Cream Intensive Moisturiser

The base most products are built on. It carries the other ingredients and has no safety concern.

A highly refined, purified oil that forms a light protective layer to slow water loss from skin. Cosmetic-grade mineral oil goes through purification steps that remove the contaminants associated with crude petroleum, and CIR has found it safe as used.

A humectant that draws water into the skin. One of the best-studied, best-tolerated ingredients in personal care.

A highly refined, inert petroleum-derived emollient that has been used in cosmetics and skincare for over a century. It creates a protective moisture barrier on the skin and is well tolerated by the vast majority of users, with minimal risk of irritation or sensitization.

A natural wax derived from sheep wool, known for its rich emollient properties and ability to reinforce the skin barrier. While generally well tolerated, lanolin is a recognized contact allergen for some individuals; those with wool sensitivity or lanolin allergy history should patch test before use.

A naturally derived fossil wax used to provide texture and moisture retention in cosmetics. Long history of use with no documented safety concerns in standard formulations.

A wax-alcohol fraction of sheep's wool grease valued as a rich emollient. It is a recognized contact allergen in a minority of users, most often people with already-compromised skin barriers such as leg ulcers or chronic eczema, though most people use lanolin-based products without any reaction.

A time-tested occlusive that seals in moisture and helps damaged skin heal, widely used in dermatology for wound care. Cosmetic-grade petrolatum must meet purity standards that remove the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons found in crude sources, and it is considered one of the most effective and well-studied barrier ingredients available.

A synthetic ester used to thin out heavy formulas and help other ingredients absorb faster. It is considered safe as used by CIR, but it has a reputation among acne-prone users for feeling occlusive on skin, so people who clog easily may prefer to patch test or choose lighter alternatives.

A mineral salt used in cosmetics as a humectant and antioxidant. It is the same compound used in food and personal care products, and is well tolerated in both rinse-off and leave-on formulations.

An undisclosed scent blend that can contain dozens of components. The single most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, and the blend is not itemized, so you cannot see what is in it.

A member of the paraben family used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. Like methylparaben, it has been reviewed extensively and found safe at the concentrations used in leave-on and rinse-off products.

Alpha-isomethyl ionone is a violet-scented fragrance material and one of the EU-listed allergens requiring label disclosure. Documented sensitization is more common with this ingredient than with many other listed fragrance allergens.

Amyl cinnamal is a synthetic jasmine-like fragrance material on the EU list of allergens requiring disclosure. It has shown sensitizing potential in some human and animal studies, so fragrance-sensitive users may want to check the label.

A common preservative and fragrance/solvent ingredient found naturally in many essential oils. It is well tolerated by most people at the levels used in cosmetics, but it is one of the 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens and can trigger reactions in people with an existing sensitivity.

A rose-scented fragrance ingredient found naturally in geranium and rose oil. It is one of the 26 fragrance allergens the EU requires to be labeled by name because a minority of people develop skin sensitization to it, though most users tolerate it without issue.

A sweet, hay-like fragrance ingredient naturally found in tonka bean and lavender. It is one of the 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens and is also subject to an EU maximum concentration limit in finished cosmetic products.

A floral, rose-like fragrance compound found in many essential oils. It is one of the 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens, meaning a documented minority of people can develop contact sensitization, so brands must disclose it above set thresholds.

Hydroxycitronellal is a lily-of-the-valley scented fragrance ingredient on the EU allergen disclosure list. It has well-documented sensitizing potential in patch-test studies, so it is worth checking the label if you have known fragrance sensitivities.

A floral fragrance component and one of the EU-labelled fragrance allergens. Usually fine, worth watching if you react to scented products.