Ingredients
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
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→ -
Drometrizole trisiloxane is a UV filter used in sunscreens to protect skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation. It's a newer chemical sunscreen ingredient that offers broad-spectrum protection and is widely used in international markets, though not yet approved in the U.S.
Benefits
- Provides broad-spectrum UV protection against UVA and UVB rays
- More photostable than some older UV filters, maintaining effectiveness longer
- Newer alternative to older chemical sunscreen ingredients with potentially better safety profiles
Potential concerns
- Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported in some individuals
- May cross-react with sensitivities to other sunscreen chemicals
- Not yet FDA-approved in the U.S., so long-term safety data in American populations is limited
Science: Drometrizole trisiloxane is used internationally and has demonstrated favorable safety and efficacy profiles in global markets. However, documented cases of allergic contact dermatitis exist in the scientific literature, indicating it may not be suitable for all skin types. As a newer filter, it has less extensive long-term safety data compared to established UV filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in your skin that acts like a moisture magnet. In skincare products, it absorbs water from the environment and binds it to your skin, helping to hydrate and plump the skin's surface.
Benefits
- Delivers intense hydration to the skin
- Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines by improving skin moisture
- Supports skin barrier function
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and oily skin
Potential concerns
- In very dry climates with low humidity, it may draw moisture from deeper skin layers if not sealed with an occlusive product
- Rare allergic reactions are possible but extremely uncommon
Science: While the provided research focuses on intra-articular injections for joint health (showing good safety and efficacy), hyaluronic acid and its salt form are well-established in dermatology for topical hydration. The molecule's safety profile is well-documented across decades of use in medical and cosmetic applications, with severe adverse reactions being extremely rare.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Tocopheryl acetate is a stable form of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. It's commonly used in skincare products because it's more shelf-stable than other vitamin E forms and may help support the skin's natural barrier function.
Benefits
- Antioxidant protection against environmental damage
- Supports skin barrier health
- Stable ingredient with good shelf life in formulations
Science: Tocopheryl acetate is a well-established vitamin E ester that the body converts to free vitamin E for use. Research shows it functions as a lipid-soluble antioxidant; one recent study found it contributed to a moisturizer's beneficial effects on skin microbiota balance in atopic dermatitis models, though more direct clinical evidence on topical efficacy is limited.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Hexylene glycol is a lightweight humectant and preservative booster used in skincare products to help retain moisture and improve product stability. It also enhances the penetration of other active ingredients into the skin.
Benefits
- Helps skin retain moisture
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Enhances effectiveness of preservative systems
Potential concerns
- May cause mild irritation or redness in sensitive individuals (occurs in roughly 3% of eczema-prone skin)
- Potential for delayed allergic contact reactions in susceptible people, though this is uncommon
- Less irritating than propylene glycol under occlusion, but still worth avoiding if you have known sensitivities to glycols
Science: A 1989 study found hexylene glycol caused visible skin reactions in 2.8% of eczema patients at high concentrations (30-50%), with potential for delayed allergic sensitization in rare cases. It was less irritating than propylene glycol. One case report mentions hexylene glycol as a potential allergen in medical formulations, though reactions are uncommon at typical cosmetic concentrations.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
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.
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→ -
Yellow 5 (also called Tartrazine) is a synthetic yellow dye used to color skincare products. It has no active skincare benefits and serves purely to make products visually appealing.
Potential concerns
- May cause allergic reactions or sensitivity in people with tartrazine intolerance
- Can trigger reactions in individuals with aspirin sensitivity
- Potential for contact dermatitis in sensitive skin types
Science: Yellow 5 is approved by major regulatory bodies (FDA, EU) as a cosmetic colorant at specified concentrations. Limited peer-reviewed data exists on its dermatological effects, though it is generally considered safe at approved levels; however, some individuals report sensitivity reactions.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Aminomethyl Propanol (AMP) is a pH buffer and preservative used in skincare formulations to maintain product stability and prevent microbial growth. It helps keep products at a safe pH level while extending shelf life.
Benefits
- Helps preserve product and prevent bacterial contamination
- Balances pH to prevent irritation
- Allows brands to reduce reliance on traditional preservatives
Potential concerns
- May interact with amino acids naturally present in skin (taurine), potentially affecting biological function—though significance in topical skincare remains unclear
- Can cause contact dermatitis or irritation in sensitive individuals
- Limited safety data for use in products for infants and very sensitive skin
Science: Recent research (2024) suggests AMP forms hydrogen bonds with taurine, an important amino acid in the body, which could affect its biological functions—though this was studied in controlled laboratory conditions and the relevance to topical skincare exposure is not yet established. AMP is increasingly used as a preservative alternative in cosmetics, including infant formulations, but dermatologists note it may pose irritation risks for sensitive populations.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone-based ingredient that creates a smooth, invisible coating on skin and hair. It's primarily used to enhance shine, improve texture, and create a polished appearance while providing a lightweight, non-greasy feel.
Benefits
- Enhances skin and hair shine and luster
- Smooths surface texture for a polished look
- Lightweight and non-greasy feel
- Long-lasting coverage that resists wear and moisture
Potential concerns
- May not be suitable for acne-prone skin if used in occlusive products, as silicones can trap bacteria and sebum
- Buildup possible with repeated use if not properly cleansed
- Not ideal for those seeking fully natural skincare
Science: Research confirms phenyl trimethicone effectively reduces hair surface irregularities and enhances visible shine, with instrumental measurements correlating well with consumer perception. Safety profile is generally favorable for cosmetic use, though long-term skin studies are limited.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Myristyl Myristate is a lightweight emollient (skin-softening oil) made from myristic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid. It's used in skincare formulations to improve texture, create a smooth feel on the skin, and help products spread easily without leaving a heavy residue.
Benefits
- Lightweight moisturizing feel
- Improves product spreadability and texture
- Non-greasy emollient for all skin types
Science: Research indicates myristyl myristate is well-tolerated and biocompatible in topical formulations, with cell viability studies showing no cytotoxic effects. The ingredient is commonly used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic delivery systems due to its stability and safety profile.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Stearic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid commonly derived from plant or animal sources. In skincare products, it functions as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to soften skin, improve product texture, and stabilize formulations by allowing oil and water to mix together.
Benefits
- Softens and moisturizes skin by forming a protective barrier
- Improves product texture and stability
- Helps other active ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively
Potential concerns
- May cause mild irritation or sensitivity in people with very sensitive skin
- Can leave a slight waxy residue if used in high concentrations
Science: Research indicates stearic acid acts as a permeation enhancer, potentially improving how active ingredients cross the skin barrier. It is well-established in cosmetic formulation design and has a strong safety history in topical products.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Cholesterol is a naturally occurring fatty substance that is a key component of your skin's outermost barrier. In skincare products, it works alongside ceramides and fatty acids to help strengthen this barrier, keeping moisture in and irritants out.
Benefits
- Strengthens skin barrier function
- Helps retain skin hydration
- Works synergistically with ceramides and fatty acids for optimal barrier repair
Science: Cholesterol is a natural and essential component of the stratum corneum (outer skin layer), present in roughly equal amounts to ceramides and free fatty acids. Research shows that topical formulations combining cholesterol with ceramides and fatty acids in physiological ratios effectively support barrier function and can improve disturbed skin conditions.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Sodium dehydroacetate is a synthetic preservative used in skincare products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, extending shelf life. It's a salt form of dehydroacetic acid and is widely used across cosmetics, foods, and personal care items.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination and product spoilage
- Extends product shelf life without refrigeration
- Allows formulations to remain stable over time
Potential concerns
- May cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- Limited data on long-term skin effects in humans at cosmetic concentrations
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Panel has deemed sodium dehydroacetate safe as used in cosmetics (most recent affirmation in 2024). However, animal studies show it can affect cellular respiration at high concentrations; human skincare studies at approved usage levels are limited. Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been documented.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Yellow 6 is a synthetic colorant approved for use in cosmetics that gives products a yellow or golden hue. It serves purely an aesthetic purpose and has no active skincare benefits—it's added solely to make products visually appealing.
Potential concerns
- May cause allergic reactions or sensitivity in people with dye sensitivities
- Potential contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- Azo dye—some people prefer to avoid synthetic colorants on principle
Science: Yellow 6 (Tartrazine) is approved by regulatory bodies including the FDA and EU for cosmetic use at specified concentrations. Limited peer-reviewed dermatological data exists, but documented cases of colorant-related contact sensitization are rare in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe for topical use in the concentrations used in skincare products.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Cetearyl alcohol is a waxy, fatty alcohol derived from vegetable or petroleum sources that acts as an emulsifier and thickener in skincare products. It helps blend oil and water-based ingredients together and gives creams and lotions their smooth, spreadable texture.
Benefits
- Stabilizes emulsions to prevent separation of oil and water
- Thickens and improves texture of creams and lotions
- Creates a smooth, non-greasy feel on skin
Potential concerns
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis reported in sensitive individuals
- May cause localized irritation or allergic reactions in patch-tested cases
Science: Cetearyl alcohol is widely used as an emulsifier in topical formulations and generally has a good safety profile. However, multiple case reports document allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals, suggesting it can act as a contact allergen in rare cases. It does not significantly penetrate skin and primarily remains in the formulation.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from natural sources like palm oil that works as an emollient and thickening agent in skincare products. It helps create a smooth texture, improve product consistency, and soften the skin by forming a light protective layer.
Benefits
- Softens and moisturizes skin
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Helps stabilize emulsions (creams and lotions)
Potential concerns
- Very rare allergic reactions or contact sensitivity in susceptible individuals
- May cause mild irritation in products with high concentrations
Science: Cetyl alcohol has a long history of safe use in topical cosmetics with established safety data. Research indicates it forms nanostructured systems that interact well with skin and does not cause irritation or cellular toxicity in standard formulations.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Myristyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from natural sources like coconut oil. In skincare products, it functions as an emollient and thickening agent, helping to soften skin and improve the texture and stability of creams and lotions.
Benefits
- Softens and moisturizes skin
- Improves product texture and consistency
- Helps stabilize emulsions in formulations
Potential concerns
- May cause skin irritation, including increased redness and sensitivity, particularly at concentrations of 5% or higher
- Can increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL), meaning it may temporarily disrupt the skin barrier
- Irritation risk appears higher relative to its skin-penetrating effects compared to other fatty alcohols
Science: Research shows myristyl alcohol caused greater skin irritation than some other fatty alcohols tested, with notable increases in skin blood flow and erythema in animal studies. The study notes that further human volunteer testing at concentrations of 5% or lower is needed to establish safety for topical use.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, native to Africa. In skincare, it works as a moisturizer and conditioning agent, helping to soften and protect the skin by forming a protective barrier.
Benefits
- Deep moisturizing and hydration
- Skin conditioning and softening
- May help reduce appearance of dry patches
Potential concerns
- May cause sensitization in some individuals—formulations should be tested for non-sensitizing properties
- Quality varies depending on processing; impurities in poorly processed shea butter could be a concern
Science: A 2024 safety assessment by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that shea-derived ingredients are safe at current concentrations and practices of use when formulated to be non-sensitizing. The Panel noted that formulators should be aware of similar constituents in other botanical ingredients to avoid hazardous levels when combined, and should use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate is an emulsifier and texture-modifier derived from glucose and stearic acid. It helps stabilize skincare formulations by allowing water and oil to blend smoothly, while also improving the thickness and spreadability of creams and sunscreens.
Benefits
- Stabilizes emulsions for a smooth, consistent product texture
- Improves how products spread and feel on skin
- Enhances film-forming properties in sunscreens and protective products
- Creates a thicker, more luxurious texture without greasiness
Science: Research shows this ingredient significantly improves the rheological properties (thickness and flow behavior) of skincare formulations, particularly in sunscreens. It produces a pseudoplastic texture that thins under application for better spreadability, making it a preferred choice in professional cosmetic development.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Cetearyl glucoside is a natural, plant-derived emulsifier made from fatty alcohols and glucose. It helps bind water and oil together in skincare products to create smooth, stable creams and lotions.
Benefits
- Creates stable emulsions with a smooth texture
- Naturally derived and considered skin-friendly
- Gentle alternative to synthetic emulsifiers
Potential concerns
- Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis reported in sensitive individuals
- May affect how active ingredients penetrate the skin depending on formulation
Science: Research shows cetearyl glucoside forms stable emulsions with complex internal structures that can influence how sunscreen and other actives penetrate skin. One case of allergic contact dermatitis was documented, though such reactions appear uncommon.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is a synthetic plastic polymer used in skincare primarily as a film-forming agent in injectable fillers for facial rejuvenation. It works by providing structural support to sagging skin and can stimulate collagen production over time. This ingredient is not typically found in topical skincare products like serums or moisturizers.
Benefits
- Provides immediate volume and lift to areas like the jawline and chin
- Results can last several months to years depending on the formulation
- Minimally invasive compared to surgical alternatives
- May stimulate the body's natural collagen production for longer-term skin firmness
Potential concerns
- Requires professional injection—not suitable for at-home use
- Potential for allergic reactions, inflammation, or granuloma formation at injection sites
- Risk of lumps, asymmetry, or migration if not administered properly
- Not recommended for pregnant or nursing individuals
- Results are temporary and require repeat treatments for maintenance
Science: PMMA is recognized in medical literature as an established injectable filler for facial rejuvenation with a documented safety profile when used by trained professionals. The research indicates it is effective for jawline and chin augmentation with manageable risk profiles, though long-term safety data and comparison studies remain limited in peer-reviewed literature.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Isostearyl Neopentanoate is a lightweight synthetic oil that acts as an emollient and texture enhancer in skincare products. It helps soften the skin and improves how products glide on and feel, while also helping formulations stay stable and preventing them from becoming greasy.
Benefits
- Lightweight moisturization
- Smooth, non-greasy feel
- Improves product spreadability
- Enhances formula stability
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. It is derived from isostearyl alcohol and neopentanoic acid, chemically similar to other ester oils widely used in cosmetics with established safety profiles.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Cetyl esters are waxy compounds made by combining cetyl alcohol with fatty acids. They mimic the natural oils found in sperm whale wax (spermaceti) and are used in skincare to create smooth textures, improve product consistency, and provide emollient (softening) benefits to the skin.
Benefits
- Provides emollient and skin-softening properties
- Improves product texture and consistency
- Creates a smooth, non-greasy feel on skin
- Helps stabilize cosmetic formulations
Science: Research demonstrates that cetyl esters can be produced to ultra-pure quality through enzymatic synthesis, with conversion rates exceeding 98.5%. The physicochemical properties of synthetic cetyl esters are comparable to natural waxes, making them safe and effective alternatives to whale-derived ingredients.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
Edit this product
Edit Ingredients