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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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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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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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.
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Tartaric acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from grapes that works as a gentle chemical exfoliant. It helps remove dead skin cells from the surface to improve skin texture and appearance.
Benefits
- Gentle exfoliation
- Helps improve skin texture and smoothness
- May reduce appearance of keratoses and acne
Potential concerns
- Can cause swelling, burning, or itching, especially in sensitive skin
- May increase sun sensitivity — sunscreen is important when using AHA products
- Effects vary depending on concentration used
Science: Tartaric acid is classified as an AHA with well-understood exfoliating mechanisms on skin cells. Research confirms that safety and efficacy depend significantly on concentration — lower concentrations are gentler, while higher concentrations increase both benefits and potential irritation risk.
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Malic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from apples that works as a gentle chemical exfoliant. It helps remove dead skin cells from the surface and can improve skin texture and appearance.
Benefits
- Gently exfoliates dead skin cells
- May improve appearance of uneven skin tone and texture
- Can help reduce visibility of acne and keratoses
- Less irritating than stronger AHAs like glycolic acid
Potential concerns
- Can cause burning, swelling, or itching in sensitive individuals
- May increase sun sensitivity—sunscreen use recommended
- Higher concentrations carry greater risk of irritation
- Not suitable for very sensitive or compromised skin barriers
Science: Malic acid is a well-established AHA used in cosmetic formulations as a peeling agent. Research indicates that AHAs' safety profile and skin benefits are concentration-dependent; lower concentrations are gentler while higher concentrations carry increased risk of adverse reactions including irritation and potential photosensitivity concerns.
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Ectoin is a natural amino acid derivative originally found in salt-loving bacteria. In skincare, it works as a protective and hydrating ingredient that helps shield skin from stress, environmental damage, and signs of aging while supporting the skin's natural repair processes.
Benefits
- Reduces inflammation and calms irritated skin
- Protects skin from oxidative stress and free radical damage
- Boosts skin hydration and moisture retention
- Supports collagen production and skin firmness
- May help counteract stress-related skin damage, including sensitivity and loss of elasticity
- Promotes skin cell repair and renewal
Science: Recent peer-reviewed research demonstrates that ectoin has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, with studies showing it reduces inflammatory markers in skin cells and decreases harmful free radicals. Research also indicates ectoin can help counteract cortisol-induced skin stress and support collagen maintenance, particularly when combined with hyaluronic acid for enhanced skin penetration.
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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