Stroke of Genius Liquid Cashmere Foundation

All hair and skin types.

Almost always the first ingredient listed in water-based products.

People wanting a light, non-greasy smoothing or shine finish.

Often used in serums and oils for a weightless feel. Some prefer silicone-free options depending on routine.

Those interested in product appearance or opacity, such as in creams or conditioners.

It is commonly used to create a uniform, opaque look and can also help stabilise formula appearance. Its presence does not affect how the product performs on the hair.

Those looking for hydrated, smoother-feeling hair or lighter-feeling formulations.

It is commonly used to help ingredients dissolve and to give formulas a soft, glide-on texture. It appears in many leave-in and rinse-off products due to its versatility.

Those who spend time outdoors or want to help maintain colour-treated hair.

It is widely used in suncare and some hair products to support protection against UV exposure. In haircare, it mainly helps reduce colour fade rather than providing full sunscreen performance.

People looking to reduce frizz, enhance gloss or improve slip in styling products.

It forms a lightweight, breathable film that helps minimise flyaways and improve manageability. It is commonly used in serums, conditioners and finishing products for a polished finish.

Those looking for smoother-feeling hair or enhanced detangling benefits.

It can also act as a mild emulsifier, helping water- and oil-based ingredients blend more evenly. It is commonly used in conditioners and styling products for a lightweight, silky finish.

Those using styling or dry-finish products that benefit from a lightweight, matte feel.

It is a common mineral ingredient used to enhance spreadability and stabilise product textures. It appears in a wide range of hair and styling products for its versatility.

People seeking improved detangling, reduced frizz and enhanced shine; formulators needing a water-dispersible silicone for leave‑on or rinse‑off products.

This is a modified dimethicone with PEG/PPG side chains that makes it more water-dispersible than straight silicones, so it can rinse more easily and mix into a wider range of formulations. Like many conditioning silicones, repeated heavy use without periodic cleansing may lead to mild build-up on very fine hair.

Chemically it is a dimethicone backbone functionalised with cetyl and PEG/PPG polyether groups, which provide emulsifying, dispersing and wetting properties in addition to typical silicone benefits (slip, film formation, anti-static). It is commonly used at low levels in conditioners, leave‑in treatments, serums and styling products to improve combability, reduce friction and impart smoothness and shine.

Those looking to support scalp comfort, strengthen hair, or maintain a healthy-looking scalp barrier.

It is commonly used in both skincare and haircare for its soothing and barrier-supporting properties. It pairs well with many other ingredients and is generally well tolerated.

Those interested in tinted or colour-enhancing products.

These pigments are valued for their stability and are widely used to achieve natural-looking shades. They do not affect the performance of the haircare formula beyond providing colour.

Those who enjoy luminous or light-reflective finishes in styling or colouring products.

It is a mineral powder widely used in cosmetics for its reflective properties. In haircare, it is typically present in small amounts for visual effect rather than performance.

Those who prefer products with a smooth, consistent texture that spread easily through the hair.

It is commonly used to keep formulas uniform and prevent separation in creams, gels and styling products. It also helps suspend other ingredients evenly throughout the product.

Those interested in how a product’s texture and lather are achieved.

It is a simple mineral salt that helps create a familiar shampoo feel and can influence how a cleanser spreads through the hair.

Frizz-prone, coarse or dry hair wanting a smooth, glossy finish.

Some people prefer silicone-free formulas, especially for certain curl routines. It is widely used and helpful in many smoothing products.

Those looking for smoother, more manageable hair textures.

It is a waxy, fatty ingredient that also supports product texture and spreadability. It is commonly used in creams, balms and conditioning formulas.

Those looking for frizz control, slip, or a silky finish without heavy build-up.

It is often used in styling products to improve spreadability and create a soft-touch feel. It tends to feel lighter than many traditional silicones.

Those interested in product texture or the stability of creams, conditioners, and styling products.

It is commonly used in small amounts to support consistent texture and appearance in cosmetic formulations. It does not have a direct effect on hair itself.

Those interested in tinted or colour-enhancing products.

These pigments are valued for their stability and are widely used to achieve natural-looking shades. They do not affect the performance of the haircare formula beyond providing colour.

People looking for gentle or low-foaming cleansing options.

It is commonly used in sulphate-free formulas due to its mildness and compatibility with sensitive scalps. It can also help improve the spreadability of a formula.

Those who prefer products that enhance slip and reduce drag during application.

It is often used to treat pigments or powders so they blend more easily into formulations. It contributes to a silky texture without adding heaviness.

Those looking for added hydration or smoother-feeling hair.

It is also commonly used as a preservative booster to help maintain formula freshness. It is well tolerated in most haircare products.

Those interested in tinted or colour-enhancing products.

These pigments are valued for their stability and are widely used to achieve natural-looking shades. They do not affect the performance of the haircare formula beyond providing colour.

Those looking for added conditioning support or antioxidant benefits in their haircare.

It is commonly used because it is more stable than pure vitamin E while still offering similar benefits. It appears in many leave-in and rinse-off formulations.

Those who prefer richer, creamier textures in conditioners and styling products.

It is commonly used to give products structure and improve spreadability. It can be derived from plant or animal sources, with most haircare brands typically using plant-based forms.

Those interested in gentle preservation systems or sensitive scalps may find it relevant.

It is often paired with other preservatives to improve their effectiveness while allowing for lower usage levels. It also has light moisturising and conditioning properties.

Dry or dehydrated hair, and many curl and moisture routines.

A very common, well-tolerated humectant used across countless products.

People looking for scalp‑care formulas or products aimed at supporting fuller‑looking hair.

It is often included in leave‑on treatments where it can sit on the scalp for longer contact time. Research has explored its role in supporting the appearance of thicker, denser hair.

All products, especially in hard-water areas.

Used in tiny amounts to keep formulas performing reliably.

Most hair types as part of a moisturising formula.

A widely used humectant and carrier ingredient.

Those wanting added nourishment or antioxidant support in their haircare routine.

Tocopherol is commonly included to help protect oils in a formula from oxidising and to offer light conditioning benefits. It is widely used in both skincare and haircare products.

Those with a sensitive or easily irritated scalp may appreciate its calming properties.

It is commonly derived from chamomile or produced synthetically with similar benefits. It is widely used in both skincare and haircare for its gentle, comforting profile.

People who prefer products with a richer or more gel-like texture.

It is a polysaccharide widely used in cosmetics to keep formulas uniform and easy to apply. It works well alongside many other common ingredients.

Anyone using products that benefit from extended shelf life and maintained performance.

It helps protect oils and other sensitive ingredients from breaking down when exposed to air and light. It is used in very small amounts to support product consistency.

Those who prefer products with a smoother, more consistent texture and improved spreadability.

It helps keep formulas uniform and enhances the feel of gels, creams and conditioners. It is widely used in both haircare and skincare due to its reliable performance and gentle nature.

People looking for products that enhance softness and manageability.

It is a hydrogenated form of lecithin that can improve texture and support the delivery of other ingredients. Commonly used in both skincare and haircare for its smoothing feel.