Ingredients
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Butylene glycol is a humectant—a type of ingredient that draws water into the skin and helps it stay hydrated. It's a small, lightweight molecule commonly used in moisturizers to improve hydration without leaving a heavy feel on the skin.
Benefits
- Increases skin hydration and moisture retention
- Lightweight and absorbs quickly
- Helps other active ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively
Science: Research demonstrates that butylene glycol, when combined with other humectants (like glycerin and hyaluronic acid) and occlusive ingredients in moisturizers, significantly improves skin hydration in both healthy skin and compromised skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. It is recognized as a safe, effective humectant in dermatological formulations.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Trehalose is a naturally occurring sugar (disaccharide) used in skincare products for its stabilizing and protective properties. It helps preserve the integrity of skin cells and other ingredients, particularly when exposed to environmental stressors like heat or dryness.
Benefits
- Helps stabilize and protect skin cells from damage
- May improve skin barrier function and reduce moisture loss
- Supports ingredient stability in formulations
Science: Trehalose is widely recognized in biopharmaceutical and cosmetic industries for its cryoprotective and stabilizing properties. While peer-reviewed evidence specifically for topical skincare benefits is limited, research demonstrates its effectiveness as a cellular protectant and its ability to enhance the uptake and efficacy of other beneficial compounds in tissues.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Sodium hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in your skin that acts like a moisture magnet. In skincare products, it absorbs water from the environment and binds it to your skin, helping to hydrate and plump the skin's surface.
Benefits
- Delivers intense hydration to the skin
- Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines by improving skin moisture
- Supports skin barrier function
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and oily skin
Potential concerns
- In very dry climates with low humidity, it may draw moisture from deeper skin layers if not sealed with an occlusive product
- Rare allergic reactions are possible but extremely uncommon
Science: While the provided research focuses on intra-articular injections for joint health (showing good safety and efficacy), hyaluronic acid and its salt form are well-established in dermatology for topical hydration. The molecule's safety profile is well-documented across decades of use in medical and cosmetic applications, with severe adverse reactions being extremely rare.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Tromethamine is a pH buffer and alkalizing agent used in skincare formulations to neutralize acids and maintain skin-friendly pH levels. It's not typically a featured active ingredient but rather a behind-the-scenes helper that stabilizes product formulations.
Benefits
- Helps maintain optimal pH balance in skincare products
- Stabilizes formulations containing acidic actives like retinoids or vitamin C
- Allows safer delivery of potent ingredients without excess irritation
Potential concerns
- Limited data on direct skin effects as a standalone ingredient
- Generally used at low concentrations, minimizing irritation risk
- May cause irritation if formulation pH becomes too alkaline
Science: The provided literature focuses on tromethamine's use as a pain-relief agent in ophthalmic settings rather than skincare applications. Limited peer-reviewed data is available specifically for its use in topical cosmetic formulations, though it is recognized as a safe, FDA-approved buffer agent in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
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→ -
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→ -
Squalane is a lightweight, skin-identical oil derived from squalene (a natural component of human sebum). It absorbs easily into the skin to lock in moisture and create a smooth, soft feel without leaving a greasy residue.
Benefits
- Hydrates and moisturizes skin
- Mimics skin's natural oils for better compatibility
- Lightweight emollient that doesn't clog pores
- Antioxidant properties
- Well-tolerated by most skin types
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel confirmed squalane is safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations (2023). Research demonstrates skin hydrating and emollient activity, and squalane is naturally present in human sebum at ~13%, making it biocompatible with skin.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Polysorbate 60 is an emulsifier and solubilizer derived from sorbitan and polyethylene glycol. It helps blend water and oil-based ingredients together in formulations and can assist in delivering active ingredients into the skin.
Benefits
- Helps stabilize product texture by mixing incompatible ingredients
- May improve skin penetration of certain active ingredients
- Enables creation of lightweight, uniform formulations
Science: Research shows polysorbate 60 functions effectively as a surfactant in nanoparticle delivery systems, enhancing skin penetration of topical actives. It has been used safely in pharmaceutical formulations with established stability profiles and minimal irritation potential at typical cosmetic concentrations.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight oil derived from coconut that acts as an emollient and helps formulations blend smoothly. It softens skin and reduces water loss by creating an occlusive barrier on the skin's surface.
Benefits
- Improves skin hydration and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
- Lightweight, non-greasy feel compared to heavier oils
- Helps deliver other active ingredients deeper into the skin
- Smooth, silky texture in skincare formulations
Science: Research shows that emulsions containing 15% caprylic/capric triglyceride significantly increase skin hydration and reduce water loss in healthy subjects. The ingredient is also used as an effective carrier oil in nanoemulsions to enhance penetration of active compounds into skin.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Coco-Caprylate is a lightweight, fast-absorbing oil derived from coconut that acts as an emollient and texture enhancer in skincare products. It helps soften and condition the skin while improving the spreadability and feel of formulations.
Benefits
- Lightweight moisturizing without a greasy residue
- Improves product texture and skin feel
- Helps dissolve and stabilize UV filters in sunscreens
Science: Research shows Coco-Caprylate performs comparably to other standard cosmetic emollients in sunscreen formulations. While it has moderate polarity, it was slightly less optimal than Dibutyl Adipate for maximizing UVA protection in sunscreens, though it does not negatively impact SPF performance.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
This is a synthetic polymer that acts as a thickener and film-former in skincare products. It helps create a smooth texture, improve product consistency, and can form a light protective layer on the skin's surface to help retain moisture.
Benefits
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Helps retain moisture on skin
- Creates a smooth, even application
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. It is used widely in cosmetics as a safe thickening and film-forming agent, with no significant safety concerns reported in cosmetic safety databases.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Sorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifier made from sorbitol (a natural sugar alcohol) and isostearic acid (a fatty acid). It helps blend oil and water-based ingredients together in skincare products, creating a smooth, stable texture.
Benefits
- Stabilizes product formulations by helping oil and water mix
- Creates smooth, pleasant texture in lotions and creams
- Generally well-tolerated in most skincare products
Potential concerns
- May cause mild to moderate skin irritation in sensitive individuals
- Rarely can trigger allergic contact dermatitis (less than 1% of people with contact sensitivity)
- Animal studies showed moderate irritation potential; use lower concentrations if sensitivity occurs
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded this ingredient is safe for cosmetic use under current practices (typically under 10% concentration). Clinical studies show it is generally a mild irritant and non-sensitizing in most users, though some individuals with sensitive skin may experience irritation.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is a synthetic emollient and texture enhancer derived from pentaerythritol and isostearic acid. It's used in skincare products to soften the skin, improve spreadability, and create a smooth, non-greasy feel.
Benefits
- Softens and conditions the skin
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Creates a smooth, lightweight finish without heavy greasiness
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. It is considered a safe synthetic ester used primarily as an emollient and is approved for cosmetic use in major regulatory regions including the EU and North America.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Ceramide NP is a naturally-derived lipid that mimics ceramides found in healthy skin. It works to repair and strengthen your skin's protective barrier, helping it retain moisture and resist irritation.
Benefits
- Restores skin barrier function and structural integrity
- Reduces trans-epidermal water loss (helps skin stay hydrated)
- Strengthens skin's natural defense against irritants and environmental stressors
Science: Recent research demonstrates that Ceramide NP effectively recovers damaged skin barrier function and can be formulated into advanced delivery systems (like ethosomes) to enhance skin absorption. Studies show it meaningfully lowers water loss while restoring epidermis structure in compromised skin.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is a natural-origin emulsifier derived from plant-based ingredients that helps blend water and oil together in creams and lotions. It stabilizes skincare formulas to keep them smooth and consistent while supporting even product application.
Benefits
- Stabilizes creams and emulsions
- Helps products spread evenly on skin
- Natural-origin alternative to synthetic emulsifiers
Science: Research indicates this emulsifier effectively stabilizes oil-in-water cream formulations without negatively affecting drug or active ingredient delivery to the skin, regardless of how the formula is manufactured.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
A synthetic polymer that acts as a film-former and thickening agent in skincare products. It creates a light, flexible layer on the skin's surface to help products spread smoothly and improve texture without feeling heavy.
Benefits
- Creates a smooth, even texture in formulations
- Helps products adhere better to skin
- Contributes to lightweight, non-greasy feel
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel assessed vinylpyrrolidone polymers (the VP component of this ingredient) and determined that 27 of 30 polymers in this class are safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. This specific copolymer was included in the safe-to-use category.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
Edit this product
Edit Ingredients