Ingredients
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Glycerin is a naturally derived humectant—a ingredient that draws moisture from the air into your skin. It's one of the most widely used and well-studied moisturizing agents in skincare, helping skin feel softer and more hydrated.
Benefits
- Attracts and retains moisture in the skin
- Improves skin hydration and softness
- Helps strengthen skin barrier function
- Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded glycerin is safe as used in cosmetics across all concentrations. Research shows glycerin effectively improves skin hydration and is well-tolerated with minimal irritation risk. It is also referenced in clinical guidelines for managing inflammatory skin conditions and maintaining skin integrity.
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Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in your skin that acts like a moisture magnet. In skincare products, it absorbs water from the environment and binds it to your skin, helping to hydrate and plump the skin's surface.
Benefits
- Delivers intense hydration to the skin
- Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines by improving skin moisture
- Supports skin barrier function
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and oily skin
Potential concerns
- In very dry climates with low humidity, it may draw moisture from deeper skin layers if not sealed with an occlusive product
- Rare allergic reactions are possible but extremely uncommon
Science: While the provided research focuses on intra-articular injections for joint health (showing good safety and efficacy), hyaluronic acid and its salt form are well-established in dermatology for topical hydration. The molecule's safety profile is well-documented across decades of use in medical and cosmetic applications, with severe adverse reactions being extremely rare.
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Citric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid commonly used in skincare products as an exfoliant and pH balancer. It belongs to a group of ingredients called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that help remove dead skin cells from the surface.
Benefits
- Gentle exfoliation to improve skin texture and appearance
- Helps reduce the appearance of keratosis and acne
- Balances product pH to maintain skin compatibility
Potential concerns
- Can cause irritation, redness, or sensitivity in some users, especially with prolonged or frequent use
- May increase sun sensitivity — sunscreen use is recommended when using AHA products
- Not suitable for very sensitive or compromised skin without caution
Science: Citric acid is an established AHA used in cosmetics for superficial peeling and skin appearance improvement, though research emphasizes that caution should be exercised due to potential adverse reactions. It is widely produced industrially and well-established in skincare formulations.
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Potassium sorbate is a preservative used in skincare products to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria, helping extend shelf life. It's a salt derived from sorbic acid and is commonly used as a gentler alternative to stronger chemical preservatives.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination and mold growth
- Generally considered milder than some other preservatives like benzalkonium chloride
- Allows products to remain effective longer without refrigeration
Potential concerns
- May cause irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- Not suitable for preservative-free formulations
- Limited effectiveness against some bacteria compared to stronger preservatives
Science: Clinical research suggests potassium sorbate is less damaging to delicate tissues than benzalkonium chloride, making it a preferred alternative preservative in sensitive applications like eye products. However, peer-reviewed safety data specific to topical skincare use in the general population is limited.
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Sodium benzoate is a preservative used in skincare products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, extending shelf life. It's a salt derived from benzoic acid and is one of the most widely used preservatives in cosmetics, skincare, and food products.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination and extends product shelf life
- Generally effective at low concentrations (0.1-0.5%)
- Approved for cosmetic use by major regulatory bodies
Potential concerns
- Can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; identified as an allergen in medical hand cleansers
- Recent research suggests long-term oral intake may affect bone health and increase osteoporosis risk, though topical skincare exposure is minimal
Science: Sodium benzoate is well-established as a safe preservative in cosmetics at typical use levels. However, emerging research indicates that chronic systemic intake may interfere with bone metabolism through the FGF2/p38/RUNX2 pathway. For topical skincare use, the exposure and absorption are minimal compared to dietary intake, but individuals with known sensitivities should avoid it.
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Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that prevents bacteria, yeast, and mold from growing in skincare products, helping them stay fresh and safe to use. It has been used safely in cosmetics for decades and is effective at very low concentrations.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination and product spoilage
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and yeast
- Minimal impact on beneficial skin bacteria when used at approved levels
Potential concerns
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- May cause irritation if used in products at concentrations above 1%
Science: The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety considers phenoxyethanol safe for all consumers, including children, at concentrations up to 1%. Adverse effects observed in animal studies required exposure levels approximately 200 times higher than those in cosmetic products, and it is classified as one of the most well-tolerated preservatives in cosmetics.
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Glucose is a simple sugar that acts as a humectant in skincare products, meaning it helps draw moisture into the skin and keep it hydrated. It's a naturally occurring ingredient commonly found in honey and other botanical sources.
Benefits
- Hydration and moisture retention
- Humectant properties that help skin feel softer
- Generally well-tolerated by most skin types
Potential concerns
- May contribute to glycation (sugar binding to proteins) with prolonged exposure, potentially affecting skin aging
- Can feed acne-causing bacteria in susceptible individuals
- May cause irritation or sensitivity in some users
Science: Glucose is a key component of honey, which has established antimicrobial, emollient, and humectant properties in dermatological applications. However, the scientific literature raises concerns about sugar and glycation's role in skin aging, suggesting that while glucose provides short-term hydration benefits, excessive or chronic exposure may have negative effects on skin aging.
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Sodium chloride is common table salt, used in skincare products as a texture modifier, preservative, and to help balance formulations. In small amounts, it's generally well-tolerated by skin.
Benefits
- Helps preserve product stability
- Can enhance skin hydration when used in appropriate concentrations
- Improves product texture and consistency
Potential concerns
- High concentrations may irritate sensitive or compromised skin
- Excessive topical salt exposure can potentially disrupt skin barrier function
- May cause dryness or tightness in some individuals
Science: Sodium chloride is a naturally occurring electrolyte essential to skin physiology. Research indicates the skin actively regulates sodium levels through complex mechanisms involving the endothelium, immune cells, and lymphatics; however, peer-reviewed data specifically addressing topical sodium chloride in cosmetic formulations at typical use levels is limited.
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Tocopherol is a form of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. It helps maintain skin's natural barrier function and is commonly used in skincare products to prevent premature aging and support overall skin health.
Benefits
- Protects skin from free radical damage and oxidative stress
- Supports skin barrier function and moisture retention
- May help reduce signs of aging caused by UV exposure and environmental damage
- Works as a lipid antioxidant to prevent degradation of skin oils
Science: Tocopherol (α-tocopherol) is recognized in peer-reviewed research as a key endogenous defense mechanism against oxidative stress in aging skin, particularly from UV-induced damage. Studies confirm it functions as a lipid-soluble antioxidant capable of preventing lipid peroxidation, with established efficacy in cosmetic and therapeutic applications.
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Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative and antimicrobial ingredient used to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life in skincare products. It's a multifunctional ingredient that helps keep formulations stable and free from contamination.
Benefits
- Prevents bacterial contamination in products
- Helps extend product shelf life
- Works synergistically with other preservatives for enhanced protection
Potential concerns
- May not be effective against all bacterial species (notably some Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains)
- Preservative-related sensitization possible in sensitive individuals, though uncommon
Science: Research shows ethylhexylglycerin has broad antimicrobial activity against many common cosmetic contaminants, though effectiveness varies by bacterial species. Studies demonstrate it can work synergistically with other preservative components to enhance biofilm inhibition.
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Lecithin is a naturally derived ingredient that acts as an emulsifier and skin conditioner in skincare products. It helps blend water and oil-based ingredients together and can improve the texture and feel of creams and lotions on your skin.
Benefits
- Helps create smooth, blended formulations
- Conditions and softens skin
- Improves product texture and spreadability
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that lecithin and related phosphoglycerides are safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 50%, based on comprehensive safety assessment. While lecithin can have physiological effects when ingested, these effects are not reproduced through topical skin application.
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Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight oil derived from coconut that acts as an emollient and helps formulations blend smoothly. It softens skin and reduces water loss by creating an occlusive barrier on the skin's surface.
Benefits
- Improves skin hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
- Lightweight, non-greasy feel compared to heavier oils
- Helps deliver other active ingredients deeper into the skin
- Smooth, silky texture in skincare formulations
Science: Research shows that emulsions containing 15% caprylic/capric triglyceride significantly increase skin hydration and reduce water loss in healthy subjects. The ingredient is also used as an effective carrier oil in nanoemulsions to enhance penetration of active compounds into skin.
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Xanthan gum is a natural thickener derived from fermented bacteria that helps give skincare products a smooth, gel-like texture. It stabilizes formulas and prevents ingredients from separating, while also helping products spread evenly on skin.
Benefits
- Creates smooth, pleasant texture
- Stabilizes emulsions and prevents separation
- Improves product spreadability and application
Science: Xanthan gum is an FDA-approved, anionic polysaccharide with a long history of safe use across food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries since 1969. Its performance as a thickener and stabilizer is well-established in scientific literature, with no notable skin irritation concerns reported.
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a gentle, plant-derived cleanser made from coconut oil and the amino acid glutamate. It removes dirt and oil from skin while maintaining a mild pH, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
Benefits
- Gentle cleansing action
- Mild and non-stripping
- Suitable for sensitive or reactive skin
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. As an amino acid-derived surfactant, it belongs to a class of mild cleansers generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies and well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations.
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Ascorbic acid is vitamin C in its purest, most potent form. It works as a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radical damage from sun exposure and environmental stress, and also supports your skin's natural collagen production to improve texture and firmness.
Benefits
- Protects skin from free radical damage caused by UV rays and pollution
- Improves skin texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Brightens skin and may help fade age spots and uneven tone
- Supports collagen production for firmer, more resilient skin
Potential concerns
- Can be irritating, especially for sensitive skin, due to its low pH (works best below pH 3.5)
- Unstable and degrades quickly when exposed to light, heat, or air — products may lose effectiveness over time
- May cause redness, stinging, or dryness if used too frequently or in high concentrations
- Requires specific formulation to penetrate skin effectively; poorly formulated products may not deliver promised benefits
Science: Research shows L-ascorbic acid must be formulated at pH below 3.5 and at 5–20% concentration to effectively penetrate skin. A clinical trial demonstrated that 5% vitamin C cream significantly improved photoaged skin texture, reduced wrinkles, and promoted elastic tissue repair over 6 months. However, effectiveness is highly dependent on formulation quality and product stability.
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Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is a gentle, plant-derived emulsifier and solubilizer that helps blend water and oil-based ingredients together in skincare formulas. It also helps deliver other active ingredients more effectively into the skin by improving their stability and absorption.
Benefits
- Helps dissolve and stabilize hard-to-mix ingredients like plant extracts and oils
- Improves the effectiveness of active ingredients through better delivery
- Mild and well-tolerated by most skin types
- Enables creation of lightweight, non-greasy formulations
Science: Research shows polyglyceryl-10 laurate effectively solubilizes botanical extracts and encapsulates unstable active ingredients like bakuchiol, improving their stability in aqueous formulations without compromising their beneficial properties.
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Sunflower seed oil is a natural plant oil extracted from sunflower seeds. In skincare, it acts as a moisturizer and emollient, helping to soften and hydrate the skin while forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface.
Benefits
- Hydration and moisturizing
- Skin softening and smoothing
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E
Science: Recent research shows sunflower oil does not trigger cross-reactivity with common allergens like nickel or Compositae plant allergens, supporting its safety profile for sensitive skin. It is well-tolerated and has a long history of safe use in cosmetics.
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Papain is a natural enzyme extracted from unripe papaya fruit that breaks down proteins in the skin. In skincare, it's used as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and is being researched for treating scarring and promoting skin renewal.
Benefits
- Gentle enzymatic exfoliation without physical scrubbing
- May help improve skin texture and appearance
- Research suggests potential for treating excessive scarring when properly formulated
Potential concerns
- Can cause skin irritation or epidermal damage if used at high concentrations or without proper formulation
- Allergic reactions are relatively common, including skin rashes and asthma
- Cross-reactivity with latex and kiwi allergies has been documented
Science: Papain is a proteolytic (protein-breaking) enzyme most potent in unripe papaya. Recent research shows papain-loaded transferosomes can deliver the enzyme into skin layers without causing damage, but papain solution alone can cause noticeable epidermal degradation. Safety depends heavily on formulation and concentration; effectiveness in commercial skincare products requires proper delivery systems.
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Sucrose Stearate is a natural emulsifier derived from sugar and stearic acid (a fatty acid). It helps blend water and oil-based ingredients together in creams and lotions, creating stable, smooth formulations that feel comfortable on skin.
Benefits
- Creates stable emulsions with excellent long-term stability
- Allows for both lightweight fluid textures and rich creamy formulations
- Mild, non-ionic surfactant suitable for sensitive skin applications
- Enables effective delivery of active ingredients into skin
Science: Research demonstrates that sucrose stearate-based emulsions are more structurally stable and resistant to degradation compared to traditional lecithin-based systems. Studies show it can be formulated into both nanoemulsions and semi-solid creams with excellent skin penetration profiles and minimal irritation potential.
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Disodium cocoamphodiacetate is a mild, plant-derived cleansing agent (surfactant) made from coconut oil. It removes dirt and oil from skin while being gentler than many traditional detergents, making it a common choice in facial cleansers and body washes.
Benefits
- Effectively cleanses skin without harsh stripping
- Well-tolerated by sensitive skin types
- Mild enough for daily use in facial products
- Plant-derived ingredient
Science: A 2010 clinical study of 105 patients found disodium cocoamphodiacetate to be one of the most well-tolerated surfactants tested, with no allergic reactions or irritation observed. It is recognized in dermatological literature as a mild amphoteric surfactant suitable for sensitive skin formulations.
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Decyl glucoside is a mild, plant-derived surfactant made from natural fatty alcohols and glucose. It's used in skincare products to cleanse the skin and help other ingredients mix together, and is generally gentler than many traditional detergents.
Benefits
- Mild cleansing action suitable for sensitive skin
- Plant-based and renewable ingredient
- Functions as an effective emulsifier to stabilize formulas
Potential concerns
- Can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals—cases of sensitization have increased since the early 2000s
- May cross-react with other similar glucoside ingredients
- Can be irritating if formulation is not properly balanced
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concluded decyl glucoside is safe when used in non-irritating formulations at current concentrations. However, dermatology literature documents a steady rise in allergic contact dermatitis cases, particularly when it appears as a 'hidden' ingredient in sunscreens like Tinosorb M, making patch testing advisable for those with suspected sensitivities.
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Papaya Fruit Extract is derived from the tropical papaya fruit and works as a skin-conditioning agent in skincare products. It contains natural compounds that help soften and smooth the skin's surface.
Benefits
- Helps condition and soften skin
- Contains natural enzymes that may gently exfoliate dead skin cells
- Provides antioxidant properties from fruit compounds
Potential concerns
- May cause irritation or sensitivity in people with latex allergies (cross-reactivity possible)
- Potential for irritation if used in high concentrations
- Quality and potency can vary depending on extraction methods and source
Science: A 2025 safety assessment by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that Papaya Fruit Extract is safe for cosmetic use at current concentrations and practices. The ingredient functions primarily as a skin-conditioning agent with antioxidant benefits from naturally occurring fruit compounds.
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is the clear gel extracted from the inner part of the aloe vera leaf. In skincare, it functions as a skin-conditioning agent known for its soothing and hydrating properties, and is typically used at low concentrations (usually under 1%).
Benefits
- Soothing and anti-inflammatory properties
- Hydrating and skin-conditioning
- Antimicrobial and wound-healing support
Potential concerns
- Whole leaf aloe (including latex) contains anthraquinones that can cause photosensitivity and irritation; reputable products use only the inner gel
- High oral doses in animal studies showed reproductive toxicity and developmental effects; topical use in cosmetics at low concentrations is considered safe
- Potential for allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
Science: A 2007 safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concluded aloe-derived ingredients are safe for cosmetic use when the phototoxic anthraquinone content is limited to 50 ppm or lower and concentrations remain at 1% or less. The inner gel (polysaccharides) is well-tolerated topically, though oral studies at high doses showed concerns unrelated to typical skincare application.
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Phytic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in plant-based foods like seeds and grains. In skincare, it's used to strengthen the skin barrier and support overall skin health.
Benefits
- Helps improve skin barrier function and reduce water loss from the skin
- May support skin microbiota balance, which is important for healthy skin
- Antioxidant properties that protect skin from environmental damage
Potential concerns
- May reduce absorption of certain minerals (calcium, iron, zinc) if ingested in large amounts, though topical application has minimal systemic effect
- Limited consumer safety data available for typical skincare concentrations
Science: Recent research in murine (mouse) models of atopic dermatitis shows phytic acid improves skin barrier function and modulates beneficial skin microbiota. However, most human safety and efficacy data remain limited, and results from animal studies don't always translate directly to human skin.
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Pineapple fruit extract is derived from the pineapple plant and contains natural enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants. In skincare, it's primarily used for its bromelain enzyme, which may help gently exfoliate the skin and promote a brighter complexion.
Benefits
- Gentle enzymatic exfoliation
- May brighten dull skin
- Contains antioxidants
Potential concerns
- Can cause irritation or sensitivity, especially on sensitive or damaged skin
- May increase sun sensitivity
- Potential for allergic reactions in those with pineapple sensitivities
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient in cosmetic formulations. Bromelain's exfoliating properties are documented in some studies, but most evidence comes from food science and traditional use rather than controlled skincare trials.
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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Haematococcus pluvialis extract is derived from a nutrient-rich freshwater microalgae that's naturally high in astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant. In skincare, it helps protect skin from sun damage and oxidative stress by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
Benefits
- Reduces signs of sun damage and photoaging
- Calms inflammation caused by UV exposure
- Protects skin's structural proteins from breakdown
- Supports skin's natural antioxidant defenses
Science: A 2024 clinical study found that when delivered via liposomes, an antioxidant complex containing this extract reduced inflammation markers (IL-6, IL-8) and enzyme activity linked to skin aging by 38-50% in UV-damaged human skin tissue. The ingredient showed better results when properly formulated for skin penetration, rather than applied alone.
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Sodium Glycolate is the salt form of glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. It gently exfoliates the skin by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, helping to improve skin texture and clarity.
Benefits
- Gentle chemical exfoliation
- May improve skin smoothness and brightness
- Helps reduce appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone
Potential concerns
- Can cause irritation, redness, or sensitivity in sensitive skin types
- May increase sun sensitivity—sunscreen is recommended
- Can cause dryness or flaking if overused
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available specifically for sodium glycolate; however, glycolic acid is well-established in the literature as an effective AHA exfoliant with a safety profile dependent on concentration and pH. Sodium glycolate is considered a milder, buffered form of glycolic acid suitable for at-home skincare.
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Bromelain is a natural enzyme mixture extracted from pineapple fruit and stems that works by breaking down proteins on the skin's surface. In skincare, it's used as a gentle exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and may help reduce inflammation and redness.
Benefits
- Gentle enzymatic exfoliation
- May reduce inflammation and redness
- Potentially supports wound healing and skin repair
Potential concerns
- Can cause irritation, redness, or sensitivity in some users
- May trigger allergic reactions, especially in those with pineapple or latex allergies
- Excessive use may over-exfoliate and damage skin barrier
- Not suitable for very sensitive or compromised skin
Science: Recent systematic reviews confirm bromelain retains enzymatic activity after absorption and shows modest efficacy for topical applications, though most clinical evidence focuses on oral and wound-healing uses rather than cosmetic skincare. Safety data indicate common side effects are mild (irritation, sensitivity), but individual tolerance varies significantly.
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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