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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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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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.
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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Carrageenan is a natural thickening and gelling ingredient extracted from red seaweed. In skincare products, it acts as a stabilizer and texture-builder, helping to create a smooth, gel-like consistency while maintaining product stability.
Benefits
- Creates smooth, gel-like texture in skincare formulations
- Helps stabilize and thicken products
- Natural origin from marine sources
- May have antioxidant properties
Potential concerns
- May cause sensitivity or irritation in individuals with seaweed allergies
- Some research suggests potential inflammatory effects with ingestion; topical use is considered safer but long-term effects are not extensively studied
- Can occasionally cause mild irritation in sensitive skin
Science: Carrageenan is a sulfated polysaccharide from red seaweed with documented antioxidant and potential immunomodulating properties. While widely used in cosmetics as a stabilizer and gelling agent, peer-reviewed research specifically evaluating its safety and efficacy in topical skincare applications remains limited; most evidence comes from food and pharmaceutical studies.
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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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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Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a 3-carbon sugar approved by the FDA as a color additive for sunless tanning products. When applied to skin, it reacts with proteins in the outer layer to produce a temporary brown tan-like color that develops over a few hours.
Benefits
- Creates a tan appearance without sun exposure
- Temporary effect that washes off with soap and water
- Allows customization of tan depth depending on product concentration
Potential concerns
- Should not contact eyes, lips, or mucous membranes
- Inhalation of spray-tan mist is not FDA-approved and should be avoided
- May cause streaking or uneven coloring if not applied evenly
Science: DHA has been used safely in topical tanning products since the 1960s. It works by binding to free amino groups in skin proteins, particularly arginine, to create the brown color. Current research suggests DHA staining may have diagnostic applications in dermatology for identifying skin lesions.
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Erythrulose is a naturally derived sugar that works as a self-tanning agent. Like DHA (dihydroxyacetone), it reacts with amino acids in your skin to create a brown color, but it typically develops more slowly and may last slightly longer than DHA alone.
Benefits
- Creates a gradual, natural-looking tan without sun exposure
- Often used alongside DHA to extend tan duration and improve color evenness
- Generally well-tolerated with low irritation potential
- Semi-permanent color that fades as skin naturally sheds dead cells
Potential concerns
- May cause contact dermatitis or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
- Can cause unwanted pigmentary changes or streaking if not applied evenly
- Provides no UV protection—sunscreen use is still essential
Science: Erythrulose is used in approximately 38% of commercial self-tanning products, typically combined with DHA. It works through the same Maillard reaction mechanism as DHA, producing brown pigments (melanoidins) that deposit in the outer skin layer. Clinical data on adverse effects show self-tanners overall have a low incidence of skin reactions (roughly 2%), though contact dermatitis remains a possible concern in susceptible individuals.
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Caramel is a brown coloring and flavoring agent made by heating sugars, commonly used in cosmetics for its warm brown pigmentation. In skincare products, it primarily serves as a colorant and may provide mild antioxidant properties from its sugar-derived compounds.
Benefits
- Provides natural-looking brown coloration
- Antioxidant properties from caramelized sugars
Potential concerns
- May attract or support microbial growth if water content is present in formulation
- Potential for irritation in products with high sugar concentration
- Not recommended for acne-prone skin as it may feed bacteria
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for caramel's safety in topical skincare applications. Available research focuses on caramel in food products, where it can create microenvironments supporting bacterial growth under specific moisture conditions—a consideration relevant to product preservation but not direct skin safety.
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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.
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Sodium metabisulfite is a preservative and antioxidant used in skincare to prevent product spoilage and oxidation. It helps extend shelf life by protecting formulations from degradation caused by air and light exposure.
Benefits
- Preserves product stability and extends shelf life
- Prevents oxidation of other ingredients
- Approved for cosmetic use at standard concentrations
Potential concerns
- May cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly those with sulfite sensitivities
- Can trigger reactions in people with asthma or sulfite allergies
- Not typically recommended for products applied to sensitive facial skin
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel confirmed sodium metabisulfite is safe in cosmetic formulations at typical use concentrations (2023). However, research indicates it can affect cellular ion channels at higher concentrations; safety depends on the low levels used in skincare products.
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Aloe vera leaf juice is a clear gel extracted from the inner leaf of the aloe plant, widely used in skincare for its soothing and hydrating properties. It's a popular ingredient in moisturizers, gels, and lotions designed to calm irritated skin and provide lightweight hydration.
Benefits
- Soothes irritated or inflamed skin
- Provides lightweight hydration
- May help reduce redness from minor irritation or sunburn
Potential concerns
- May cause contact dermatitis or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
- Latex (the yellow substance under the leaf skin) can be irritating if not properly removed during processing
- Can cause photosensitivity in some people
Science: Aloe vera has a long history of use in traditional medicine and cosmetics. Limited peer-reviewed data available for this specific ingredient form, though some studies suggest aloe gel may support skin hydration and have mild anti-inflammatory properties.
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Avocado oil is a plant-based oil extracted from the fruit of the avocado tree. It's rich in fatty acids and vitamin E, making it a nourishing emollient that helps soften and hydrate the skin while improving the texture of skincare formulations.
Benefits
- Deep moisturization and skin softening
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E
- Helps improve skin barrier function
Potential concerns
- May cause comedogenic reactions in acne-prone individuals
- Possible allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- Can leave a greasy residue if used in high concentrations
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. General knowledge suggests avocado oil is well-tolerated in cosmetic applications, though individual sensitivity varies depending on skin type and formulation concentration.
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Hydrogenated starch hydrolysate is a sugar derivative made by breaking down and processing starch. In skincare products, it acts as a humectant and skin conditioning agent, helping to retain moisture and improve the feel of formulations.
Benefits
- Helps skin retain moisture
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Gentle humectant suitable for sensitive skin
Potential concerns
- May cause mild ocular irritation if product contacts eyes directly
- Risk appears to be minimal when properly formulated and combined with other soothing ingredients
Science: Recent research on baby bath products found that hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, when combined with panthenol and Tween-28, significantly reduced the irritation potential of surfactants in animal models. The ingredient itself showed low irritation concern, though its safety profile can be influenced by manufacturing processes and formulation combinations.
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Tocopheryl acetate is a stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin E commonly used in skincare. It works as an antioxidant to help protect skin from environmental damage and may help maintain skin moisture.
Benefits
- Antioxidant protection against free radicals
- May help reduce signs of aging
- Supports skin hydration and barrier function
Potential concerns
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- May cause mild irritation at high concentrations
Science: Tocopheryl acetate is widely used and generally recognized as safe in cosmetics. It's a stable derivative of vitamin E that the skin can convert to active vitamin E, supporting antioxidant benefits, though direct peer-reviewed efficacy studies specifically on this ester are limited compared to unesterified vitamin E.
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