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.
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.
Decyl glucoside is a mild, plant-derived surfactant made from natural fatty alcohols and glucose. It's used in skincare products to cleanse the skin and help other ingredients mix together, and is generally gentler than many traditional detergents.
Benefits
Mild cleansing action suitable for sensitive skin
Plant-based and renewable ingredient
Functions as an effective emulsifier to stabilize formulas
Potential concerns
Can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals—cases of sensitization have increased since the early 2000s
May cross-react with other similar glucoside ingredients
Can be irritating if formulation is not properly balanced
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concluded decyl glucoside is safe when used in non-irritating formulations at current concentrations. However, dermatology literature documents a steady rise in allergic contact dermatitis cases, particularly when it appears as a 'hidden' ingredient in sunscreens like Tinosorb M, making patch testing advisable for those with suspected sensitivities.
Glyceryl Caprylate is a mild emulsifier and penetration enhancer derived from glycerin and caprylic acid (a natural fatty acid). In skincare products, it helps blend water and oil-based ingredients together and can improve how active ingredients absorb into the skin.
Benefits
Helps formulations blend water and oil ingredients
May enhance absorption of other skincare actives
Mild and generally well-tolerated by most skin types
Science: Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel confirm glyceryl caprylate is safe for cosmetic use. Research demonstrates it functions effectively as a penetration enhancer in topical formulations, helping active ingredients reach deeper skin layers.
Sodium Levulinate is a salt derived from levulinic acid that functions as a skin conditioning agent in cosmetics. It helps improve skin texture and hydration by softening and smoothing the skin's surface.
Benefits
Improves skin hydration and moisture retention
Softens and conditions the skin
Helps enhance overall skin texture
Potential concerns
May cause irritation in sensitive individuals if formulation is not properly balanced
Science: A 2025 safety assessment by the Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety concluded that Sodium Levulinate is safe for use in cosmetics at current concentrations when formulated to be non-irritating. The ingredient has established safety data supporting its use as a skin conditioning agent.
