Ingredients
-
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Tocopheryl acetate is a stable form of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. It's commonly used in skincare products because it's more shelf-stable than other vitamin E forms and may help support the skin's natural barrier function.
Benefits
- Antioxidant protection against environmental damage
- Supports skin barrier health
- Stable ingredient with good shelf life in formulations
Science: Tocopheryl acetate is a well-established vitamin E ester that the body converts to free vitamin E for use. Research shows it functions as a lipid-soluble antioxidant; one recent study found it contributed to a moisturizer's beneficial effects on skin microbiota balance in atopic dermatitis models, though more direct clinical evidence on topical efficacy is limited.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Potassium sorbate is a preservative used in skincare products to prevent the growth of mold, yeast, and some bacteria, helping extend shelf life. It's a salt derived from sorbic acid and is commonly used as a gentler alternative to stronger chemical preservatives.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination and mold growth
- Generally considered milder than some other preservatives like benzalkonium chloride
- Allows products to remain effective longer without refrigeration
Potential concerns
- May cause irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- Not suitable for preservative-free formulations
- Limited effectiveness against some bacteria compared to stronger preservatives
Science: Clinical research suggests potassium sorbate is less damaging to delicate tissues than benzalkonium chloride, making it a preferred alternative preservative in sensitive applications like eye products. However, peer-reviewed safety data specific to topical skincare use in the general population is limited.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Sodium benzoate is a preservative used in skincare products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, extending shelf life. It's a salt derived from benzoic acid and is one of the most widely used preservatives in cosmetics, skincare, and food products.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination and extends product shelf life
- Generally effective at low concentrations (0.1-0.5%)
- Approved for cosmetic use by major regulatory bodies
Potential concerns
- Can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; identified as an allergen in medical hand cleansers
- Recent research suggests long-term oral intake may affect bone health and increase osteoporosis risk, though topical skincare exposure is minimal
Science: Sodium benzoate is well-established as a safe preservative in cosmetics at typical use levels. However, emerging research indicates that chronic systemic intake may interfere with bone metabolism through the FGF2/p38/RUNX2 pathway. For topical skincare use, the exposure and absorption are minimal compared to dietary intake, but individuals with known sensitivities should avoid it.
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→ -
Pentylene glycol is a lightweight humectant—a ingredient that draws water into the skin to improve hydration and texture. It's commonly used in serums, sunscreens, and moisturizers as a preservative booster and skin-conditioning agent.
Benefits
- Improves skin hydration by attracting moisture
- Lightweight feel, absorbs quickly without heaviness
- Helps preserve product stability and extends shelf life
Potential concerns
- Rare contact allergy reported in sensitive individuals
- Emerging evidence suggests it may be an uncommon cosmetic allergen—if you have sensitive or reactive skin, patch test first
Science: Safety studies show a high margin of safety at standard use levels (87–671 in adults), with minimal skin penetration due to the ingredient's volatility. However, recent dermatological reports flag pentylene glycol as an emerging contact allergen in some individuals, warranting attention for those with sensitive skin.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative used in skincare products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, extending shelf life. It's a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that helps keep products safe from contamination during storage and use.
Benefits
- Prevents microbial contamination in skincare formulations
- Extends product shelf life
- Allows formulas to remain stable without refrigeration
Potential concerns
- May cause irritation to sensitive eyes and eye area when present in eye products
- Degrades under UV exposure, potentially creating more harmful breakdown products
- Limited long-term safety data in peer-reviewed literature
Science: Research shows chlorphenesin can be toxic to eye tissue cells at approved concentrations, particularly affecting meibomian glands. When exposed to sunlight, it breaks down into compounds like 4-chlorophenol that may be more ecotoxic than the original ingredient, though systemic absorption in skincare is typically minimal.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Laureth-7 is a mild cleansing and emulsifying ingredient that helps oils and water mix together in skincare formulas. It's derived from lauryl alcohol and is commonly used to improve product texture and stability.
Benefits
- Helps formulations blend smoothly and feel consistent
- Aids in even distribution of active ingredients
- Allows water-based and oil-based ingredients to work together
Potential concerns
- Potential for contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals, particularly when combined with certain polymers
- May cause irritation in people with atopic or very reactive skin
Science: A 2019 case report documented contact dermatitis from a cream containing laureth-7 mixed with polyacrylamide and isoparaffin in patients with atopic skin, suggesting caution for sensitive individuals. Laureth-7 is used in various cosmetic formulations including sunless tanning and emollient products with generally acceptable safety profiles in most skin types.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Dimethyl isosorbide is a clear liquid solvent derived from sorbitol that helps dissolve and deliver other skincare actives into the skin more effectively. It works by enhancing the penetration of beneficial ingredients and improving product texture and stability.
Benefits
- Enhances penetration of active ingredients into skin
- Improves product stability and shelf life
- Lightweight solvent that feels comfortable on skin
Potential concerns
- Can cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive skin at high concentrations
- May increase skin penetration of other ingredients, which could be problematic if combined with irritating actives
Science: Dimethyl isosorbide is recognized as a penetration enhancer in cosmetic formulations. Research shows it has relatively low solubility for certain actives (such as piroctone olamine at 9.9 mg/mL), making it suitable for specific formulation strategies targeting epidermal delivery, though peer-reviewed safety and efficacy data in skincare is limited.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Cocoa seed butter is a natural fat extracted from cocoa beans that's rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. In skincare, it works as an emollient to soften and moisturize the skin, creating a protective barrier that helps lock in hydration.
Benefits
- Deep moisturizing and skin softening
- Rich in antioxidants like polyphenols
- Helps strengthen the skin barrier
Potential concerns
- May cause breakouts in acne-prone individuals due to its occlusive nature
- Potential for allergic reactions in people sensitive to cocoa
- Can feel heavy on combination or oily skin types
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available specifically for cocoa seed butter in cosmetics, though cocoa and its derivatives are well-established as safe ingredients. General research supports cocoa's antioxidant properties and skin conditioning benefits.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Shea butter is a natural fat extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree. In skincare, it works as a rich moisturizer and skin conditioning agent that helps soften and protect the skin barrier.
Benefits
- Deep moisturization and hydration
- Skin conditioning and softening
- May help improve skin texture and elasticity
Potential concerns
- May cause sensitivity or irritation in some individuals; formulations should be tested to ensure non-sensitizing properties
- Quality varies by source—impurities in poorly processed shea butter could potentially cause irritation
Science: A 2024 safety assessment by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that shea-derived ingredients are safe at current use levels and concentrations when formulated to be non-sensitizing. Formulators should monitor for impurities and be aware of cumulative botanical constituents in multi-ingredient products.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Glyceryl stearate is a natural emulsifier and thickener derived from vegetable oils and glycerin. It helps bind water and oil together in skincare formulas, creating a smooth texture while providing mild moisturizing properties.
Benefits
- Helps create stable, smooth product textures
- Mild emollient that softens skin
- Derived from natural sources (vegetable-based)
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel confirmed in 2023 that glyceryl stearate and related glyceryl diesters are safe for cosmetic use at standard concentrations. Research indicates the ingredient has a skin-safe pH profile and demonstrates good stability in formulations.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Stearyl alcohol is a waxy, naturally-derived fatty alcohol used in skincare products as a thickener and emollient. It helps create a smooth texture and forms a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture.
Benefits
- Improves skin hydration by forming a protective moisture barrier
- Creates a smooth, luxurious product texture
- Well-tolerated by most skin types
Potential concerns
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis reported in sensitive individuals
- May cause irritation or allergic reactions in people with stearyl alcohol sensitivity
Science: Stearyl alcohol is regarded as safe by cosmetic safety panels at typical use concentrations. Recent research suggests it may have anti-inflammatory properties in topical formulations, though rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been documented in sensitive individuals.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Cetyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from natural sources like palm oil that works as an emollient and thickening agent in skincare products. It helps create a smooth texture, improve product consistency, and soften the skin by forming a light protective layer.
Benefits
- Softens and moisturizes skin
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Helps stabilize emulsions (creams and lotions)
Potential concerns
- Very rare allergic reactions or contact sensitivity in susceptible individuals
- May cause mild irritation in products with high concentrations
Science: Cetyl alcohol has a long history of safe use in topical cosmetics with established safety data. Research indicates it forms nanostructured systems that interact well with skin and does not cause irritation or cellular toxicity in standard formulations.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Bis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane is a silicone-based conditioning agent that helps create a smooth, protective layer on the skin's surface. It's primarily used to improve the feel and spreadability of skincare products while providing a soft, non-greasy finish.
Benefits
- Creates a smooth, silky skin feel
- Improves product spreadability and absorption
- Provides a light protective barrier without heaviness
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. It is a silicone derivative generally recognized as safe in cosmetic formulations, with a chemical structure designed to be skin-compatible and unlikely to cause irritation in typical concentrations.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
This is a synthetic polymer (plastic-like molecule) used as a thickener and film-former in skincare products. It absorbs water and creates a smooth, gel-like texture, helping products feel lightweight while providing a subtle tightening sensation on the skin.
Benefits
- Creates smooth, lightweight product texture
- Helps products spread evenly on skin
- Provides subtle skin-tightening effect
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. It is approved for use in cosmetics by major regulatory bodies (FDA, EU) and is considered a low-risk ingredient with minimal skin penetration due to its large molecular size.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Water is the primary ingredient in most skincare products, serving as a base that dissolves and carries other active ingredients. It hydrates the skin surface and helps other beneficial compounds penetrate effectively.
Benefits
- Hydrates and plumps the skin
- Helps deliver other skincare ingredients
- Essential solvent for product formulation
Science: Water is a fundamental component of skin physiology and cosmetic formulations. No safety concerns exist for topical application; it is non-irritating and universally safe for all skin types.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is a 3-carbon sugar approved by the FDA as a color additive for sunless tanning products. When applied to skin, it reacts with proteins in the outer layer to produce a temporary brown tan-like color that develops over a few hours.
Benefits
- Creates a tan appearance without sun exposure
- Temporary effect that washes off with soap and water
- Allows customization of tan depth depending on product concentration
Potential concerns
- Should not contact eyes, lips, or mucous membranes
- Inhalation of spray-tan mist is not FDA-approved and should be avoided
- May cause streaking or uneven coloring if not applied evenly
Science: DHA has been used safely in topical tanning products since the 1960s. It works by binding to free amino groups in skin proteins, particularly arginine, to create the brown color. Current research suggests DHA staining may have diagnostic applications in dermatology for identifying skin lesions.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Erythrulose is a naturally derived sugar that works as a self-tanning agent. Like DHA (dihydroxyacetone), it reacts with amino acids in your skin to create a brown color, but it typically develops more slowly and may last slightly longer than DHA alone.
Benefits
- Creates a gradual, natural-looking tan without sun exposure
- Often used alongside DHA to extend tan duration and improve color evenness
- Generally well-tolerated with low irritation potential
- Semi-permanent color that fades as skin naturally sheds dead cells
Potential concerns
- May cause contact dermatitis or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
- Can cause unwanted pigmentary changes or streaking if not applied evenly
- Provides no UV protection—sunscreen use is still essential
Science: Erythrulose is used in approximately 38% of commercial self-tanning products, typically combined with DHA. It works through the same Maillard reaction mechanism as DHA, producing brown pigments (melanoidins) that deposit in the outer skin layer. Clinical data on adverse effects show self-tanners overall have a low incidence of skin reactions (roughly 2%), though contact dermatitis remains a possible concern in susceptible individuals.
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→ -
C13-14 Isoparaffin is a lightweight hydrocarbon oil derived from petroleum that acts as an emollient and slip agent in skincare products. It helps products spread smoothly across the skin and creates a soft, non-greasy feel while providing mild moisturizing properties.
Benefits
- Smooth, easy application
- Non-greasy skin feel
- Lightweight moisturizing
Potential concerns
- May clog pores in sensitive individuals
- Not ideal for acne-prone skin
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. It is approved for cosmetic use by regulatory authorities including the FDA and EU, and is considered safe at typical use levels in skincare formulations.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Cetyl phosphate is an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent that helps bind water and oil together in creams and lotions. It also supports the skin's natural moisture barrier by forming organized lipid structures on the skin's surface.
Benefits
- Helps create stable, smooth-textured creams and lotions
- Improves skin hydration by supporting the moisture barrier
- Enhances skin firmness and density when used in anti-aging formulations
- Allows for better spreadability and absorption of skincare products
Science: Research shows that cetyl phosphate, when combined with other lipid ingredients, effectively improves skin hydration and supports the skin's barrier function. Clinical studies demonstrate it contributes to increased skin density and firmness over 8 weeks of regular use in anti-aging formulations.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Isopropyl palmitate is a lightweight synthetic oil derived from palmitic acid, commonly used in skincare products as an emollient and texture enhancer. It helps soften and smooth the skin while improving the spreadability of creams and lotions.
Benefits
- Lightweight moisturizing
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Non-greasy feel on skin
Potential concerns
- May be comedogenic for acne-prone or sensitive skin
- Can accumulate on skin if overused
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available specifically on isopropyl palmitate's skincare effects. The identified research notes it as a common exogenous ingredient found in cosmetic formulations, confirming its widespread use in the industry.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Cocoglycerides are natural emollients derived from coconut oil that help bind water and oil together in skincare formulas. They work to improve product texture and spreadability while creating a smooth feel on the skin.
Benefits
- Improves product texture and consistency
- Helps stabilize skincare formulations
- Provides mild emollient properties from coconut-derived ingredients
Science: Cocoglycerides are used as functional excipients in topical formulations and have demonstrated good stability in gel-based delivery systems. Limited direct consumer safety data exists, but the ingredient has established use in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications with no documented safety concerns.
Analyze Ingredient Further→
Edit this product
Edit Ingredients