Ingredients
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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.
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Sucrose is a natural sugar derived from sugar cane or sugar beets. In skincare, it's primarily used as a humectant to help the skin retain moisture, and as a texture enhancer in formulations. It can also serve as a gentle exfoliant in some products when used in granulated form.
Benefits
- Helps skin retain moisture
- Provides humectant properties to improve hydration
- Generally well-tolerated by most skin types
Potential concerns
- May feed acne-causing bacteria if not properly formulated
- Can leave skin sticky if used in high concentrations
- Potential for irritation in individuals with sensitive skin if concentration is excessive
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available specifically evaluating sucrose as a skincare active ingredient. The provided research discusses sucrose only as a laboratory tool for isolating nanoparticles, not for its direct skincare benefits. Sucrose's use in cosmetics is well-established as a safe humectant and preservative agent based on decades of cosmetic industry use.
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Caprylyl glycol is a preservative and skin-conditioning ingredient derived from coconut oil. It helps prevent bacterial and mold growth in skincare products while also providing mild hydrating and humectant benefits to the skin.
Benefits
- Helps preserve product freshness and prevent contamination
- Provides gentle humectant properties to help retain skin moisture
- Often used as a gentler alternative to traditional preservatives
Potential concerns
- Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been reported in sensitive individuals
- May cause irritation in those with known sensitivity to glycols
Science: A 200-subject repeat patch test study found no delayed hypersensitivity reactions to caprylyl glycol at typical use concentrations. However, isolated case reports of allergic contact dermatitis exist, suggesting it can act as an allergen in susceptible individuals. It is widely used in infant and sensitive-skin formulations as a preservative alternative.
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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.
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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.
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Hexylene glycol is a lightweight humectant and preservative booster used in skincare products to help retain moisture and improve product stability. It also enhances the penetration of other active ingredients into the skin.
Benefits
- Helps skin retain moisture
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Enhances effectiveness of preservative systems
Potential concerns
- May cause mild irritation or redness in sensitive individuals (occurs in roughly 3% of eczema-prone skin)
- Potential for delayed allergic contact reactions in susceptible people, though this is uncommon
- Less irritating than propylene glycol under occlusion, but still worth avoiding if you have known sensitivities to glycols
Science: A 1989 study found hexylene glycol caused visible skin reactions in 2.8% of eczema patients at high concentrations (30-50%), with potential for delayed allergic sensitization in rare cases. It was less irritating than propylene glycol. One case report mentions hexylene glycol as a potential allergen in medical formulations, though reactions are uncommon at typical cosmetic concentrations.
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BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is a synthetic antioxidant used in skincare products to prevent oils and other ingredients from oxidizing and going rancid. It's used at very low concentrations (0.0002% to 0.5%) to extend shelf life.
Benefits
- Prevents product degradation and extends shelf life
- Keeps formulations stable over time
- Allows use of beneficial oils without them spoiling
Potential concerns
- Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals at higher concentrations
- May cause mild contact sensitization in some people
- Minimal systemic absorption when applied to skin, but oral ingestion studies show potential liver and kidney effects at high doses
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded BHT is safe as used in cosmetic formulations at typical concentrations. When applied to skin, BHT remains largely in the skin with minimal systemic absorption, unlike oral exposure which showed some toxic effects in animal studies at high doses.
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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.
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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.
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Triethanolamine (TEA) is a pH adjusting agent and surfactant used in cosmetics to balance acidity and help mix oil and water-based ingredients. It's been used in skincare and makeup formulations for decades to improve product stability and texture.
Benefits
- Neutralizes acidic ingredients to achieve optimal skin pH
- Helps create stable, uniform product textures
- Allows better mixing of different ingredient types
Potential concerns
- May cause skin irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals
- Can form potentially harmful nitrosamines when combined with certain preservatives
- Classified as a potential carcinogen in some recent literature reviews, though regulatory bodies consider it safe at approved concentrations
Science: A 2013 expert panel safety assessment by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review concluded TEA is safe as used in cosmetics. However, a 2023 analysis of commercial products identified TEA and its derivatives as potential carcinogens present in most facial makeup cosmetics tested, highlighting the need for longer-term safety studies on cumulative exposure.
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Aspartic acid is a naturally occurring amino acid that plays a structural role in skin proteins and the extracellular matrix. In skincare products, it may be used to support skin firmness and resilience, though its primary function is typically as a pH buffer or humectant rather than an active anti-aging ingredient.
Benefits
- Supports skin structure as a building block for proteins
- May help maintain skin hydration as a humectant
- Functions as a pH buffer in formulations
Science: Research indicates aspartic acid undergoes racemization (structural change) during skin aging and elastic fiber degradation, suggesting it plays a role in maintaining skin elasticity over time. However, peer-reviewed evidence for aspartic acid as a standalone active skincare ingredient is limited; most studies focus on its structural role in aging rather than its topical application benefits.
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Alanine is a simple amino acid—a building block of proteins—used in skincare products to support skin hydration and provide conditioning benefits. It helps maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier and is generally used in small concentrations as part of formulation systems.
Benefits
- Supports skin hydration and moisture retention
- Helps condition and soften skin texture
- May contribute to the skin's natural amino acid profile
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available specifically for alanine in topical skincare applications. Alanine is a naturally occurring, non-essential amino acid that is well-tolerated by skin and widely recognized as safe in cosmetic formulations.
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Glutamic acid is a naturally occurring amino acid that functions as a humectant in skincare, helping to draw moisture into the skin and support its natural hydration barrier. It's often used in the form of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), a biodegradable biopolymer derived from bacterial fermentation that enhances the moisturizing properties of skincare formulas.
Benefits
- Humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin
- Supports skin hydration and barrier function
- Biodegradable and generally well-tolerated by most skin types
Science: Poly-γ-glutamic acid is a well-documented, biodegradable biopolymer with good biocompatibility and non-toxic profile, widely used in cosmetic formulations. Research confirms it is safe and effective for moisture-binding applications in skincare.
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Fructose is a simple sugar naturally found in fruits and honey. In skincare products, it functions as a humectant—a moisture-binding ingredient that helps the skin retain water—and as a sweetener or preservative in formulations.
Benefits
- Humectant properties that help skin retain moisture
- Gentle sweetening agent in formulations
- Contributes to skin-conditioning effects when sourced from honey-based ingredients
Potential concerns
- May promote bacterial growth if used in high concentrations without proper preservation
- Can be sticky or uncomfortable in high amounts on skin
- Limited evidence for meaningful skincare benefits beyond basic humectancy
Science: Fructose is a component of honey, which has documented antimicrobial and humectant properties in dermatological applications. However, standalone fructose in skincare lacks substantial peer-reviewed research demonstrating unique benefits beyond standard humectant function.
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Glucose is a simple sugar that acts as a humectant in skincare products, meaning it helps draw moisture into the skin and keep it hydrated. It's a naturally occurring ingredient commonly found in honey and other botanical sources.
Benefits
- Hydration and moisture retention
- Humectant properties that help skin feel softer
- Generally well-tolerated by most skin types
Potential concerns
- May contribute to glycation (sugar binding to proteins) with prolonged exposure, potentially affecting skin aging
- Can feed acne-causing bacteria in susceptible individuals
- May cause irritation or sensitivity in some users
Science: Glucose is a key component of honey, which has established antimicrobial, emollient, and humectant properties in dermatological applications. However, the scientific literature raises concerns about sugar and glycation's role in skin aging, suggesting that while glucose provides short-term hydration benefits, excessive or chronic exposure may have negative effects on skin aging.
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Urea is a naturally occurring compound found in healthy skin that helps maintain hydration and skin barrier function. In skincare products, it works as a humectant at lower concentrations (drawing water into the skin) and can help remove dead skin cells at higher concentrations.
Benefits
- Hydrates and moisturizes dry skin
- Supports skin barrier function and integrity
- May reduce itching and discomfort from dry skin conditions
- Helps improve skin smoothness
- Can enhance penetration of other active ingredients when used in combination products
Potential concerns
- At high concentrations (>10%), may cause irritation or a slight stinging sensation in sensitive individuals
- Can increase skin sensitivity temporarily due to its exfoliating properties at higher doses
Science: Urea is a component of skin's natural moisturizing factor and has strong clinical evidence supporting its safety and efficacy. At concentrations of 10% or lower, it functions as a gentle moisturizer; at higher concentrations, it acts as a mild exfoliant and is recognized for improving conditions like xerosis, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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Dextrin is a carbohydrate polymer derived from starch that acts as a thickening agent and moisture-binding ingredient in skincare formulas. It helps create a smooth texture and can absorb and retain water on the skin's surface.
Benefits
- Thickens and stabilizes formulas
- Helps retain moisture on skin
- Creates smooth, pleasant texture
Science: Research demonstrates dextrin's suitability in topical formulations with excellent safety profiles. Studies show dextrin-based polymers have minimal systemic absorption when applied to skin, with negligible effects on thyroid function or physiological markers, indicating it is well-tolerated as a skincare ingredient.
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Panthenol is a lightweight humectant derived from pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) that draws moisture into the skin and helps maintain hydration. It also supports the skin barrier and can help soothe irritation, making it a popular choice in products designed for sensitive or compromised skin.
Benefits
- Hydrates and moisturizes the skin
- Helps calm and soothe irritated or sensitive skin
- Supports skin barrier function and repair
- Lightweight and non-greasy
Science: Panthenol is one of the few ingredients in sensitive skin formulations with clinical evidence specifically tested on volunteers with sensitive skin. Research confirms it reduces skin inflammation and supports barrier function, though comprehensive clinical studies on this ingredient remain limited compared to some alternatives.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Alcohol Denat is denatured ethanol (regular alcohol) that has been made undrinkable by adding bitter-tasting substances. It's used in skincare products as a solvent and preservative to help dissolve other ingredients and extend shelf life.
Benefits
- Helps dissolve and blend skincare ingredients together
- Provides preservative function to prevent microbial growth
- Gives products a lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
Potential concerns
- Can be drying or irritating to sensitive skin with repeated use
- May cause stinging if applied to broken skin or open wounds
- High concentrations may trigger irritation in those with sensitive or reactive skin
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that Alcohol Denat and its various forms are safe as used in cosmetics. Denaturants added to prevent accidental ingestion (such as Denatonium Benzoate) show low systemic absorption and minimal irritation at typical skincare concentrations.
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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.
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Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
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Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer used in skincare products as a thickener and film-former that helps create smooth textures and provide a light protective layer on the skin. It's commonly found in gels, moisturizers, and other formulations where a stable, gel-like consistency is desired.
Benefits
- Creates smooth, spreadable product texture
- Helps products adhere to skin without feeling heavy
- Provides lightweight film-forming properties for a polished finish
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel reaffirmed in 2023 that polyacrylamide is safe as a cosmetic ingredient at typical use concentrations and practices, based on a comprehensive review of available safety data. No significant dermatological concerns have been identified in peer-reviewed literature for topical cosmetic use.
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PEG-100 Stearate is an emulsifier—a ingredient that helps blend oil and water together in skincare creams and lotions. It's used to create smooth, stable textures and can help improve how well products spread on skin.
Benefits
- Helps create smooth, gel-like cream textures
- Improves physical stability of formulations
- May support skin barrier function when used in basic moisturizing formulas
Science: Research shows that formulations containing PEG-100 Stearate alongside other emulsifiers can improve skin barrier function and reduce trans-epidermal water loss, suggesting it may be suitable for compromised or sensitive skin in moisturizing products.
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Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract is a fermented ingredient derived from a marine bacterium. It's used in skincare products for its potential antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties, though consumer-facing benefits remain largely marketing-driven due to limited independent research.
Benefits
- May provide antioxidant protection
- Potential skin-soothing properties
- Fermented ingredients are trendy in K-beauty formulations
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. Fermented bacterial extracts are generally recognized as safe in cosmetics, but specific efficacy claims for Pseudoalteromonas ferment lack substantial published evidence.
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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.
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Isononyl isononanoate is a lightweight synthetic oil derived from fatty acids, used in skincare products as an emollient to soften and smooth skin. It provides a silky texture without a greasy feel, making it popular in moisturizers, serums, and foundations.
Benefits
- Softens and conditions skin
- Provides lightweight moisture without heaviness
- Improves product texture and spreadability
Science: Research shows isononyl isononanoate has a very clean chemical profile with minimal volatile compounds—mainly just the ester itself and traces of isononyl alcohol from synthesis. It is well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations and considered safe for topical use.
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Menthol is a cooling compound derived from peppermint that creates a refreshing sensation on the skin. In skincare, it's used primarily to soothe itching and provide temporary relief from discomfort, particularly for irritated or sensitive skin.
Benefits
- Reduces itching and provides cooling relief
- Helps soothe irritated or inflamed skin
- Creates a refreshing, tingling sensation
Potential concerns
- Can cause irritation or burning in sensitive individuals
- May trigger stinging or temporary discomfort on damaged skin barrier
- Some people may experience contact sensitivity or allergic reactions
- Not suitable for very inflamed conditions requiring medical treatment
Science: Medical literature identifies menthol as an established neuropathic topical treatment for chronic itching and pruritus, particularly when inflammatory causes have been ruled out. It is recognized as effective for itch relief but is generally considered a complementary therapy rather than a primary treatment for serious skin conditions.
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Biosaccharide Gum-1 is a natural polymer derived from fermented sugars that works as a thickener and stabilizer in skincare formulas. It helps create a smooth texture and can form a light film on the skin to help retain moisture.
Benefits
- Improves product texture and consistency
- Helps hydrate and retain skin moisture
- Creates a light, breathable protective layer
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available for this ingredient. Biosaccharide gums are generally recognized as safe cosmetic thickeners with low irritation potential, though comprehensive safety studies specific to Biosaccharide Gum-1 are not widely published.
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