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.
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.
Propylene glycol is a lightweight humectant and solvent commonly used in skincare formulations. It helps draw moisture into the skin and improves the texture and spreadability of products.
Benefits
Hydrates skin by attracting and retaining moisture
Enhances product texture and makes formulas easier to apply
Helps active ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively
Improves stability and shelf life of formulations
Potential concerns
May cause contact dermatitis or irritation in sensitive individuals
Can occasionally trigger allergic reactions in susceptible people
High concentrations may feel sticky or heavy on some skin types
Science: Research confirms propylene glycol acts as a penetration enhancer in topical formulations, improving skin uptake of active ingredients. The ingredient is widely studied and considered safe at typical cosmetic concentrations, though individual sensitivity varies.
Zinc gluconate is a form of zinc, an essential mineral, used in skincare products to support skin health and barrier function. It's a chelated form of zinc that allows for better absorption and is gentler on skin than some other zinc compounds.
Benefits
Supports skin barrier function and integrity
May help regulate sebum production in oily or acne-prone skin
Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Aids in skin healing and wound repair processes
Potential concerns
May cause mild irritation or dryness in sensitive individuals at high concentrations
Excessive zinc intake (from supplements, not topical use) can interfere with copper absorption
Rare allergic contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals
Science: Zinc gluconate is well-established for its role in skin health and wound healing. A 2025 study in Nature Materials examined zinc gluconate's behavior in oral supplements, demonstrating how it assembles into nanoparticles in the body—this research is primarily relevant to internal supplementation rather than topical skincare applications, but supports zinc's bioavailability and cellular interaction mechanisms.
Sodium Stearate is a salt derived from stearic acid (a natural fatty acid) that works as an emulsifier and thickening agent in skincare products. It helps bind oil and water together and gives formulations a stable, gel-like texture.
Benefits
Creates stable emulsions that keep products from separating
Thickens and improves texture of gels and creams
Helps active ingredients penetrate skin more effectively when used in advanced formulations
Science: Research demonstrates Sodium Stearate is an effective emulsifier and stabilizer in topical delivery systems, with studies showing it safely supports high entrapment efficiency in nanoemulsion and liposome formulations without adverse effects on cell viability at typical use concentrations.
Perlite is a naturally occurring volcanic glass that has been expanded through heating, creating a lightweight, porous material. In skincare, it is used as a gentle physical exfoliant and absorbent to help remove dead skin cells and excess oil.
Benefits
Gentle physical exfoliation to remove dead skin cells
Oil-absorbing properties to help mattify skin
Low microbial activity, making it a hygienic abrasive choice
Potential concerns
Can cause excessive dryness if used alone or too frequently
May irritate sensitive or compromised skin due to its abrasive nature
Particle size and morphology matter—poorly optimized formulations may cause micro-tears or uneven abrasion
Science: Research on perlite in oral care shows it can effectively remove surface stains with minimal enamel wear when properly formulated, though particle size optimization is critical. Direct skincare safety data is limited; most evidence comes from dental product studies and animal bedding research, which suggests perlite alone can cause irritation and moisture loss when not combined with other ingredients.
Behenic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid derived from plant oils that acts as a thickener and stabilizer in skincare formulations. It helps create a firmer texture and improves product stability, particularly in creams and oils.
Benefits
Thickens and stabilizes skincare formulas
Helps create a smooth, luxurious texture
Supports product consistency and shelf stability
Science: Research shows behenic acid works effectively as a structuring agent in oil-based skincare products, with optimal performance at specific ratios with fatty alcohols. Limited clinical data exists on direct skincare benefits, though the ingredient has antimicrobial properties under laboratory conditions.
