Ingredients
-
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→ -
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative and antimicrobial ingredient used to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life in skincare products. It's a multifunctional ingredient that helps keep formulations stable and free from contamination.
Benefits
- Prevents bacterial contamination in products
- Helps extend product shelf life
- Works synergistically with other preservatives for enhanced protection
Potential concerns
- May not be effective against all bacterial species (notably some Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains)
- Preservative-related sensitization possible in sensitive individuals, though uncommon
Science: Research shows ethylhexylglycerin has broad antimicrobial activity against many common cosmetic contaminants, though effectiveness varies by bacterial species. Studies demonstrate it can work synergistically with other preservative components to enhance biofilm inhibition.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Silica is a mineral powder derived from silicon dioxide that's commonly used in skincare and makeup products. It works primarily as a texture enhancer and absorbent, helping to mattify skin, improve product feel, and absorb excess oil.
Benefits
- Mattifies skin and reduces shine
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Absorbs excess sebum and moisture
- Creates a smooth, refined appearance
Potential concerns
- When used as nanoparticles, potential for skin penetration remains under study
- Inhalation of silica powder (primarily occupational concern) has known health risks; topical use in cosmetics is considered lower risk
- Listed among potential carcinogenic substances in cosmetic formulations, though safe use levels and regulatory limits are established in the EU and US
Science: A 2023 review of European facial cosmetics identified silica among potential carcinogenic ingredients present in commercial products, though this reflects presence rather than proven harm at typical use concentrations. Research on silica nanoparticles suggests they are being developed for cosmetic use, but percutaneous penetration and long-term safety data remain limited. Regulatory agencies (EU, FDA) have established safe concentration limits for cosmetic use.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Magnesium stearate is a fine white powder made from magnesium and stearic acid (a fatty acid). In skincare products, it's used as a glidant and anti-caking agent to improve texture and prevent clumping in powders and tablets.
Benefits
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Prevents caking in powder formulations
- Helps with product stability during manufacturing
Potential concerns
- May cause mild irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
- Can create a slight film on skin if used in high concentrations
- Rare potential for clogged pores in acne-prone skin at high levels
Science: Magnesium stearate is widely used in pharmaceutical tablets and cosmetic powders as a processing aid. The provided research confirms its use in tablet formulation at optimal concentrations without safety concerns in that context. Limited peer-reviewed dermatological data exists for topical skincare applications, but it is generally recognized as safe by cosmetic regulatory bodies at typical use levels.
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→ -
Bisabolol is a naturally occurring compound found in chamomile and other plants, known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It's used in skincare products to calm irritated skin and reduce redness.
Benefits
- Reduces inflammation and redness
- Soothes irritated or sensitive skin
- Antimicrobial and antifungal properties
- May help manage conditions like seborrheic dermatitis when used in appropriate formulations
Potential concerns
- Rare allergic sensitization possible, particularly in individuals sensitive to chamomile or related plants
Science: Bisabolol is recognized as a safe, plant-derived ingredient and is included in medical device shampoos for inflammatory scalp conditions alongside antifungal agents. It has a long history of use in chamomile products, which are designated 'generally recognized as safe' (GRAS) by the FDA.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Zinc oxide is a mineral UV filter that sits on top of your skin to physically block both UVA and UVB rays from reaching your skin. It's one of the few sunscreen actives recognized as safe and effective by the FDA, and it doesn't get absorbed into your bloodstream.
Benefits
- Provides broad-spectrum UV protection (blocks both UVA and UVB rays)
- Mineral/physical blocker — doesn't absorb into skin, making it suitable for sensitive skin and safe during pregnancy
- Photostable — doesn't degrade in sunlight
- Generally well-tolerated with low risk of irritation or allergic reaction
Potential concerns
- Can leave a white cast on skin, especially at higher concentrations needed for adequate protection
- May feel heavy or thick in formulation
Science: Zinc oxide is a mineral UV filter with an established safety profile and is not systemically absorbed through skin. Current scientific evidence supports its efficacy and safety for routine sunscreen use, with no associated negative health effects documented. Unlike organic UV filters, it does not contribute to environmental concerns like coral bleaching.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Ceramide NP is a naturally-derived lipid that mimics ceramides found in healthy skin. It works to repair and strengthen your skin's protective barrier, helping it retain moisture and resist irritation.
Benefits
- Restores skin barrier function and structural integrity
- Reduces trans-epidermal water loss (helps skin stay hydrated)
- Strengthens skin's natural defense against irritants and environmental stressors
Science: Recent research demonstrates that Ceramide NP effectively recovers damaged skin barrier function and can be formulated into advanced delivery systems (like ethosomes) to enhance skin absorption. Studies show it meaningfully lowers water loss while restoring epidermis structure in compromised skin.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Isostearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from isostearic acid, commonly used in skincare products as an emollient and thickening agent. It helps soften skin, improve product texture, and enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin.
Benefits
- Softens and moisturizes skin
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Enhances skin penetration of active ingredients
- Provides mild occlusive properties
Potential concerns
- Can cause contact sensitization in some individuals, particularly at concentrations around 5% or higher
- May trigger allergic reactions or dermatitis in sensitive skin types
- Risk increases when used in occlusive formulations like antiperspirants
Science: Clinical patch testing studies identified isostearyl alcohol as a sensitizing agent in a small but notable percentage of users (approximately 4-10% in tested populations). Research also confirms its effectiveness as a skin penetration enhancer in transdermal delivery systems, which may increase both benefits and irritation risk depending on formulation and individual sensitivity.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
Edit this product
Edit Ingredients