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.
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%).
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.
Cucumber fruit extract is a plant-derived ingredient made from pressed or fermented cucumber. It's lightweight and contains natural compounds like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help soothe and hydrate skin.
Benefits
Hydrating and refreshing
May help soothe mild irritation or redness
Light antioxidant properties
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. Cucumber is generally recognized as very safe in cosmetics and has a long history of traditional use in skincare, though specific efficacy claims lack robust clinical support.
Pea extract is a plant-derived ingredient made from garden peas that contains natural proteins, vitamins, and antioxidants. In skincare, it's used for its potential to support skin firmness and provide antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.
Benefits
Antioxidant protection
May support skin firmness and elasticity
Gentle plant-based ingredient
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. Pea proteins are known to contain amino acids and polyphenols that have general antioxidant properties, but specific efficacy in skincare formulations has not been extensively studied in published clinical trials.
Deionized water is purified water with minerals and ions removed, used as the main carrier and base ingredient in most skincare products. It helps dissolve and distribute active ingredients evenly throughout the formula.
Benefits
Hydrates and plumps the skin
Serves as a neutral base for other active ingredients
Helps maintain product texture and consistency
Science: Water is the most extensively studied cosmetic ingredient with a long history of safe use in skincare. Deionized water specifically minimizes mineral content that could interfere with product stability or efficacy.
