyl Alcohol (Benzyl alcohol (preservative)) — A preservative that helps protect a water-based formula from microbial growth; used in small amounts. Found in: Hydrating Toner.
Betaine (Betaine (from sugar beet)) — A humectant naturally found in sugar beet that helps skin hold onto moisture and feel more comfortable. Found in: Micellar Cleansing Water.
Butylene Glycol — A humectant that helps draw moisture to the skin and improves how a formula spreads. Found in: AHA Peeling Concentrate, Micellar Cleansing Water, Barrier Serum.
C
Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract (White tea leaf extract) — A plant extract from white tea leaves, used in skincare for its antioxidant plant compounds and conditioning feel. Found in: AHA Peeling Concentrate, Barrier Serum.
Cannabidiol (CBD (hemp-derived)) — A hemp-derived ingredient (CBD) included in this eye cream in a small, defined amount for its skin-conditioning feel. Found in: Calming Eye Cream.
Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil (Hemp seed oil) — A plant oil pressed from hemp seeds, used to soften and condition skin. Found in: Calming Eye Cream.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Coconut-derived lightweight oil) — A light, non-greasy oil that helps soften skin and improves how a formula spreads. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser, Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Calming Eye Cream.
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside (Coconut-derived gentle cleanser) — A mild, coconut-derived cleansing ingredient that helps lift away dirt and make-up without feeling harsh. Found in: Micellar Cleansing Water.
Cellulose (Plant cellulose (thickener)) — A plant-derived thickener that helps stabilise a formula's texture. Found in: Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Calming Eye Cream.
Cellulose Gum (Cellulose gum (thickener)) — A plant-derived thickener that gives a gel or serum its texture. Found in: Barrier Serum.
Cetearyl Alcohol (Fatty alcohol (thickener)) — A fatty alcohol — not a drying alcohol — that thickens a formula and helps stabilise the blend of oil and water. Found in: Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Calming Eye Cream.
Chamomilla Recutita (Camomile) Flower Extract (Camomile flower extract) — A plant extract traditionally used in skincare for its soothing feel. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser, Micellar Cleansing Water, Hydrating Toner.
Citral (Citral (citrus scent compound)) — A naturally occurring citrus aroma compound, part of the fragrance blend. It's listed by name because it's a recognised fragrance allergen under EU labelling rules. Found in: Calming Eye Cream.
Citric Acid (Citric acid (pH adjuster)) — Used in small amounts to adjust and balance a formula's pH. Found in: Hydrating Toner.
Coco-Caprylate (Coconut-derived silky emollient) — A silky, coconut-derived oil that helps a formula glide on smoothly without feeling greasy. Found in: Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Calming Eye Cream.
D
Dicaprylyl Carbonate (Lightweight plant-derived emollient) — A lightweight, plant-derived oil that gives a formula a silky, fast-absorbing feel. Found in: Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Calming Eye Cream.
F
Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Fruit Extract (Strawberry fruit extract) — A fruit extract used in small amounts as a plant-derived conditioning ingredient. Found in: Hydrating Toner.
G
Geraniol (Geraniol (rose-like scent compound)) — A naturally occurring rose-like aroma compound, part of the fragrance blend. It's listed by name because it's a recognised fragrance allergen under EU labelling rules. Found in: Calming Eye Cream.
Ginkgo Biloba (Ginkgo) Leaf Extract (Ginkgo leaf extract) — A leaf extract used in small amounts as a plant-derived conditioning ingredient. Found in: Calming Eye Cream.
Glucose (Glucose (sugar, skin-conditioning)) — A simple sugar used in small amounts as part of a moisture-supporting skin-conditioning complex. Found in: Barrier Serum.
Glucuronic Acid (Sugar acid (skin-conditioning)) — A naturally occurring sugar acid used in small amounts as part of a moisture-supporting skin-conditioning complex. Found in: Barrier Serum.
Glycerin — A humectant that draws water to the skin's surface, helping it feel soft and hydrated. One of the most widely studied ingredients in skincare. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser, AHA Peeling Concentrate, Micellar Cleansing Water, Hydrating Toner, Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Barrier Serum, Calming Eye Cream.
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate (Plant-derived emulsifier) — A plant-derived ingredient that helps blend a formula's oil and water phases together. Found in: Calming Eye Cream.
Glycolipids (Sugar-lipid emulsifier) — A sugar-and-fat-based ingredient that helps other ingredients blend together, supporting this cleanser's oil-to-milk texture change on contact with water. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser.
H
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil (Sunflower seed oil) — A plant oil rich in fatty acids that helps soften skin and support its natural barrier. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser.
Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Extract (Sea buckthorn fruit extract) — A fruit extract rich in natural fatty acids and pigments, used in small amounts to support the skin's surface. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser.
Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides (Coconut-derived emollient) — A coconut-derived ingredient that softens skin and helps thicken a formula's texture. Found in: Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Calming Eye Cream.
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid (Hyaluronic acid (small-molecule form)) — A smaller-molecule form of hyaluronic acid that helps draw and hold moisture at the skin's surface. Found in: Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Barrier Serum, Calming Eye Cream.
Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract (Red algae extract) — An extract from red algae (seaweed), included for its moisture-binding, skin-conditioning properties. Found in: Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream.
I
Iron Oxides (CI 77491) (Iron oxides (mineral pigment)) — A mineral pigment used to tint a formula's colour. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser.
Irvingia Gabonensis (Wild Mango) Kernel Butter (Wild mango (irvingia) kernel butter) — A rich plant butter that helps soften and condition the skin. Found in: Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Calming Eye Cream.
Isoamyl Laurate (Lightweight plant-derived emollient) — A lightweight, plant-derived oil that helps soften skin and gives a formula a light, non-greasy feel. Found in: Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream.
L
Lactic Acid (Lactic acid (AHA)) — An alpha-hydroxy acid that helps loosen the surface bonds between dead skin cells, supporting smoother, more even-looking skin over time. Used at much lower levels in other formulas simply to help balance pH. Found in: AHA Peeling Concentrate, Micellar Cleansing Water, Hydrating Toner, Barrier Serum.
Limonene (Limonene (citrus scent compound)) — A naturally occurring aroma compound found in citrus oils, part of the fragrance blend. It's listed by name because it's a recognised fragrance allergen under EU labelling rules. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser, Calming Eye Cream.
Linalool (Linalool (floral scent compound)) — A naturally occurring floral aroma compound found in many essential oils, part of the fragrance blend. It's listed by name because it's a recognised fragrance allergen under EU labelling rules. Found in: Calming Eye Cream.
Linalyl Acetate (Linalyl acetate (floral scent compound)) — A naturally occurring aroma compound found in lavender and bergamot, used here as part of the scent blend. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser.
M
Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter (Mango seed butter) — A rich plant butter from mango seeds, used to soften and condition skin. Found in: Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream.
Mica (CI 77019) (Mica (mineral shimmer)) — A finely milled mineral that gives a formula a soft shimmer or subtle opacity. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser.
O
Octyldodecanol (Fatty-alcohol-derived emollient) — A fatty-alcohol-derived ingredient that helps soften skin and smooth a formula's texture. Found in: Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Calming Eye Cream.
P
Palmitic Acid (Palmitic acid (fatty acid)) — A fatty acid that helps thicken a formula and contributes to its cushiony texture. Found in: Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Calming Eye Cream.
Parfum (Fragrance) — A blend of scent ingredients used to give the product its aroma. It's honestly a fragrance blend, not a single ingredient — and we keep some products in the range fragrance-free, such as the Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, for anyone who prefers to avoid added scent. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser, Micellar Cleansing Water, Barrier Serum, Calming Eye Cream.
Pentylene Glycol — A humectant and texture enhancer that helps a formula feel light and absorb well, while also supporting the preservative system. Found in: AHA Peeling Concentrate, Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Barrier Serum, Calming Eye Cream.
Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate (Plant-derived emulsifier) — A plant-derived ingredient that helps hold a formula's water and oil phases together. Found in: Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream.
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate (Plant-derived emulsifier) — A plant-derived ingredient that helps blend a formula's water and oil parts together. Found in: Micellar Cleansing Water.
Potassium Hydroxide (Potassium hydroxide (pH adjuster)) — Used in tiny amounts to adjust a formula's pH so it's comfortable on skin. Found in: AHA Peeling Concentrate, Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Calming Eye Cream.
Potassium Sorbate (Potassium sorbate (preservative)) — A widely used preservative that helps keep a formula stable and free of unwanted microbial growth. Found in: Hydrating Toner.
Propanediol (Plant-derived humectant) — A plant-derived humectant and solvent that helps other ingredients dissolve and helps skin hold moisture. Found in: Barrier Serum.
R
Rhamnose (Plant sugar (skin-conditioning)) — A naturally occurring plant sugar used here as part of a moisture-supporting skin-conditioning complex. Found in: Barrier Serum.
Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Water (Rose flower water) — A gentle floral water distilled from rose petals, used as a soothing, lightly scented base ingredient. Found in: Hydrating Toner.
Rubus Chamaemorus (Cloudberry) Fruit Extract (Cloudberry fruit extract) — A Nordic berry extract included in small amounts as a plant-derived conditioning ingredient. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser.
S
Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Leaf Extract (Sage leaf extract) — A herbal leaf extract used in small amounts for its traditional skin-conditioning properties. Found in: AHA Peeling Concentrate, Barrier Serum.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil (Jojoba oil) — A plant oil that closely resembles skin's own natural oils, helping soften and condition without feeling heavy. Found in: Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream.
Sodium Benzoate (Sodium benzoate (preservative)) — A widely used preservative that helps keep a water-based formula free of unwanted microbial growth. Found in: Micellar Cleansing Water, Hydrating Toner.
Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic acid (sodium salt)) — A form of hyaluronic acid that binds water to the skin's surface, helping it stay hydrated and plump-feeling. Found in: AHA Peeling Concentrate, Micellar Cleansing Water, Hydrating Toner, Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Barrier Serum, Calming Eye Cream.
Sodium Levulinate (Sugar-derived preservative booster) — A sugar-derived ingredient used alongside other ingredients to help keep a formula fresh. Found in: Micellar Cleansing Water.
Sodium PCA (Sodium PCA (natural moisturising factor)) — A humectant that mirrors a component of skin's own moisture-holding system, used here to help skin draw in and hold water. Found in: Hydrating Toner, Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Barrier Serum, Calming Eye Cream.
Sodium Phytate (Sodium phytate (mineral stabiliser)) — A plant-derived ingredient that binds trace minerals in a formula, helping keep it stable over time. Found in: Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Barrier Serum, Calming Eye Cream.
Stearic Acid (Stearic acid (fatty acid)) — A fatty acid used to thicken a formula and help stabilise its texture. Found in: Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Calming Eye Cream.
Sucrose Laurate (Sugar-derived emulsifier) — A gentle, sugar-derived ingredient that helps blend a formula's oil and water parts together. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser.
Sucrose Palmitate (Sugar-derived emulsifier) — A sugar-derived ingredient that helps stabilise a formula's texture by binding oil and water. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser.
T
Tilia Cordata (Linden) Flower Extract (Linden flower extract) — A flower extract used in small amounts for its traditional calming, skin-conditioning properties. Found in: Micellar Cleansing Water.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E) — An antioxidant that helps protect a formula's oils from breaking down and supports the skin's surface. Found in: Oil-to-Milk Cleanser, Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Calming Eye Cream.
V
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Leaf Extract (Grape leaf extract) — A leaf extract from grape vines, used in small amounts as a plant-derived conditioning ingredient. Found in: Calming Eye Cream.
X
Xanthan Gum (Xanthan gum (thickener)) — A plant-sugar-derived thickener that gives a formula its texture and helps keep ingredients evenly mixed. Found in: Sensitive Skin Moisturiser, Sensitive Skin Overnight Cream, Calming Eye Cream.