Ingredients
-
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→ -
Polysorbate 20 is a mild emulsifier and solubilizer commonly used in skincare products to help mix oil and water-based ingredients together and keep them stable. It's also used to help dissolve fragrance and active ingredients evenly throughout a formula.
Benefits
- Helps create stable, smooth textures by blending incompatible ingredients
- Improves product consistency and shelf life
- Allows even distribution of active ingredients and fragrance
Potential concerns
- May cause irritation or allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin
- Can occasionally strip skin's natural oils if used in high concentrations
- Some individuals report sensitivity to polysorbates, though this is relatively uncommon
Science: The provided study examined polysorbate 20 as a formulation component in a clinical cancer treatment (vidutolimod), not as a cosmetic ingredient. Limited peer-reviewed data exists specifically evaluating polysorbate 20 safety in topical skincare; however, it is widely used globally and recognized as safe by major regulatory bodies (FDA, EU) at typical cosmetic concentrations (typically under 5%).
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→ -
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→ -
Allantoin is a naturally derived compound that helps calm and soothe irritated skin. It works by promoting healing and reducing inflammation, making it a popular choice in products designed for sensitive or reactive skin.
Benefits
- Reduces skin inflammation and irritation
- Supports the skin barrier function
- Promotes gentle healing of compromised skin
- Well-tolerated by sensitive skin types
Science: Allantoin ranks among the top three most-used active ingredients in pharmacy-grade sensitive skin products, alongside niacinamide and oat extract. Scientific evidence supports its anti-inflammatory mechanism and barrier-supporting action, though clinical studies specifically testing it on sensitive skin volunteers remain limited.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Sunflower seed oil is a natural plant oil extracted from sunflower seeds. In skincare, it acts as a moisturizer and emollient, helping to soften and hydrate the skin while forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface.
Benefits
- Hydration and moisturizing
- Skin softening and smoothing
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E
Science: Recent research shows sunflower oil does not trigger cross-reactivity with common allergens like nickel or Compositae plant allergens, supporting its safety profile for sensitive skin. It is well-tolerated and has a long history of safe use in cosmetics.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Microcrystalline cellulose is a natural, plant-derived powder made from purified cellulose fibers. In skincare, it's used as a texturizer and absorbent to create a smooth feel, improve product consistency, or help mattify skin by absorbing excess oil.
Benefits
- Absorbs excess oil and moisture for a matte finish
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Derived from renewable plant sources rather than synthetic materials
Science: Scientific literature confirms microcrystalline cellulose is non-toxic, biocompatible, and biodegradable with a strong safety profile across cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food applications. No notable sensitization or irritation concerns are documented for topical use.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Algin is a natural thickening and gelling ingredient derived from brown seaweed that helps create a smooth, gel-like texture in skincare products. In cosmetics, it's primarily used as a stabilizer and texture enhancer rather than for direct skin benefits.
Benefits
- Creates a smooth, spreadable texture in formulations
- Helps stabilize product consistency
- Natural origin from seaweed
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for algin in cosmetic skincare applications. The ingredient has a long history of safe use in food and pharmaceutical products as a thickener and is well-tolerated topically.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Iron oxides are naturally occurring mineral pigments used in skincare products primarily for color and sun protection. They work by reflecting and absorbing visible light, making them especially useful in tinted sunscreens to protect darker skin tones from light-induced hyperpigmentation.
Benefits
- Protects against visible light, which can trigger darkening in darker skin tones and those prone to melasma
- Provides color coverage in tinted sunscreens, making them more wearable and encouraging consistent use
- Helps manage hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory discoloration when combined with UV filters
Science: Research confirms iron oxides are effective visible light blockers in tinted sunscreens for managing hyperpigmentation, particularly benefiting skin of color. However, most commercial products don't clearly label iron oxide content, and standardized reporting of concentrations remains lacking in the industry.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is the clear gel extracted from the inner part of the aloe vera leaf. In skincare, it functions as a skin-conditioning agent known for its soothing and hydrating properties, and is typically used at low concentrations (usually under 1%).
Benefits
- Soothing and anti-inflammatory properties
- Hydrating and skin-conditioning
- Antimicrobial and wound-healing support
Potential concerns
- Whole leaf aloe (including latex) contains anthraquinones that can cause photosensitivity and irritation; reputable products use only the inner gel
- High oral doses in animal studies showed reproductive toxicity and developmental effects; topical use in cosmetics at low concentrations is considered safe
- Potential for allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
Science: A 2007 safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel concluded aloe-derived ingredients are safe for cosmetic use when the phototoxic anthraquinone content is limited to 50 ppm or lower and concentrations remain at 1% or less. The inner gel (polysaccharides) is well-tolerated topically, though oral studies at high doses showed concerns unrelated to typical skincare application.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
This is a liquid extract made by fermenting daikon radish with Leuconostoc bacteria. It functions primarily as a natural preservative in skincare products, helping prevent bacterial and microbial growth to extend shelf life.
Benefits
- Natural preservative that helps prevent bacterial contamination
- May have mild antimicrobial properties on skin
- Derived from fermented ingredients, appealing to 'clean beauty' preferences
Potential concerns
- Salicylic acid content may cause irritation or dryness in sensitive skin
- Potential allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to radish or fermentation byproducts
- Limited safety data at typical cosmetic concentrations
Science: Research shows this ingredient's antimicrobial activity comes from salicylic acid (active against Gram-negative bacteria) and didecyldimethylammonium salts (active against Gram-positive bacteria), rather than from fermentation-produced compounds as traditionally claimed. However, peer-reviewed data on its safety and efficacy specifically in skincare formulations at cosmetic use levels is limited.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Grape seed extract is a plant-derived ingredient rich in antioxidants called proanthocyanidins. In skincare, it's used for its potential to protect skin from environmental damage and support skin health through free radical-scavenging activity.
Benefits
- Antioxidant protection against free radicals
- May help protect skin structure and collagen integrity
- Antimicrobial properties that may support skin clarity
Science: Research shows grape seed extract has antimicrobial effectiveness and contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins with antioxidant properties. Studies also suggest potential neuroprotective effects through collagen support, though most published evidence is from non-skincare applications (dental and metabolic studies).
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate is a modified starch ingredient derived from plant sources. In skincare products, it acts as a thickening agent to improve texture and consistency, helping products feel smooth and easy to apply.
Benefits
- Thickens and improves product texture
- Creates a smooth, spreadable consistency
- Plant-derived ingredient
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel assessed Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate and concluded it is safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. No significant safety concerns have been identified in cosmetic applications.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Retinol is a form of vitamin A that works by stimulating skin cell turnover and boosting collagen production. It's one of the most well-researched anti-aging ingredients, helping to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and strengthen the deeper layers of your skin.
Benefits
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skin texture and smoothness
- Decreases hyperpigmentation and age spots
- Thickens the epidermis and dermis over time
- Supports skin barrier function
Potential concerns
- Can cause initial redness, stinging, and skin scaling, especially when first introduced
- May increase sun sensitivity — daily SPF is essential when using retinol
- Not recommended during pregnancy without medical guidance
- Can be irritating for sensitive skin types; start with low concentrations
Science: Clinical studies confirm retinol significantly improves photoaging, wrinkle appearance, and hyperpigmentation. While effective, retinol is more likely to cause irritation and scaling than gentler alternatives like bakuchiol, though both show similar efficacy for anti-aging benefits.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Mannitol is a natural sugar alcohol that acts as a humectant and osmotic agent in skincare products. It helps draw moisture into the skin and can provide a smooth texture to formulations.
Benefits
- Hydration and moisture retention
- Smooth product texture
- Potential skin barrier support
Potential concerns
- May cause irritation in very high concentrations
- Can be hygroscopic and may affect product stability if exposed to humidity
Science: Mannitol is recognized in medical literature as a non-toxic osmotic agent used in various pharmaceutical applications. Limited peer-reviewed data is available specifically for topical skincare efficacy, though it is well-established as a safe ingredient in cosmetic formulations and is used in advanced dermal fillers combined with hyaluronic acid.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Glycerin is a natural humectant derived from vegetable oils that draws moisture from the air into your skin. It's one of the most widely used and effective hydrating ingredients in skincare, helping to plump skin and improve its moisture barrier.
Benefits
- Hydrates and moisturizes skin by attracting water
- Improves skin texture and smoothness
- Supports the skin barrier and reduces water loss
- Suitable for most skin types including sensitive skin
- Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
Science: Glycerin is one of the most extensively studied and established skincare ingredients with a long history of safe cosmetic use. Multiple studies confirm its efficacy as a humectant and its ability to improve skin hydration without irritation.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Panthenol is a moisturizing ingredient derived from pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that helps skin retain water and feel softer. It's gentle, widely used in skincare products, and supports the skin's natural barrier function.
Benefits
- Hydrates and moisturizes skin
- Soothes irritated or sensitive skin
- Improves skin softness and smoothness
- Supports skin barrier health
Science: Panthenol is well-established in cosmetic use with a strong safety profile and minimal irritation potential. Research supports its hydrating properties and ability to improve skin barrier function, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
Edit this product
Edit Ingredients