Ingredients
-
Caprylyl glycol is a preservative and skin-conditioning ingredient derived from coconut oil. It helps prevent bacterial and mold growth in skincare products while also providing mild hydrating and humectant benefits to the skin.
Benefits
- Helps preserve product freshness and prevent contamination
- Provides gentle humectant properties to help retain skin moisture
- Often used as a gentler alternative to traditional preservatives
Potential concerns
- Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported in sensitive individuals
- May cause irritation in those with known sensitivity to glycols
Science: A 200-subject repeat patch test study found no delayed hypersensitivity reactions to caprylyl glycol at typical use concentrations. However, isolated case reports of allergic contact dermatitis exist, suggesting it can act as an allergen in susceptible individuals. It is widely used in infant and sensitive-skin formulations as a preservative alternative.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Yellow 5 (also called Tartrazine) is a synthetic yellow dye used to color skincare products. It has no active skincare benefits and serves purely to make products visually appealing.
Potential concerns
- May cause allergic reactions or sensitivity in people with tartrazine intolerance
- Can trigger reactions in individuals with aspirin sensitivity
- Potential for contact dermatitis in sensitive skin types
Science: Yellow 5 is approved by major regulatory bodies (FDA, EU) as a cosmetic colorant at specified concentrations. Limited peer-reviewed data exists on its dermatological effects, though it is generally considered safe at approved levels; however, some individuals report sensitivity reactions.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Glycolic acid is a naturally derived chemical exfoliant (alpha hydroxy acid) that gently dissolves the bonds holding dead skin cells to the surface, helping to remove them and reveal fresher skin underneath. It's one of the smallest and most penetrating AHAs, making it effective for improving skin texture, tone, and clarity.
Benefits
- Exfoliates dead skin cells to improve skin texture and brightness
- Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone
- Can be used as an adjuvant treatment for dark spots and melasma
- Generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects when used properly
Potential concerns
- Can cause irritation, redness, or sensitivity, especially in higher concentrations or with frequent use
- May increase sun sensitivity — daily SPF 30+ is essential
- Not suitable for very sensitive or compromised skin barriers without gradual introduction
- Can cause dryness or stinging in some individuals
Science: Research confirms glycolic acid is an effective adjuvant therapy for melasma and other skin concerns with minimal adverse effects. Cosmetic dermatologists recognize it as a well-established, evidence-backed skincare ingredient, though it works best when introduced gradually and combined with sun protection.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative used in skincare products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, extending shelf life. It's a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that helps keep products safe from contamination during storage and use.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination in skincare formulations
- Extends product shelf life
- Allows formulas to remain stable without refrigeration
Potential concerns
- May cause irritation to sensitive eyes and eye area when present in eye products
- Degrades under UV exposure, potentially creating more harmful breakdown products
- Limited long-term safety data in peer-reviewed literature
Science: Research shows chlorphenesin can be toxic to eye tissue cells at approved concentrations, particularly affecting meibomian glands. When exposed to sunlight, it breaks down into compounds like 4-chlorophenol that may be more ecotoxic than the original ingredient, though systemic absorption in skincare is typically minimal.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Propylene glycol is a lightweight humectant and solvent commonly used in skincare formulations. It helps draw moisture into the skin and improves the texture and spreadability of products.
Benefits
- Hydrates skin by attracting and retaining moisture
- Enhances product texture and makes formulas easier to apply
- Helps active ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively
- Improves stability and shelf life of formulations
Potential concerns
- May cause contact dermatitis or irritation in sensitive individuals
- Can occasionally trigger allergic reactions in susceptible people
- High concentrations may feel sticky or heavy on some skin types
Science: Research confirms propylene glycol acts as a penetration enhancer in topical formulations, improving skin uptake of active ingredients. The ingredient is widely studied and considered safe at typical cosmetic concentrations, though individual sensitivity varies.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Gluconolactone is a gentle exfoliating acid that belongs to the polyhydroxy acid (PHA) family. It works by removing dead skin cells from the surface and is known for being less irritating than stronger acids, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
Benefits
- Gentle exfoliation that removes dead skin cells
- Increases skin hydration and strengthens the skin barrier
- Reduces sebum production and helps balance oily skin
- May help reduce inflammation and support skin with sensitivity or irritation
Potential concerns
- May cause mild irritation, redness, or dryness when first introduced, especially in sensitive skin
- Can increase sun sensitivity — sunscreen is recommended during use
Science: Recent research shows gluconolactone effectively improves skin hydration, reduces sebum, and strengthens the skin barrier when used in chemical peels. Emerging evidence suggests it may have immune-regulating properties that could help calm inflammatory skin conditions, though this research is still in early stages.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is a gentle cleanser and foaming agent derived from coconut oil. It's commonly used in shampoos, body washes, cleansers, and other rinse-off products to remove dirt and oil while creating lather.
Benefits
- Effective cleansing without excessive harshness
- Boosts foam and lather in rinse-off products
- Helps control product thickness and texture
Potential concerns
- Can cause mild skin irritation in some people, particularly with prolonged contact
- Known allergen affecting 3–7% of the population; contact sensitization has increased over time
- Manufacturing impurities (amidoamine, dimethylaminopropylamine) may increase allergic reaction risk
- May cause eye irritation if not rinsed thoroughly
Science: Recent safety data (2024) confirms CAPB is safe at standard cosmetic concentrations (up to 30% in rinse-off products, 6% in leave-on) with a safety margin greater than 100. However, it was named Allergen of the Year in 2004 due to rising contact sensitization rates, primarily linked to manufacturing impurities rather than the ingredient itself. Most reactions are delayed allergic responses rather than immediate irritation.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a cleansing agent that helps remove oil and dirt from skin and hair. It's a mild surfactant commonly used in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers to create lather and improve product effectiveness.
Benefits
- Effective at removing oils and impurities
- Creates satisfying lather in cleansing products
- Milder than some alternative surfactants
Potential concerns
- Can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin with prolonged contact
- May cause contact dermatitis in individuals with sensitive skin
- Higher occupational exposure risk for hairdressers; consumer exposure generally considered acceptable
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data specifically addresses SLES safety in consumer skincare products. A systematic review of hair cosmetic ingredients noted that while current safety standards consider typical consumer exposure acceptable, the irritant potential of surfactants like SLES warrants attention in sensitive populations. Research confirms SLES is effective at cleansing, though individual sensitivity varies.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Polyquaternium-10 is a positively charged polymer derived from cellulose that acts as a conditioning and thickening agent in skincare and hair care products. It helps smooth the skin and hair surface, improve texture, and enhance product feel.
Benefits
- Conditions and softens skin and hair
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Creates a smoother, more polished skin feel
Science: Research demonstrates excellent ocular biocompatibility with no significant cytotoxic effects in cell studies, comparable to standard cellulose-based conditioning agents. The ingredient is extensively used in cosmetics and effectively removed by standard wastewater treatment processes.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Benzophenone-4 is a chemical UV filter used in sunscreens and daily skincare to absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation and protect skin from sun damage. It works by converting UV energy into heat on the skin's surface.
Benefits
- Provides UV protection against sun damage
- Helps prevent sunburn and skin aging from sun exposure
- Commonly used in broad-spectrum sunscreen formulations
Potential concerns
- May cause allergic contact dermatitis or photoallergy in sensitive individuals (approximately 5% of patch-tested patients in clinical studies)
- Can penetrate the skin barrier, though absorption levels appear lower in real-world use than predicted by laboratory tests
- Limited data on long-term systemic effects from cumulative skin absorption
Science: Recent research shows benzophenone-4 can penetrate intact skin in laboratory conditions, though actual blood concentrations from everyday use are significantly lower than theoretical predictions. Historical data indicates it has a higher rate of allergic sensitization compared to some other UV filters, affecting roughly 1 in 20 individuals tested for sunscreen allergy.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate is a gentle, plant-derived emulsifier made from coconut oil and glycerin. It helps blend oil and water-based ingredients together in formulas, creating smooth, stable textures while also providing mild cleansing properties.
Benefits
- Helps stabilize product texture and consistency
- Provides gentle cleansing without stripping skin
- Allows better mixing of different skincare ingredients
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. As a PEG-derived emulsifier from natural sources, it is generally recognized as safe in cosmetic formulations and has a long history of use in personal care products.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Fragrance is a blend of aromatic compounds added to skincare products to create a pleasant scent. It serves no therapeutic skincare function and is purely for sensory appeal.
Benefits
- Improves user experience through pleasant scent
- Can enhance the overall perception of product quality
Potential concerns
- May cause contact dermatitis or sensitization, especially in those with sensitive skin
- Can trigger reactions in fragrance-sensitive individuals or those with conditions like rosacea
- Undisclosed fragrance ingredients (allergens masked as 'parfum') may cause allergic reactions
Science: Fragrance is a common irritant and sensitizer in skincare products. While generally recognized as safe at low concentrations, fragrance is one of the most frequent causes of cosmetic contact dermatitis, particularly in individuals with sensitive or compromised skin barriers.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
Edit this product
Edit Ingredients