Ingredients
-
Butylene glycol is a humectant—a type of ingredient that draws water into the skin and helps it stay hydrated. It's a small, lightweight molecule commonly used in moisturizers to improve hydration without leaving a heavy feel on the skin.
Benefits
- Increases skin hydration and moisture retention
- Lightweight and absorbs quickly
- Helps other active ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively
Science: Research demonstrates that butylene glycol, when combined with other humectants (like glycerin and hyaluronic acid) and occlusive ingredients in moisturizers, significantly improves skin hydration in both healthy skin and compromised skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. It is recognized as a safe, effective humectant in dermatological formulations.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
This is a thickening and stabilizing agent that helps give skincare products their texture and consistency. It works by absorbing water and forming a gel-like network, making products feel smooth and creamy on the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Benefits
- Creates smooth, pleasant product texture
- Helps stabilize emulsions and prevent separation
- Allows for lightweight formulations that don't feel heavy
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. It is widely used in cosmetics and generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies including the CosIng database and is approved for use in the EU and US.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Pentylene glycol is a lightweight humectant—a ingredient that draws water into the skin to improve hydration and texture. It's commonly used in serums, sunscreens, and moisturizers as a preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent.
Benefits
- Improves skin hydration by attracting moisture
- Lightweight feel, absorbs quickly without heaviness
- Helps preserve product stability and extends shelf life
Potential concerns
- Rare contact allergy reported in sensitive individuals
- Emerging evidence suggests it may be an uncommon cosmetic allergen—if you have sensitive or reactive skin, patch test first
Science: Safety studies show a high margin of safety at standard use levels (87–671 in adults), with minimal skin penetration due to the ingredient's volatility. However, recent dermatological reports flag pentylene glycol as an emerging contact allergen in some individuals, warranting attention for those with sensitive skin.
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→ -
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Coco-Betaine is a mild, plant-derived surfactant (cleansing agent) made from coconut oil. It helps cleanse skin and hair by removing oil and dirt, and is often used in gentle formulations because it's less irritating than harsher surfactants.
Benefits
- Gentle cleansing action suitable for sensitive skin
- Plant-derived and considered a more sustainable ingredient
- Can be used in formulations designed for delicate skin types
Potential concerns
- Rare but documented cases of allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- May cause irritation or allergic reactions in people with surfactant sensitivities
Science: Coco-Betaine is recognized as a mild surfactant with good biocompatibility and has been successfully used in eco-friendly formulations. However, isolated case reports document allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals, suggesting it is not universally hypoallergenic despite its gentle reputation.
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→ -
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate is a mild, plant-derived cleanser made from coconut oil and the amino acid glycine. It gently removes dirt and oil from skin while being less harsh than many traditional soaps, making it commonly used in facial cleansers and body washes.
Benefits
- Gentle cleansing action suitable for sensitive skin
- Effective at removing oil and impurities without over-drying
- Naturally derived from renewable sources
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. It is widely recognized as a mild surfactant with a good safety profile in cosmetic formulations and is commonly used in personal care products marketed for sensitive skin.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that works by gently exfoliating the skin's surface and penetrating pores to remove dead skin cells and excess oil. It's commonly used in acne treatments and can help improve skin texture and clarity.
Benefits
- Helps reduce acne breakouts by unclogging pores
- Gently exfoliates to improve skin texture
- May help fade dark spots and improve uneven skin tone when used as part of combination treatments
Potential concerns
- Can cause dryness, irritation, or sensitivity, especially with frequent use or in higher concentrations
- May increase sun sensitivity, so daily sunscreen is recommended
- Not recommended during pregnancy without consulting a healthcare provider
Science: Salicylic acid is recognized as a first-line topical acne treatment and is considered safe for most users. Research also supports its use as an adjuvant therapy for melasma and hyperpigmentation when combined with other treatments. Start with lower concentrations and introduce gradually to minimize irritation.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract is a plant-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. It comes from the leaves of the ginkgo tree and is included in products to help protect skin and improve its overall condition.
Benefits
- Antioxidant protection against environmental stress
- May help reduce skin inflammation
- Skin conditioning and soothing properties
Potential concerns
- May cause sensitization in some formulations — products should be tested to ensure non-sensitizing formulas
- Ginkgolic acid impurities are a concern; quality varies depending on manufacturing practices
- When combined with other botanical ingredients containing similar compounds, there's potential for cumulative irritation
Science: Expert safety panels confirm that properly formulated ginkgo biloba leaf extracts are safe at current use levels, though manufacturing quality controls are important to minimize ginkgolic acid impurities. Research shows the extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects comparable to some pharmaceutical treatments, though effects are modest.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Hydroxyacetophenone is a naturally derived compound with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It's used in skincare products to help protect skin from environmental stress and maintain product freshness.
Benefits
- Antioxidant protection against free radicals
- Antimicrobial and antiseptic properties
- May help preserve product stability
Science: Research shows hydroxyacetophenone has demonstrated antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiseptic activities in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. However, peer-reviewed data specifically evaluating its safety profile and efficacy in topical skincare products for consumers is limited.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Benzoic acid is a naturally occurring preservative commonly used in skincare products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, extending shelf life. It's a weak organic acid found in many plants and is also produced synthetically for cosmetic use.
Benefits
- Antimicrobial preservative that prevents bacterial and fungal contamination
- Helps extend product shelf life and maintain stability
- Naturally occurring compound also found in some foods
Potential concerns
- May cause skin irritation or sensitivity in some individuals, particularly on sensitive or compromised skin
- Can be a contact allergen for people with fragrance or preservative sensitivities
- Typical exposure is generally recognized as safe, but widespread use means cumulative exposure across multiple products
Science: Benzoic acid and its derivatives are widely used as preservatives in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals with established safety profiles at typical concentrations. Limited peer-reviewed data specifically addressing dermal safety in skincare formulations; most safety data derives from food additive studies and general preservative toxicology rather than cosmetic-specific clinical trials.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Sorbic acid is a preservative used in skincare products to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi, and mold, helping extend shelf life. It's a naturally-derived organic acid that's been safely used in food and cosmetics for decades.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination and product spoilage
- Effective across a range of pH levels, including mildly acidic formulas
- Well-established safety history in food and cosmetic applications
Potential concerns
- Can cause transient redness, swelling, and irritation at concentrations as low as 0.1%, particularly on sensitive facial skin
- Irritation appears to be mediated by prostaglandin response rather than allergic reaction, so it may affect most people at higher doses
- May cause discomfort in individuals with sensitive or compromised skin barriers
Science: Research shows sorbic acid triggers dose-dependent erythema and edema through prostaglandin-mediated inflammation rather than immune sensitization. While physiologically inert at approved preservation levels (typically well below 0.1%), it can provoke irritation responses in human skin, suggesting careful formulation and concentration limits are important for safety.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Glycol Distearate is a waxy conditioning agent derived from glycol and stearic acid. It's used in skincare and body care products to improve texture, add slip, and create a smooth, luxurious feel on the skin.
Benefits
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Adds conditioning and emollient properties
- Creates a smooth, pleasant feel on skin
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available specifically on glycol distearate. However, research on similar body wash ingredients—including ethylene glycol distearate—shows it can reduce the bioaccumulation of problematic chemicals when used in formulations, suggesting it may have a stabilizing role in product safety.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
Edit this product
Edit Ingredients