Face Values product boxes piled in a mint green bathroom sink

At Face Values, we take our ingredients seriously, because what counts is what's in a formula, not what isn't. Too often, ingredients are labelled "good" or "bad" without context, but safety isn't black and white. It depends on concentration, what an ingredient is paired with and how the product is used. 

Labels like "clean," "natural" and endless "free-from" claims have fuelled widespread misinformation, implying a safety advantage that doesn't exist. At best, this fear-led approach is misguided. At worst, it preys on people trying to make better choices for themselves.

Honesty matters more to us than trends, so we're challenging this culture of fear-mongering for both our customers and the credibility of the science behind skincare. Here's the truth: every ingredient is a chemical, water included, and at the wrong dose, anything can be a problem. Dose matters and context matters.

That's why we formulate in line with the EU Cosmetics Regulation, one of the strictest frameworks in the world, and ensure our ingredients are within the levels assessed as safe by the US Cosmetic Ingredient Review, an independent panel of dermatologists, toxicologists and chemists.

Curious about what we use? Browse the directory below to see what each ingredient does and why it's there.

The dose makes the poison.

CARRIERS

Base liquids that dissolve and carry the other ingredients, making the formula easy to apply.

Aqua/Water

The base of most formulations, in skincare water acts as a solvent that allows other ingredients to dissolve and work effectively.

Chelating Agents

Helper ingredients that bind to trace metals in water that could otherwise affect how the product looks, feels or lasts.

Disodium EDTA

A chelating agent that binds to metal ions in a formula to prevent them from destabilising the product, helping to maintain efficacy and shelf life.

Cleansing Surfactants

Cleansing ingredients that help water and oil mix, so makeup, dirt, oil and sunscreen can be rinsed away easily.

Coco-Glucoside

A mild, plant-derived surfactant most commonly sourced from coconut that effectively but gently cleanses the skin. 

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

A gentle surfactant derived from coconut that functions as a mild co-cleansing agent, helping to boost lather without the risk of skin sensitisation.

Lauryl Glucoside

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that gently cleanses the skin by removing impurities without disrupting the skin's natural moisture balance.

Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate

A mild, coconut-derived surfactant that gently cleanses the skin, helping to remove impurities without stripping the skin of its natural moisture.

Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate

A mild, plant-derived surfactant that provides gentle cleansing and soft lather, helping to effectively remove impurities without stripping the skin. 

Emollients

Softening and smoothing ingredients that help lock in moisture, leaving skin comfortable and supple.

Cetearyl Alcohol

A fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to stabilise formulas and give them a smooth, creamy texture while softening the skin.

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

A lightweight emollient derived from coconut oil that gives formulas a silky, non-greasy feel while helping to condition and soften the skin.

Dimethicone

A silicone-based emollient that creates an air-permeable, protective layer on the skin that reduces moisture loss without any greasy residue.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil

A lightweight, non-greasy plant oil rich in linoleic acid and vitamin E that helps to nourish and soften the skin while supporting its natural moisture barrier.

Isoamyl Laurate

A lightweight, plant-derived emollient that gives formulas a smooth, silky texture, helping to improve the feel of a product on the skin.

Isohexadecane

A lightweight synthetic emollient that gives formulas a clean, non-greasy finish, helping to improve spreadability and skin feel.

Squalane

A stable, plant-derived form of squalene, a lipid naturally found in the skin, that provides lightweight hydration and a silky, non-greasy feel while helping to seal moisture in.

EMULSIFIERS

Softening and smoothing ingredients that help lock in moisture, leaving skin comfortable and supple.

Ceteth-20 Phosphate

An emulsifying ingredient that helps oil and water-based components blend together seamlessly, aiding formula stability.

Dicetyl Phosphate

An emulsifying ingredient that helps to stabilise formulas and create a uniform, pleasant texture across the product.

Lecithin

A skin-identical phospholipid that acts as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to replenish the skin and support a healthy, well-functioning moisture barrier.

Polysorbate 80

An emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients together, ensuring a stable and uniform formula.

HUMECTANTS

Water-loving ingredients that draw in moisture to help skin feel hydrated and soft.

Betaine

A naturally occurring compound that acts as a gentle humectant, helping to draw moisture into the skin and keep it feeling soft, comfortable, and hydrated.

Butylene Glycol

A lightweight humectant that helps keep skin moisturised and hydrated, while also aiding the absorption of other ingredients in the formula.

Glycerin

A humectant naturally found in the skin that draws moisture in and helps to maintain hydration while supporting the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Propanediol

A plant-derived humectant and solvent that helps to keep the skin hydrated while improving the texture and feel of a formula.

Propylene Glycol

A humectant and solvent that helps to draw moisture into the skin and improve the absorption and stability of other ingredients within a formula.

Saccharide Isomerate

A plant-derived carbohydrate complex that acts as a powerful humectant, binding moisture to the skin for long-lasting hydration.

Sclerocarya Birrea (Marula) Seed Oil

A lightweight, nutrient-rich plant oil derived from the marula fruit that is high in oleic acid and antioxidants, helping to deeply nourish and soften skin.

Sodium Hyaluronate

The sodium salt form of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in the skin that attracts and holds moisture, helping to plump, hydrate and smooth skin.

PH ADJUSTERS

Balancing ingredients that fine-tune pH so the product sits comfortably on skin and stays stable.

Citric Acid

A naturally derived AHA used primarily to adjust the pH of a formula, ensuring other ingredients work effectively and safely on the skin.

Sodium Citrate

A salt of citric acid used primarily as a pH adjuster and buffering agent, helping to keep a formula stable and at an optimal pH level for skin compatibility.

PRESERVATIVES

Protective ingredients that keep your product safe from bacteria and mould once it's opened.

1,2-Hexanediol

A gentle synthetic ingredient that functions as both a preservative and a solvent, helping to maintain the stability and shelf life of a formula while supporting a lightweight skin feel.

Glyceryl Caprylate

A naturally derived emollient and mild preservative booster sourced from vegetable glycerin and caprylic acid, to condition skin and boost formula stability.

Raspberry Ketone

A naturally occurring aromatic compound found in raspberries, used in formulas for its stabilising properties which boost preservative efficacy.

Sodium Anisate

A naturally derived preservative obtained from anise that helps to maintain the safety and stability of a formula.

Sodium Benzoate

A widely used preservative that helps to protect formulas from microbial contamination, maintaining the safety and integrity of the product.

Sodium Levulinate

A naturally derived preservative and pH adjuster that helps to maintain the stability and safety of a formula, often used alongside other gentle preservative systems.

SKIN CONDITIONERS

Supporting ingredients, including plant extracts, vitamins and ferments, that work in different ways to help keep skin in good condition.

Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice

A plant-derived extract renowned for its soothing and hydrating properties, helping to calm the skin and replenish moisture.

Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil

An oil derived from oat kernels with antioxidant and skin-soothing properties, as well as emollient benefits that help soften and nourish the skin.

Betula Alba (Birch) Leaf Juice

An extract of the white birch tree rich in amino acids and trace minerals which support the skin barrier by hydrating and soothing the skin.

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract

A botanical extract derived from the marigold flower, known for its calming and anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe sensitive skin.

Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract

A potent antioxidant-rich extract that helps to protect the skin from environmental stressors while soothing and supporting overall skin health.

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

A fatty acid derived from palm kernel or coconut oil that functions as a lightweight emollient, leaving skin feeling smooth and nourished.

Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract

A plant-based extract with potent antioxidant properties and a rich source of amino acids, known to support the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Ceramide NP

A ceramide naturally found in the skin that helps to strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier, keeping skin supple, hydrated, and resilient.

Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract

A hydrating and soothing botanical extract that helps to calm and refresh the skin, making it particularly beneficial for sensitive or irritated skin.

Glycine

An amino acid naturally found in the skin that helps to attract and retain moisture, supporting overall skin comfort and resilience.

Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride

A plant-derived conditioning agent sourced from guar beans that helps to smooth and soften skin while improving formula texture.

Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters

A conditioning ingredient derived from jojoba that helps to smooth and soften the skin, improving texture while providing lightweight hydration.

Lactobacillus Ferment

A postbiotic derived from beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria that helps to support the skin's microbiome, strengthen the skin barrier, and calm redness.

Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate

A postbiotic derived from Lactobacillus bacteria that helps to balance the skin's microbiome while promoting hydration, resilience, and skin radiance.

Niacinamide

A highly versatile form of vitamin B3 that helps to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, reduce redness and support overall skin resilience.

Oryza Sativa (Rice) Seed Water

A ferment-derived water from rice renowned in Asian skincare traditions for its brightening and hydrating properties, helping to support a healthy, radiant complexion.

Panthenol

AKA pro-vitamin B5, a precursor to pantothenic acid that is naturally found in all living cells, drawing moisture into the skin to support its natural repair processes.

Pentylene Glycol

A lightweight humectant and solvent that helps to keep the skin hydrated and comfortable while also enhancing the performance of other ingredients.

Saccharomyces Ferment

A yeast-derived ferment rich in amino acids, beta-glucans, and antioxidants that helps to nourish the skin and protect against environmental stressors.

Tocopherol

The natural form of vitamin E, a well-established antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage while supporting the skin's natural moisture barrier.

THICKENERS

Texture-shaping ingredients that give the product its feel, from silky gels to rich creams.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer

A synthetic polymer used to give formulas their texture and consistency, helping to create smooth, stable products that spread easily.

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

A synthetic polymer that improves texture and spreadability while contributing to a comfortable, non-sticky finish on the skin.

Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer

A synthetic polymer that functions as a texture-enhancing and stabilising agent, helping to give formulas a smooth, gel-like consistency which aids spreadability.

Xanthan Gum

A naturally derived polysaccharide used to thicken and stabilise formulas, helping to create a smooth, consistent texture with good spreadability.