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.
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.
Hydrogenated lecithin is a plant-derived phospholipid that has been chemically stabilized to resist oxidation and spoilage. In skincare products, it functions as an emulsifier (helping mix oil and water), a skin-conditioning agent, and a delivery system for other active ingredients.
Benefits
Stabilizes emulsions and improves product texture
Enhances penetration of other skincare actives into the skin
Biocompatible and derived from natural plant sources
Helps formulate advanced delivery systems like liposomes and micelles
Science: Recent peer-reviewed research (2025) confirms hydrogenated lecithin is highly stable and soluble in cosmetic formulations, with strong emulsifying properties and ability to improve ingredient absorption through the skin barrier. The hydrogenation process eliminates the oxidation concerns present in unprocessed lecithin, making it a reliable excipient for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
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.
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.
2-Hexanediol is a humectant and preservative booster commonly used in skincare products to help retain moisture and extend shelf life. It works by drawing water into the skin while also enhancing the effectiveness of other preservatives, allowing brands to use lower amounts of traditional preservatives.
Benefits
Hydrates and moisturizes skin by drawing in water
Helps preserve products with lower preservative levels
Works synergistically with other skincare ingredients like niacinamide
Potential concerns
May cause cell viability concerns at concentrations above 1.0% in laboratory studies
Limited real-world safety data in humans at typical skincare concentrations (usually 2-5%)
Potential environmental concern if released into water systems
Science: While 2-hexanediol is widely used as a preservative substitute for parabens, recent cytotoxicity studies raise questions about safety at concentrations commonly found in skincare products (>2%). However, these findings are from laboratory cell studies and may not directly translate to human skin application. Further human safety studies are needed to confirm real-world risk.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from green tea leaves and contains natural compounds called catechins and polyphenols. In skincare, it's used for its antioxidant and potential protective properties against environmental damage and bacterial growth.
Benefits
Antioxidant protection against free radical damage
May help reduce skin wear and support skin barrier health
Potential antibacterial and antimicrobial properties
May help soothe and calm skin
Potential concerns
May cause mild irritation or sensitivity in very sensitive skin types
Rare allergic reactions possible in those with tea plant sensitivities
Limited data on long-term safety in topical skincare formulations
Science: Research shows green tea extract significantly reduces wear and erosion comparable to fluoride treatments and chlorhexidine. Polyphenolic components like theaflavin demonstrate strong antibacterial activity, though most published studies focus on oral health and food safety rather than topical skincare efficacy.
Carbomer is a thickening agent and stabilizer that gives skincare products their gel-like texture. It helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency and can hold active ingredients in place on the skin for better absorption.
Benefits
Creates a smooth, easy-to-apply gel texture
Helps stabilize and thicken formulations
Can improve how long active ingredients stay on the skin
Allows better delivery of beneficial compounds into deeper skin layers
Potential concerns
Can occasionally cause irritation or sensitivity in very reactive skin types
Requires proper pH adjustment in formulations (formulators use this, not consumers)
Science: Research shows carbomer is commonly used as a gel base in advanced skincare delivery systems, including those designed for anti-inflammatory and healing treatments. Studies indicate it effectively works with active ingredients like nanoparticles and botanical extracts to improve their penetration and efficacy on skin.
Centella Asiatica Extract is a plant-derived ingredient sourced from an Asian herb rich in natural compounds like triterpenoids and flavonoids. It's used in skincare to help hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and support the skin's natural barrier function.
Benefits
Increases skin hydration and reduces water loss from the skin
Reduces redness and calms inflamed or irritated skin
May help soothe conditions like atopic dermatitis or eczema
Provides antioxidant protection against free radical damage
Science: Clinical studies show that formulations containing 5% Centella Asiatica Extract significantly improved skin moisture and reduced inflammation over four weeks. Research also demonstrates anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in both cell and animal models of atopic dermatitis, suggesting potential therapeutic value for inflammatory skin conditions.
Ethylhexyl palmitate is a lightweight oil derived from palmitic acid and alcohol. It works as an emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin by forming a protective layer that reduces moisture loss.
Benefits
Smooths and softens skin texture
Reduces water loss from the skin barrier
Lightweight feel compared to heavier oils
Improves product texture and spreadability
Potential concerns
May cause comedogenicity in acne-prone individuals (typical of occlusive oils)
Potential for irritation in very sensitive skin, though generally mild
Science: Research shows ethylhexyl palmitate functions as an emollient that helps retain skin hydration by reducing transepidermal water loss. It is chemically stable and well-tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with other ester-based cosmetic oils commonly used in skincare formulations.
Polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) is a naturally-derived, water-soluble polymer that acts as a humectant and skin conditioning agent. It helps attract and retain moisture in the skin while supporting the delivery of other active ingredients.
Benefits
Hydration and moisture retention
Skin conditioning and smoothness
Potential antioxidant support when paired with other compounds
Biocompatible and environmentally friendly
Science: Polyglutamic acid is recognized as a biocompatible, water-soluble polymer with good safety profile across cosmetic, food, and medical applications. Recent research demonstrates its effectiveness as a nanoparticle delivery system for active ingredients, enhancing stability and penetration of skincare actives.
Sodium polyacrylate is a synthetic polymer that absorbs and holds water, creating a gel-like texture. In skincare, it's used as a thickener and moisture-retention agent to improve product consistency and help keep skin hydrated.
Benefits
Absorbs and retains moisture to support skin hydration
Thickens product texture for better application and feel
Creates a smooth, spreadable consistency in formulations
Science: Contact dermatitis research involving multiple UK hospital dermatology centres found that sensitisation to sodium polyacrylate is rare, indicating excellent safety for topical skincare use. The ingredient has also been studied for advanced biomedical applications including wearable sensors, demonstrating its biocompatibility.
Cetyl ethylhexanoate is a lightweight oil derived from natural sources that functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient in skincare formulations. It helps soften and smooth the skin while also serving as a functional component that stabilizes emulsions and improves product texture.
Benefits
Softens and conditions skin
Improves product texture and spreadability
Helps stabilize emulsions for better product performance
Lightweight feel without heaviness
Potential concerns
When formulated incorrectly, products containing this ingredient may cause irritation; formulations should be tested to ensure non-irritating concentrations
Generally safe at typical use levels (up to 52% in leave-on products like lipsticks, and 77.3% in rinse-off formulations)
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded this ingredient is safe in cosmetic formulations at current use levels when properly formulated to be non-irritating. Recent research (2024) demonstrates its role in advanced emulsion technology, where it helps create stable, thickened skincare products with enhanced cleansing and usability properties.
Propolis extract is a resinous substance collected by honeybees from plants, rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds. In skincare, it's used for its potential anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning properties, though its effects can vary depending on formulation and individual skin response.
Benefits
Antioxidant protection against environmental damage
May help soothe inflamed or irritated skin
Potential antimicrobial properties
Potential concerns
May cause decreased skin hydration in some individuals (reported in mask formulations)
Potential allergen for people sensitive to bee products or tree resins
Limited data on long-term safety in leave-on products
Science: Research shows propolis has anti-inflammatory potential and antioxidant activity, though one clinical study found it reduced skin hydration in 80% of mask users. Most available evidence focuses on oral or dental applications rather than topical skincare efficacy.
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate is a plant-derived emulsifier and surfactant made from glycerin and oleic acid (from oils like olive or sunflower). It helps blend water and oil-based ingredients together in skincare products, creating a smooth, stable texture.
Benefits
Helps create stable, smooth product textures
Plant-derived alternative to synthetic emulsifiers
Mild cleansing properties
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. It is generally recognized as safe in cosmetics based on its chemical structure as a food-grade emulsifier and its widespread use in personal care formulations.
Saccharomyces Ferment is a fermented yeast extract made by breaking down yeast cells through a fermentation process. It's used in skincare for its potential to soothe, hydrate, and support the skin's natural barrier function.
Benefits
May help soothe and calm irritated skin
Can provide hydration and improve skin texture
Contains amino acids and B vitamins that may nourish the skin
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. Fermented yeast extracts are generally recognized as safe in cosmetics and have a long history of use in skincare, though specific efficacy studies for Saccharomyces Ferment are minimal.
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract is derived from mugwort, a plant used traditionally in skincare for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It's included in formulations to help soothe and protect skin.
Benefits
May have anti-inflammatory properties
Contains antioxidants that could help protect skin
Traditionally used for sensitive skin
Potential concerns
May trigger allergic reactions in people with mugwort pollen allergies or related plant sensitivities
Cross-reactivity documented with certain tree nuts and pollens in susceptible individuals
Limited safety data for topical use in skincare
Science: Research is limited for skincare applications. One clinical study documented cross-reactivity between Artemisia vulgaris extract and pine nut allergens, suggesting this ingredient may pose risks for people with pollen allergies or related plant sensitivities, particularly those allergic to mugwort.
