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Squalane + Amino Acids Hydrating Lip Balm for Lips, Elbows, and Cuticles
The Ordinary
$9.50
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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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Alanine is a simple amino acid—a building block of proteins—used in skincare products to support skin hydration and provide conditioning benefits. It helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier and is generally used in small concentrations as part of formulation systems.
Benefits
- Supports skin hydration and moisture retention
- Helps condition and soften skin texture
- May contribute to the skin's natural amino acid profile
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available specifically for alanine in topical skincare applications. Alanine is a naturally occurring, non-essential amino acid that is well-tolerated by skin and widely recognized as safe in cosmetic formulations.
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Glycine is a simple amino acid that serves as a building block for collagen, the protein responsible for skin structure and elasticity. In skincare, it helps support skin firmness and may contribute to anti-aging benefits when used as part of collagen-based formulations.
Benefits
- Supports collagen production and skin structure
- May help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Contributes to skin firmness and elasticity
Science: Research indicates that glycine, as a key amino acid in marine collagen supplements, plays a role in combating skin aging by supporting collagen integrity and minimizing oxidative stress. However, most anti-aging benefits are demonstrated when glycine is consumed as part of collagen peptides rather than applied topically alone.
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Serine is a naturally occurring amino acid that your skin produces on its own. In skincare products, it helps support the skin's natural moisture barrier and may contribute to overall skin hydration and structure.
Benefits
- Supports skin hydration and moisture retention
- Helps maintain skin barrier function
- May improve skin texture and smoothness
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient in cosmetic skincare applications. Serine is a fundamental amino acid involved in skin biology, but the provided research focuses on disease mechanisms (fibrosis and pemphigus) rather than cosmetic benefits in healthy skin.
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Proline is an amino acid that serves as a building block for collagen, the protein responsible for skin firmness and structure. Your body uses proline (along with vitamin C) to create and repair collagen in the skin, which naturally declines with age.
Benefits
- Supports collagen production and skin structure
- May improve skin firmness and elasticity
- Helps with skin repair and wound healing
Science: Proline is an essential amino acid in collagen synthesis; vitamin C-dependent hydroxylation of proline is a critical step in forming stable collagen. Limited direct human studies exist on topical proline alone, though it is recognized as a key structural component in skin biology and collagen formation.
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Threonine is an amino acid that your body cannot produce on its own, so it must come from diet or skincare products. In skincare, it functions as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Benefits
- Helps maintain skin hydration and moisture balance
- Supports skin barrier function as a natural amino acid
- May improve skin texture and softness
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for threonine as a direct skincare ingredient. The provided research focuses on threonine as part of BRAF protein kinase pathways in melanoma treatment and fibrosis research, which are not relevant to topical cosmetic use. Threonine is generally recognized as safe in skincare applications.
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Glutamic acid is a naturally occurring amino acid that functions as a humectant in skincare, helping to draw moisture into the skin and support its natural hydration barrier. It's often used in the form of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), a biodegradable biopolymer derived from bacterial fermentation that enhances the moisturizing properties of skincare formulas.
Benefits
- Humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin
- Supports skin hydration and barrier function
- Biodegradable and generally well-tolerated by most skin types
Science: Poly-γ-glutamic acid is a well-documented, biodegradable biopolymer with good biocompatibility and non-toxic profile, widely used in cosmetic formulations. Research confirms it is safe and effective for moisture-binding applications in skincare.
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Arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid that is a building block of proteins found in skin. In skincare products, it's used to support skin hydration and may help improve skin barrier function and elasticity.
Benefits
- Supports natural skin hydration
- Helps maintain skin barrier health
- May improve skin firmness and elasticity
Science: Arginine is a naturally occurring amino acid in human skin with a strong safety profile. Research shows it is a normal metabolite excreted by skin and is used in clinical diagnostics, indicating its natural presence and compatibility with skin biology.
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PCA (pyroglutamic acid) is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that acts as a humectant, helping skin retain moisture. It's often used in skincare formulas to support hydration and skin barrier function.
Benefits
- Humectant that draws moisture into the skin
- Supports natural skin hydration
- Generally well-tolerated by most skin types
Science: PCA is a component of the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and has a long history of safe use in cosmetics. Research indicates manganese PCA may support hair follicle health and growth signaling pathways, though human skincare efficacy data remains limited.
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Sodium PCA is a naturally occurring humectant (moisture-attracting ingredient) that helps skin retain water and stay hydrated. It's a sodium salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a compound found naturally in healthy skin.
Benefits
- Draws moisture into the skin and helps maintain hydration
- Improves skin's natural moisture-retention ability
- Generally well-tolerated and safe for regular use
Science: A 2019 Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel assessment confirmed sodium PCA and related salts are safe in cosmetics at current use levels. Recent research shows sodium PCA concentrates effectively in the outermost skin layer (stratum corneum) where it provides hydration benefits.
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Sodium lactate is a salt derived from lactic acid that acts as a humectant and pH buffer in skincare products. It helps draw moisture into the skin and maintain the product's stability.
Benefits
- Humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin
- Helps maintain skin hydration and plumpness
- Gentle pH buffer that stabilizes formulations
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available specifically for topical skincare use. The provided research focuses on medical applications (intravenous use in shock treatment) and cellular mechanisms unrelated to cosmetic skincare; these do not directly inform safety or efficacy for topical skin application.
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Tocopherol is a form of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. It helps maintain skin's natural barrier function and is commonly used in skincare products to prevent premature aging and support overall skin health.
Benefits
- Protects skin from free radical damage and oxidative stress
- Supports skin barrier function and moisture retention
- May help reduce signs of aging caused by UV exposure and environmental damage
- Works as a lipid antioxidant to prevent degradation of skin oils
Science: Tocopherol (α-tocopherol) is recognized in peer-reviewed research as a key endogenous defense mechanism against oxidative stress in aging skin, particularly from UV-induced damage. Studies confirm it functions as a lipid-soluble antioxidant capable of preventing lipid peroxidation, with established efficacy in cosmetic and therapeutic applications.
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Squalane is a lightweight, skin-identical oil derived from squalene (a natural component of human sebum). It absorbs easily into the skin to lock in moisture and create a smooth, soft feel without leaving a greasy residue.
Benefits
- Hydrates and moisturizes skin
- Mimics skin's natural oils for better compatibility
- Lightweight emollient that doesn't clog pores
- Antioxidant properties
- Well-tolerated by most skin types
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel confirmed squalane is safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations (2023). Research demonstrates skin hydrating and emollient activity, and squalane is naturally present in human sebum at ~13%, making it biocompatible with skin.
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Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight oil derived from coconut that acts as an emollient and helps formulations blend smoothly. It softens skin and reduces water loss by creating an occlusive barrier on the skin's surface.
Benefits
- Improves skin hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
- Lightweight, non-greasy feel compared to heavier oils
- Helps deliver other active ingredients deeper into the skin
- Smooth, silky texture in skincare formulations
Science: Research shows that emulsions containing 15% caprylic/capric triglyceride significantly increase skin hydration and reduce water loss in healthy subjects. The ingredient is also used as an effective carrier oil in nanoemulsions to enhance penetration of active compounds into skin.
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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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Trihydroxystearin is a thickening agent and emollient derived from stearic acid (a natural fatty acid). It helps create a smooth, stable texture in skincare products and leaves skin feeling soft and conditioned.
Benefits
- Improves product texture and stability
- Provides light moisturizing and conditioning effects
- Helps create smooth, creamy formulations
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. It is generally recognized as safe in cosmetic formulations and functions as a structuring agent similar to other plant-derived fatty acid compounds.
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Betaine is a naturally occurring compound found in plants like sugar beets and rice that helps skin retain moisture. In skincare products, it works as a humectant to draw water into the skin and maintain hydration.
Benefits
- Hydrates and moisturizes skin
- Helps skin retain water
- May have anti-inflammatory properties
- Generally non-irritating and well-tolerated
Science: Research indicates betaine (particularly in combination with polyhexanide) is nontoxic and well-tolerated in topical applications. Studies on rice-derived betaine show it is safe, non-irritating, and hypoallergenic, with potential anti-inflammatory and moisturizing benefits for skin.
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Jojoba esters are plant-derived emollients derived from jojoba oil that help seal moisture into the skin. When hydrolyzed (broken down), they improve how well the skin absorbs and retains water while creating a smooth, pleasant skin feel.
Benefits
- Long-lasting hydration (up to 24 hours)
- Improves skin moisture retention
- Enhances product texture and skin feel
Science: A clinical study found that hydrolyzed jojoba esters combined with glycerol significantly reduced water loss from skin and maintained moisturization for at least 24 hours, outperforming glycerol alone. The ingredient has a strong safety profile in cosmetic formulations.
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Calcium gluconate is a calcium salt that serves as a conditioning agent and pH buffer in skincare formulations. It helps maintain product stability and can support skin barrier function through its mineral content.
Benefits
- Helps maintain skin barrier health
- Acts as a stabilizing agent in formulations
- Provides bioavailable calcium for skin conditioning
Potential concerns
- At high concentrations or in certain formulations, may cause irritation or dryness in sensitive skin
- Limited evidence of direct skincare benefits compared to established humectants or occlusives
Science: Calcium gluconate is primarily studied in medical contexts (intravenous administration) rather than topical skincare. The available literature indicates it is generally well-tolerated when formulated appropriately for skincare use, though direct peer-reviewed evidence supporting specific cosmetic benefits in topical applications is limited.
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Polyglycerin-3 is a humectant and emollient derived from glycerin, used in skincare to help retain moisture and improve texture. It's a lightweight conditioning agent that helps products feel smoother on the skin without leaving a heavy residue.
Benefits
- Hydration and moisture retention
- Improved product texture and spreadability
- Gentle conditioning without heaviness
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. Polyglycerin compounds are generally recognized as safe in cosmetics due to their chemical similarity to glycerin, with no significant irritation or toxicity concerns reported in cosmetic use.
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Water is the primary ingredient in most skincare products, serving as a base that dissolves and carries other active ingredients. It hydrates the skin surface and helps other beneficial compounds penetrate effectively.
Benefits
- Hydrates and plumps the skin
- Helps deliver other skincare ingredients
- Essential solvent for product formulation
Science: Water is a fundamental component of skin physiology and cosmetic formulations. No safety concerns exist for topical application; it is non-irritating and universally safe for all skin types.
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Sorbitan Olivate is an emulsifier derived from sorbitol (a natural sugar alcohol) and olive oil fatty acids. It helps mix oil and water-based ingredients together in skincare formulations, creating stable, smooth products.
Benefits
- Stabilizes product texture and prevents separation of oils and water
- Derived from natural olive oil, aligning with plant-based ingredient preferences
- Allows for creation of lighter, more elegant formulations
Potential concerns
- Generally mild skin irritant in some individuals; minimal irritation in most clinical studies
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis reported in fewer than 1% of sensitive individuals
- May cause greater irritation when combined with fragrance components
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded Sorbitan Olivate is safe for cosmetic use at concentrations typically below 10%. Clinical studies show it is generally a minimal to mild skin irritant and nonsensitizing in the general population, though rare allergic reactions have been documented in individuals with contact dermatitis.
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Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax is a natural wax derived from the flowers of the sweet wattle tree. In skincare, it functions as an emollient and texture enhancer, helping to soften skin and improve product consistency.
Benefits
- Provides a smooth, soft feel on skin
- Helps create protective barrier on skin surface
- Natural alternative to synthetic waxes
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. As a plant-derived wax, it is generally recognized as safe for topical use, though individual sensitivity to botanical materials is always possible.
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil is a plant oil extracted from the seeds of the baobab tree, native to Africa. It's rich in fatty acids and used in skincare products primarily as a moisturizing and conditioning agent to help soften and nourish the skin.
Benefits
- Moisturizing and hydrating
- Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants
- May help improve skin softness and smoothness
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. General knowledge of plant seed oils suggests baobab seed oil contains oleic and linoleic acids, which support skin barrier function, though specific cosmetic efficacy studies are scarce.
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