Ingredients
-
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→ -
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→ -
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→ -
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Citric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid commonly used in skincare products as an exfoliant and pH balancer. It belongs to a group of ingredients called alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that help remove dead skin cells from the surface.
Benefits
- Gentle exfoliation to improve skin texture and appearance
- Helps reduce the appearance of keratosis and acne
- Balances product pH to maintain skin compatibility
Potential concerns
- Can cause irritation, redness, or sensitivity in some users, especially with prolonged or frequent use
- May increase sun sensitivity — sunscreen use is recommended when using AHA products
- Not suitable for very sensitive or compromised skin without caution
Science: Citric acid is an established AHA used in cosmetics for superficial peeling and skin appearance improvement, though research emphasizes that caution should be exercised due to potential adverse reactions. It is widely produced industrially and well-established in skincare formulations.
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→ -
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→ -
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→ -
Propanediol is a lightweight humectant—a molecule that draws water into the skin to keep it hydrated. It's also used in cosmetic formulations as a solvent and preservative booster, helping products stay stable and feel smooth on the skin.
Benefits
- Hydrates and moisturizes the skin
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Helps preserve formulations naturally
Science: Propanediol can be produced through bio-based fermentation (from glycerol using microorganisms), making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional chemical synthesis. It is widely recognized as safe in cosmetic and food applications, with established use as both a humectant and preservative enhancer.
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→ -
Phospholipids are natural fat-like molecules found in plant oils and cell membranes that help strengthen your skin's protective barrier. They work by binding water to the skin and supporting the structure that keeps moisture locked in.
Benefits
- Strengthens skin barrier function
- Improves skin hydration and moisture retention
- Supports wound healing
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
Science: Research shows phospholipids are natural constituents of beneficial plant oils and support healthy skin barrier function with anti-inflammatory effects. They are well-tolerated ingredients commonly derived from natural sources like seeds and plant oils.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
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.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Tocopherol is a form of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects skin from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress. It helps maintain skin's natural barrier function and is commonly used in skincare products to prevent premature aging and support overall skin health.
Benefits
- Protects skin from free radical damage and oxidative stress
- Supports skin barrier function and moisture retention
- May help reduce signs of aging caused by UV exposure and environmental damage
- Works as a lipid antioxidant to prevent degradation of skin oils
Science: Tocopherol (α-tocopherol) is recognized in peer-reviewed research as a key endogenous defense mechanism against oxidative stress in aging skin, particularly from UV-induced damage. Studies confirm it functions as a lipid-soluble antioxidant capable of preventing lipid peroxidation, with established efficacy in cosmetic and therapeutic applications.
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→ -
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a lightweight emollient (skin softener) derived from benzoic acid and plant-based alcohols. It's commonly used in sunscreens and moisturizers to create a smooth texture, help dissolve UV filters, and improve how the product feels on skin.
Benefits
- Provides a silky, non-greasy feel
- Helps dissolve and stabilize UV filters in sunscreens
- Lightweight emollient that conditions skin without heaviness
Science: Research shows C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is effective as a sunscreen emollient, though studies indicate that more polar (water-loving) emollients like Dibutyl Adipate may provide slightly better UVA protection. The ingredient has a good safety profile in cosmetic formulations.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Lecithin is a naturally derived ingredient that acts as an emulsifier and skin conditioner in skincare products. It helps blend water and oil-based ingredients together and can improve the texture and feel of creams and lotions on your skin.
Benefits
- Helps create smooth, blended formulations
- Conditions and softens skin
- Improves product texture and spreadability
Science: The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel concluded that lecithin and related phosphoglycerides are safe for use in cosmetics at concentrations up to 50%, based on comprehensive safety assessment. While lecithin can have physiological effects when ingested, these effects are not reproduced through topical skin application.
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→ -
Stearic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid commonly derived from plant or animal sources. In skincare products, it functions as an emollient and emulsifier, helping to soften skin, improve product texture, and stabilize formulations by allowing oil and water to mix together.
Benefits
- Softens and moisturizes skin by forming a protective barrier
- Improves product texture and stability
- Helps other active ingredients penetrate the skin more effectively
Potential concerns
- May cause mild irritation or sensitivity in people with very sensitive skin
- Can leave a slight waxy residue if used in high concentrations
Science: Research indicates stearic acid acts as a permeation enhancer, potentially improving how active ingredients cross the skin barrier. It is well-established in cosmetic formulation design and has a strong safety history in topical products.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Potassium cetyl phosphate is an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent that helps mix oil and water together in creams and lotions. It also helps create a protective barrier on the skin to lock in moisture.
Benefits
- Helps create stable, smooth-textured creams
- Improves skin hydration by forming a protective moisture barrier
- Enhances skin softness and spreadability of products
Science: Research shows potassium cetyl phosphate works effectively as part of lipid complexes to improve skin hydration and barrier function, particularly when combined with other fatty acids and ceramide-like ingredients. It creates organized lipid structures on the skin that help reduce water loss and support skin density improvements.
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→ -
Palmitic acid is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in palm oil and animal fats that helps strengthen your skin's barrier and improve moisture retention. In skincare products, it acts as an emollient and emulsifier, making formulas smoother and helping other ingredients blend together.
Benefits
- Moisturizes and softens skin
- Strengthens skin barrier function
- Improves product texture and spreadability
Science: Palmitic acid is a well-established safe ingredient with a long history of use in cosmetics and food products. The provided research focuses on palmitic acid's metabolic role in systemic health contexts (cancer research), which is not relevant to topical skincare applications where absorption is minimal.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Limonene is a natural fragrance compound found in citrus oils and other plants. It's used in skincare products primarily to provide a fresh, lemon-like scent and may have mild preservative properties.
Benefits
- Provides natural fragrance
- May help preserve products
- Derived from natural plant sources
Potential concerns
- Can cause skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- May oxidize over time, potentially becoming more irritating
- Inhalation of high concentrations may pose concerns; use caution with products prone to aerosolization
Science: Limonene is a widely used fragrance component in cosmetics derived from essential oils. However, research indicates that monoterpenes like limonene can exhibit hepatotoxic properties and penetrate skin readily; while cosmetic concentrations are typically low, individuals with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies should exercise caution.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Adenosine is a naturally occurring compound found in all living cells that plays a role in skin cell energy production and communication. In skincare, it's used to help support skin barrier function and may promote a smoother, more resilient complexion.
Benefits
- Supports skin barrier strength and integrity
- May help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Promotes skin cell energy metabolism and repair
Science: Research indicates adenosine and related compounds (like cyclic adenosine monophosphate) regulate skin barrier formation and epidermal differentiation. While direct clinical studies on topical adenosine in skincare are limited, the ingredient's role in cellular energy and barrier maintenance is well-established in dermatological literature.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
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.
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→ -
Sunflower seed oil is a natural plant oil extracted from sunflower seeds. In skincare, it acts as a moisturizer and emollient, helping to soften and hydrate the skin while forming a protective barrier on the skin's surface.
Benefits
- Hydration and moisturizing
- Skin softening and smoothing
- Rich in antioxidants and vitamin E
Science: Recent research shows sunflower oil does not trigger cross-reactivity with common allergens like nickel or Compositae plant allergens, supporting its safety profile for sensitive skin. It is well-tolerated and has a long history of safe use in cosmetics.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Cetearyl alcohol is a waxy, fatty alcohol derived from vegetable or petroleum sources that acts as an emulsifier and thickener in skincare products. It helps blend oil and water-based ingredients together and gives creams and lotions their smooth, spreadable texture.
Benefits
- Stabilizes emulsions to prevent separation of oil and water
- Thickens and improves texture of creams and lotions
- Creates a smooth, non-greasy feel on skin
Potential concerns
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis reported in sensitive individuals
- May cause localized irritation or allergic reactions in patch-tested cases
Science: Cetearyl alcohol is widely used as an emulsifier in topical formulations and generally has a good safety profile. However, multiple case reports document allergic contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals, suggesting it can act as a contact allergen in rare cases. It does not significantly penetrate skin and primarily remains in the formulation.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Glycolipids are naturally occurring molecules that combine fats with sugars, often used in skincare formulations as part of advanced delivery systems. They can help encapsulate and stabilize active ingredients, potentially improving how well the skin absorbs beneficial compounds.
Benefits
- May improve delivery and absorption of skincare actives
- Can enhance stability of sensitive ingredients
- Biocompatible and biodegradable
Science: Glycolipids are primarily studied as components of liposomal nanoparticles and biosurfactants for ingredient delivery systems. Research indicates they are biocompatible and biodegradable with applications in cosmetics as carrier vehicles, though direct peer-reviewed efficacy studies on glycolipids alone in skincare are limited.
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→ -
Beta-glucan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide (a type of carbohydrate) derived from sources like yeast, fungi, and grains. In skincare, it works to hydrate the skin and support its natural barrier function, helping it retain moisture and maintain resilience.
Benefits
- Hydration and moisture retention
- Skin barrier support and strengthening
- Antioxidant properties to help protect against environmental stress
- May support skin regeneration and anti-aging effects
Science: Recent research indicates beta-glucan has multifunctional properties for skin health, including moisturizing, antioxidant, and regenerating activities. When formulated into advanced delivery systems, it shows improved bioavailability and effectiveness for anti-aging skincare.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Benzyl alcohol is a preservative and solvent commonly used in skincare products to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, extending shelf life. It also helps dissolve and mix other ingredients together in formulations.
Benefits
- Preserves product freshness and prevents microbial contamination
- Helps stabilize and blend formula ingredients
- Generally recognized as safe for topical use in cosmetics at approved concentrations
Potential concerns
- Can cause skin irritation or allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- May cause stinging or dryness on broken or compromised skin
- High systemic absorption in infants and neonates is a known concern; products containing benzyl alcohol should be kept away from babies and nursing mothers should avoid application to breast tissue
Science: Benzyl alcohol is widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations as a preservative. Research indicates it has low systemic absorption through intact adult skin at typical cosmetic concentrations, but neonatal toxicity is a documented concern at high doses, warranting caution in products used near infants or during breastfeeding.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Sucrose palmitate is a gentle, plant-derived emulsifier made from sugar and palmitic acid. It helps blend water and oil-based ingredients in skincare formulas while also acting as a skin penetration enhancer, allowing other active ingredients to work more effectively.
Benefits
- Helps stabilize skincare formulations
- Enhances delivery of active ingredients into skin
- Derived from natural sources (sugar and palm)
- Well-tolerated by skin
Science: Research demonstrates that sucrose palmitate functions effectively as a stabilizer and penetration enhancer in advanced skincare delivery systems (nanoemulsions and microemulsions), with evidence of superior skin absorption of active ingredients and low irritation potential compared to conventional synthetic alternatives.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) is a thickening and gelling agent derived from cellulose, a natural plant material. In skincare products, it creates a smooth texture, helps bind ingredients together, and improves how products feel and spread on skin.
Benefits
- Creates a smooth, even texture in gels and creams
- Helps products spread easily without feeling heavy
- Non-ionic, meaning it works well with most other skincare ingredients
- Biocompatible and generally well-tolerated by skin
Science: HEC is documented as biocompatible, biodegradable, nontoxic, and water-soluble in peer-reviewed literature. It is widely used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations as a gelling and thickening agent with a strong safety profile in topical applications.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Glyceryl Caprylate is a mild emulsifier and penetration enhancer derived from glycerin and caprylic acid (a natural fatty acid). In skincare products, it helps blend water and oil-based ingredients together and can improve how active ingredients absorb into the skin.
Benefits
- Helps formulations blend water and oil ingredients
- May enhance absorption of other skincare actives
- Mild and generally well-tolerated by most skin types
Science: Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel confirm glyceryl caprylate is safe for cosmetic use. Research demonstrates it functions effectively as a penetration enhancer in topical formulations, helping active ingredients reach deeper skin layers.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester is a peptide-derived ingredient designed specifically to calm and protect sensitive skin. It works by targeting the underlying molecular causes of skin sensitivity, helping to reduce uncomfortable reactions to everyday irritants.
Benefits
- Reduces skin sensitivity and reactive responses
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Calms inflammation
- Helps minimize discomfort from irritants
Science: Clinical research specifically tested this ingredient on volunteers with sensitive skin, showing targeted action on molecular pathways involved in skin sensitivity. It is among a limited group of ingredients in sensitive skin products with evidence directly supporting use in reactive skin conditions.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Caprylhydroxamic Acid is a preservative and chelating agent used in skincare products to prevent microbial growth and extend shelf life. It's a multifunctional ingredient increasingly used as an alternative to traditional preservatives in formulas designed for sensitive skin.
Benefits
- Preserves products by preventing bacterial and microbial growth
- Chelates metal ions that can degrade product quality
- Gentler alternative to some conventional preservatives, particularly for sensitive skin formulations
Potential concerns
- May cause skin sensitization, especially when applied to damaged or compromised skin
- Requires careful formulation to minimize skin penetration and reduce irritation potential
Science: The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety concluded that Caprylhydroxamic Acid is safe at current usage levels and concentrations, but advised caution against formulations that increase skin penetration. Research shows it is used at safe levels in infant and sensitive-skin cosmetics as a preservative alternative.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Glycol Distearate is a waxy conditioning agent derived from glycol and stearic acid. It's used in skincare and body care products to improve texture, add slip, and create a smooth, luxurious feel on the skin.
Benefits
- Improves product texture and spreadability
- Adds conditioning and emollient properties
- Creates a smooth, pleasant feel on skin
Science: Limited peer-reviewed data available specifically on glycol distearate. However, research on similar body wash ingredients—including ethylene glycol distearate—shows it can reduce the bioaccumulation of problematic chemicals when used in formulations, suggesting it may have a stabilizing role in product safety.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Myristyl nicotinate is a stabilized form of niacin (vitamin B3) designed to penetrate the skin and deliver nicotinic acid to deeper layers. Once absorbed, it breaks down into niacin, which supports skin barrier function and may help reduce signs of aging and sun damage.
Benefits
- Delivers niacin directly to skin cells for improved barrier function
- May help prevent actinic keratosis (precancerous sun spots) and reduce skin cancer risk
- Supports skin resilience and reduces visible signs of photodamage
Potential concerns
- May cause flushing or mild irritation in sensitive individuals (common with niacin derivatives)
- Limited long-term safety data in cosmetic formulations
Science: Research shows myristyl nicotinate is a prodrug that breaks down into nicotinic acid more efficiently in skin tissue than in simple buffer solutions, making it an effective delivery system. Studies indicate it was developed specifically for preventing actinic keratosis and reducing skin cancer risk, though most published research focuses on pharmacokinetics rather than consumer safety profiles in finished products.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Sorbitan Laurate is a mild emulsifier derived from sorbitol (a sugar alcohol) and lauric acid (a fatty acid). It helps blend water and oil-based ingredients in skincare formulations to create smooth, stable products.
Benefits
- Improves product texture and stability
- Helps distribute oils evenly throughout formulations
- Generally well-tolerated by skin
Potential concerns
- May cause minimal irritation in sensitive individuals at high concentrations
- Showed cocarcinogenic activity in one animal study, though regulators concluded this poses negligible risk in typical cosmetic use
Science: Sorbitan fatty acid esters like Sorbitan Laurate are generally nontoxic, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing in standard cosmetic concentrations. One mouse skin-painting study identified cocarcinogenic potential, but regulatory panels determined that typical cosmetic exposure levels, frequency, and lack of dose-response relationship do not present a meaningful cocarcinogenesis risk.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Isostearyl Isostearate is a lightweight emollient oil derived from isostearic acid. It softens and smooths the skin while helping it retain moisture through a dual mechanism: both by coating the skin surface and by working within the outer layer of skin to reduce water loss.
Benefits
- Moisturizes and hydrates skin
- Improves skin smoothness and softness
- Non-greasy feel compared to heavier oils
- Helps skin barrier function
Science: Research shows Isostearyl Isostearate functions as a moisturizer through both external occlusion and internal moisture retention mechanisms, making it more effective than traditional measurement methods alone would suggest. The ingredient has a good safety profile and is widely used in skincare formulations.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Undecane is a naturally occurring hydrocarbon compound found in plants. In skincare, it acts as a fragrance ingredient and preservative that may help calm irritated or inflamed skin by reducing allergic and inflammatory responses at the cellular level.
Benefits
- May help reduce skin inflammation and allergic reactions
- Potential support for sensitive or reactive skin conditions
- Fragrance and preservation properties
Science: Laboratory research shows undecane increases calming signals (cAMP) in skin cells and mast cells, reducing histamine release and inflammatory markers associated with conditions like atopic dermatitis. However, most evidence is from controlled lab studies; human clinical data in skincare products remains limited.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Tridecane is a lightweight hydrocarbon (a type of oil derived from petroleum) sometimes used in cosmetic formulations as an emollient or texture modifier. It belongs to the alkane family of ingredients and helps create smooth, spreadable products.
Benefits
- Provides lightweight emollient properties
- Helps improve product spreadability and texture
- Non-polar solvent that can dissolve certain actives
Potential concerns
- Can penetrate skin barrier and increase transepidermal water loss (TEWL) when used at high concentrations
- May cause skin irritation, erythema (redness), and edema (swelling) with repeated or prolonged exposure
- Belongs to jet fuel component family—safety data in cosmetic-use concentrations is limited; most toxicology data comes from occupational exposure studies
Science: Research shows tridecane readily penetrates human skin in vitro. While studied as a jet fuel (JP-8) component, the irritation potential appears dose and exposure-duration dependent. Safety in typical low-concentration skincare products is not well-established in published literature; most concern data relates to occupational or high-level exposures.
Analyze Ingredient Further→ -
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
-
Analysis not yet available for this ingredient.
Edit this product
Edit Ingredients