This is a thickening and stabilizing agent that helps give skincare products their texture and consistency. It works by absorbing water and forming a gel-like network, making products feel smooth and creamy on the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Benefits
Creates smooth, pleasant product texture
Helps stabilize emulsions and prevent separation
Allows for lightweight formulations that don't feel heavy
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. It is widely used in cosmetics and generally recognized as safe by regulatory bodies including the CosIng database and is approved for use in the EU and US.
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.
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.
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.
Honey is a natural sweetener made by bees, composed primarily of sugars along with proteins, vitamins, enzymes, and minerals. In skincare, it acts as a humectant (drawing moisture into the skin), emollient (softening), and soothing agent, while also offering antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Benefits
Hydrates and moisturizes skin
Soothes irritation and inflammation
Antimicrobial properties may help prevent bacterial growth
Antioxidant activity may support skin health
Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Potential concerns
May cause allergic reactions in people with bee pollen allergies
High sugar content can potentially feed acne-causing bacteria if not rinsed thoroughly
Sticky texture may feel uncomfortable on some skin types
Science: Research demonstrates honey's antimicrobial, antioxidant, and humectant properties in skincare formulations. Studies support its use in wound healing and soothing applications, with typical cosmetic concentrations ranging from 1-10%. Manuka honey specifically contains higher levels of methylglyoxal, contributing to stronger antimicrobial effects.
Royal jelly extract is a nutrient-rich substance produced by honeybees, containing proteins, vitamins, and amino acids. In skincare, it's used to help improve skin hydration, support skin thickness, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Benefits
May reduce the depth and visibility of wrinkles, particularly around the eyes
Helps increase skin hydration and water content in the outer skin layer
May support skin firmness by promoting dermal thickness
Potentially helps balance skin microbiome
Potential concerns
Risk of allergic reactions and contact dermatitis, especially in people with bee product sensitivities or atopic skin conditions
Rare but serious risk of anaphylaxis in individuals with severe bee product allergies
May trigger asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals
Science: A 2025 clinical trial demonstrated that protease-treated royal jelly improved wrinkle depth, skin hydration, and dermal thickness over 12 weeks compared to placebo. However, royal jelly is a known allergen with documented cases of contact dermatitis, asthma, and anaphylaxis, particularly among atopic populations, so it should be avoided by anyone with bee product allergies.
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.
