Ingredients
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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Dimethicone is a silicone-based ingredient that forms a smooth, protective layer on your skin. It helps lock in moisture, creates a soft feel, and is commonly used in moisturizers and primers to improve product texture and skin hydration.
Benefits
- Improves skin hydration by creating a moisture-barrier layer
- Provides a smooth, silky feel to products and on skin
- Well-tolerated by sensitive and atopic (eczema-prone) skin
- Non-greasy alternative to heavier oils
Science: Clinical studies demonstrate dimethicone is safe and well-tolerated in children with atopic dermatitis from 12 months of age. Research shows moisturizers containing dimethicone effectively improve skin hydration in mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis patients over 14 days.
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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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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.
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Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent that binds to metals and minerals in skincare formulations, helping to preserve product stability and extend shelf life. It's used in small amounts (typically under 2%) to prevent unwanted chemical reactions that could degrade the formula.
Benefits
- Stabilizes cosmetic formulations by binding trace metals
- Extends product shelf life and maintains efficacy
- Allows other skincare ingredients to work more effectively
Potential concerns
- May increase skin penetration of other ingredients by chelating calcium in the skin barrier—only a concern if combined with potentially harmful substances
- Not absorbed through skin in normal use, but inhalation from sprays was identified as a theoretical concern in safety assessments
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel confirmed safety in 2023 based on standard use concentrations. Clinical studies show no skin absorption; however, it can affect how other chemicals penetrate the skin, so formulators must account for this when combining with other actives.
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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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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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Sodium Hydroxide is a strong alkaline chemical used in skincare products primarily as a pH buffer to neutralize acids and adjust the product's pH to safe levels for skin. It is not an active skincare ingredient and appears only in trace amounts in finished products.
Potential concerns
- In concentrated form, sodium hydroxide is caustic and can cause severe chemical burns; however, in cosmetic products it is diluted and pH-buffered to safe levels
- Undiluted or highly concentrated sodium hydroxide should never contact skin directly
Science: The provided research discusses sodium hydroxide only in a specialized medical context (10% solution for surgical cauterization of ingrown toenails), which is not relevant to cosmetic skincare use. In properly formulated skincare products, sodium hydroxide is used in minimal concentrations solely for pH adjustment and is considered safe by regulatory bodies including the FDA and EU.
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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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Behenyl alcohol is a waxy, plant-derived fatty alcohol that acts as a thickener and emollient in skincare products. It helps create stable, creamy textures in formulations and can improve the feel and moisturizing properties of creams and lotions.
Benefits
- Thickens and stabilizes product texture
- Provides emollient properties for skin conditioning
- Helps reduce moisture loss from skin
- Creates a smooth, non-greasy feel in formulations
Science: Research from L'Oréal shows behenyl alcohol works effectively as a structure-building agent in oil-based skincare systems, particularly when combined with behenic acid. It forms stable crystalline networks in oils that enhance product stability and texture without irritation concerns.
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Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of vitamin C that's been chemically modified to last longer in skincare products. Once absorbed into the skin, your body converts it into active vitamin C, which helps brighten skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and support overall skin health.
Benefits
- Helps fade dark spots and uneven pigmentation (solar lentigos)
- Brightens overall skin tone and improves radiance
- More stable than standard vitamin C, so it stays effective longer in products
- Antioxidant protection against environmental damage
Science: Clinical research demonstrates that ascorbyl glucoside-arginine complex significantly reduced pigmentation in sun spots after 24 weeks of twice-daily use, with visible lightening effects and no reported adverse effects or unwanted skin bleaching. The ingredient is well-tolerated and considered a safe, effective alternative to less stable vitamin C forms.
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree. In skincare, it works as a rich moisturizer and skin conditioning agent that helps soften and protect the skin barrier.
Benefits
- Deep moisturization and hydration
- Skin conditioning and softening
- May help improve skin texture and elasticity
Potential concerns
- May cause sensitivity or irritation in some individuals; formulations should be tested to ensure non-sensitizing properties
- Quality varies by source—impurities in poorly processed shea butter could potentially cause irritation
Science: A 2024 safety assessment by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that shea-derived ingredients are safe at current use levels and concentrations when formulated to be non-sensitizing. Formulators should monitor for impurities and be aware of cumulative botanical constituents in multi-ingredient products.
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Ethylhexyl palmitate is a lightweight oil derived from palmitic acid and alcohol. It works as an emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin by forming a protective layer that reduces moisture loss.
Benefits
- Smooths and softens skin texture
- Reduces water loss from the skin barrier
- Lightweight feel compared to heavier oils
- Improves product texture and spreadability
Potential concerns
- May cause comedogenicity in acne-prone individuals (typical of occlusive oils)
- Potential for irritation in very sensitive skin, though generally mild
Science: Research shows ethylhexyl palmitate functions as an emollient that helps retain skin hydration by reducing transepidermal water loss. It is chemically stable and well-tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with other ester-based cosmetic oils commonly used in skincare formulations.
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Dimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone-based ingredient that acts as a thickener and texture modifier in skincare products. It helps create a smooth, lightweight feel and can improve how products spread across the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Benefits
- Creates a smooth, non-greasy texture
- Helps products glide evenly on skin
- Improves product stability and consistency
Science: Dimethicone crosspolymers are widely used in cosmetics and are generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies including the CosIng database. Limited peer-reviewed data available specifically for this ingredient, but the safety profile is supported by extensive industry use and regulatory approval.
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Titanium dioxide is a mineral powder that sits on top of your skin to physically block both UVA and UVB rays from the sun. It's one of the most commonly used active ingredients in mineral (physical) sunscreens and is also used in tinted formulations to provide visible light protection.
Benefits
- Provides broad-spectrum UV protection (UVA and UVB)
- Physical blocker that doesn't require absorption into the skin
- Generally well-tolerated and suitable for sensitive skin
- Offers additional visible light protection when used in tinted formulations, which may benefit those with melasma or other pigmentation concerns
Potential concerns
- Can leave a white or chalky cast on skin, though nanoparticle formulations minimize this
- May feel heavy or occlusive for some users
Science: Titanium dioxide is a well-established, inorganic UV filter with a strong safety profile. Unlike organic sunscreen filters, it is not systemically absorbed and does not pose the environmental concerns (such as coral bleaching) associated with chemical filters. Recent research confirms its effectiveness in both standard and visible light protection applications.
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Isononyl isononanoate is a lightweight synthetic oil derived from fatty acids, used in skincare products as an emollient to soften and smooth skin. It provides a silky texture without a greasy feel, making it popular in moisturizers, serums, and foundations.
Benefits
- Softens and conditions skin
- Provides lightweight moisture without heaviness
- Improves product texture and spreadability
Science: Research shows isononyl isononanoate has a very clean chemical profile with minimal volatile compounds—mainly just the ester itself and traces of isononyl alcohol from synthesis. It is well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations and considered safe for topical use.
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Steareth-21 is an emulsifier—a helper ingredient that blends oil and water together in creams and lotions. It's made by combining stearic acid (a natural fatty acid) with ethylene oxide, creating a molecule that stabilizes skincare formulations and keeps them from separating.
Benefits
- Helps create stable, smooth emulsions in creams and lotions
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Allows other active ingredients to be evenly distributed
Science: Research shows that steareth-21 used in oil-in-water emulsions significantly reduces skin penetration of certain sunscreen agents compared to other emulsifier systems, suggesting it creates a stronger barrier effect. This makes it a preferred choice in protective formulations where controlling ingredient absorption is desirable.
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Methylparaben is a preservative used in skincare and cosmetic products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, extending shelf life. It's one of the most commonly used preservatives in the beauty industry and has been approved for use in cosmetics across most regulatory regions.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination and product spoilage
- Allows products to remain safe and effective throughout their shelf life
- Cost-effective preservation at low concentrations
Potential concerns
- Classified as a potential carcinogen in recent literature reviews; however, regulatory bodies consider approved concentrations safe
- Some studies suggest parabens may have weak estrogenic activity, though real-world risk at cosmetic-use levels remains debated
- May cause contact sensitivity or allergic reactions in individuals with paraben sensitivity
Science: A 2023 review identified methylparaben among potential carcinogenic substances in analyzed cosmetics, though the authors note these are used 'within allowable range of established concentrations.' Current EU and regulatory approval suggests approved concentrations are considered safe for consumers, but long-term exposure studies at cosmetic levels remain limited.
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Propylparaben is a preservative used in skincare products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, extending shelf life. It's one of several paraben preservatives commonly found in cosmetics and personal care products.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination
- Extends product shelf life
- Cost-effective preservation
Potential concerns
- Potential endocrine-disrupting properties at high concentrations
- Detectable in human urine, suggesting systemic absorption from cosmetic use
- May reduce fecundity in animal models at very high exposures
Science: Research in Drosophila models shows propylparaben has estrogenic properties and can reduce fecundity at high concentrations (200 mM), though typical cosmetic use involves much lower levels. Human biomonitoring studies confirm paraben absorption through skincare products, but long-term health effects at cosmetic exposure levels remain understudied in humans.
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Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that functions as a humectant in skincare, helping to draw moisture into the skin and maintain hydration. It has been safely used in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals for over 50 years.
Benefits
- Hydrates and moisturizes skin by drawing water into the outer layers
- Gentle humectant suitable for sensitive skin types
- Does not trigger rapid blood sugar spikes like regular sugar
Science: Xylitol is endogenously produced in the body and has an established safety history spanning decades of use across multiple industries. Recent cardiovascular research found no significant risk links in clinical studies, though some pilot trials suggest temporary platelet effects at very high doses—irrelevant to topical skincare application.
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A synthetic polymer that acts as a film-former and thickening agent in skincare products. It creates a light, flexible layer on the skin's surface to help products spread smoothly and improve texture without feeling heavy.
Benefits
- Creates a smooth, even texture in formulations
- Helps products adhere better to skin
- Contributes to lightweight, non-greasy feel
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel assessed vinylpyrrolidone polymers (the VP component of this ingredient) and determined that 27 of 30 polymers in this class are safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. This specific copolymer was included in the safe-to-use category.
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Anhydroxylitol is a sugar alcohol derived from natural sources, used in skincare formulas primarily as a humectant to help retain moisture in the skin. It works by drawing water into the outer layer of skin, making it smoother and more hydrated.
Benefits
- Improves skin hydration and moisture retention
- Reduces visible skin roughness and fine texture
- Smooths skin microrelief (the tiny peaks and valleys on skin surface)
Science: A 2023 clinical study found that a moisturiser blend containing anhydroxylitol (combined with xylitylglucoside and xylitol) significantly reduced skin roughness measures within 8 hours of application, outperforming some individual moisturisers like urea. The ingredient received a safety clearance from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel in 2025, confirming its safety for use in cosmetics.
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Xylitylglucoside is a natural humectant derived from xylose and glucose that works by drawing moisture into the skin and helping it stay hydrated. It's a gentle, sugar-based ingredient commonly used in moisturisers to improve skin smoothness and texture.
Benefits
- Improves skin hydration and moisture retention
- Reduces skin roughness and smooths microrelief texture
- Gentle humectant suitable for sensitive skin types
Science: A 2023 clinical study found that xylitylglucoside (combined with anhydroxylitol and xylitol) showed strong moisturising effects, reducing skin roughness by 2.8-fold and plateau height by 2.1-fold within 8 hours of application—performance comparable to or better than urea and saccharide isomerate.
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Sclerotium gum is a natural thickening and stabilizing ingredient derived from fermented fungi. It's used in skincare products to create a smooth, gel-like texture while helping active ingredients stay evenly distributed and stable.
Benefits
- Creates a smooth, pleasant gel texture
- Stabilizes product formulations
- Helps deliver active ingredients effectively to skin
Science: Research shows sclerotium gum successfully thickens hydrogel formulations while maintaining stability and biocompatibility. It has been used in pharmaceutical-grade skincare studies without reported safety concerns, though independent consumer safety data remains limited.
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Methyl methacrylate crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer used primarily as a thickening and film-forming agent in skincare formulations. It helps create texture and consistency in products while potentially supporting preservative effectiveness.
Benefits
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Creates a light film on skin
- May enhance preservative performance, allowing lower preservative levels in formulations
Potential concerns
- Limited safety data specific to skin application in published literature
- Synthetic polymer — may cause sensitivity in those with polymer sensitivities, though this is rare
Science: Research shows that methyl methacrylate crosspolymer at high concentrations (50,000 ppm) can reduce the effectiveness of common preservatives like 1,2-hexanediol against bacteria and fungi, suggesting it may interfere with preservative function rather than support it. Limited peer-reviewed data exists on direct skin safety and efficacy at typical use levels.
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Ethylparaben is a preservative used in cosmetics and skincare products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, extending shelf life. It belongs to the paraben family of preservatives that have been widely used in beauty and personal care products for decades.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination in products
- Extends product shelf life
- Relatively inexpensive preservative option
Potential concerns
- May have endocrine-disrupting properties at high concentrations
- Animal studies show potential effects on reproductive function at elevated doses
- Potential estrogenic activity, though significance in topical skincare at typical use levels remains unclear
- Dermal absorption occurs, though extent and long-term implications in humans need further study
Science: Research in fruit flies demonstrates that ethylparaben can affect gene expression related to hormones and reproduction, with effects appearing dose-dependent. However, these studies use concentrations significantly higher than typical skincare formulations (0.5% or less), and findings in insects may not directly translate to human safety at cosmetic use levels. Human safety data remains limited.
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Steareth-2 is a nonionic emulsifier derived from stearyl alcohol and ethylene oxide. It helps mix oil and water in skincare formulations to create stable, smooth creams and lotions.
Benefits
- Stabilizes oil-water emulsions
- Helps create smooth product texture
- Allows even distribution of active ingredients like sunscreens
Potential concerns
- May increase skin water loss (TEWL) in normal skin at typical use concentrations
- Can affect how much active ingredient penetrates the skin depending on formulation
Science: Research shows steareth-2 acts as an emulsifier but can alter skin barrier function—it increased transepidermal water loss in normal skin while unexpectedly decreasing it in damaged skin, suggesting it may interact with skin lipids. The ingredient also influences how effectively sunscreen agents penetrate or remain on the skin depending on the overall emulsion system used.
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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