Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15

A mild UVB chemical filter usually used to help dissolve and stabilize other sunscreen actives. It has a long OTC history at US-approved levels with a low rate of reported irritation.

An organic UV filter with a genuinely mixed evidence picture: it is a documented contact and photo-contact allergen in a subset of users, and studies show it absorbs into the bloodstream at levels that prompted the FDA to request further safety data. The EU has lowered its permitted concentration as a precaution. It is not established as unsafe at approved levels, but people with sensitive skin may prefer to watch for reactions or choose a mineral filter.

A widely used organic UV-A filter in sunscreens. It can lose effectiveness in sunlight unless paired with photostabilizers, but safety reviews have not found it to pose a meaningful health hazard at approved use levels.

An organic UV-B filter that also stabilizes other sunscreen actives like avobenzone. The EU SCCS reviewed it and concluded it is safe at current use levels, though rare contact allergy has been reported and older, degraded product may form small amounts of benzophenone.

Finely milled oat that the FDA recognizes as an over-the-counter skin protectant for temporary relief of minor itching and dryness. Well tolerated, including on eczema-prone skin, with rare contact allergy in people with pre-existing oat or cereal sensitivity.

A quaternary ammonium antimicrobial used as a preservative and, in scalp products, to keep flaking microbes down. It is an established irritant for some people at higher concentrations, and eye contact should be avoided; at the low levels allowed in cosmetics most people tolerate it without trouble.

A solvent and emollient ester used in leave-on and rinse-off formulas. The CIR Expert Panel reviewed alkyl benzoates and found no irritation even at full strength, with typical use levels ranging from 0.0008 to 50 percent depending on product type.

A fatty alcohol used to soften skin and stabilize creams. Despite the name, it does not dry the skin.

A silicone that gives a smooth, soft feel and helps hold water in the skin. Inert and well studied.

A chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working properly. It is not a functional skincare "active" and only a very small amount is used, with minimal skin penetration expected.

A long-chain quaternary ammonium compound used in small amounts in lotions to stabilize the emulsion and improve slip. Cationic conditioning agents in this family have a long cosmetic-use history without a notable irritation signal in the published record, though as with any ingredient it can rarely trigger sensitivity in already-irritated skin.

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

A preservative that keeps products free of mold and bacteria. Reviewed repeatedly and considered safe at the low levels used.

A surfactant derived from stearyl alcohol with a higher degree of ethoxylation than Steareth-2, providing enhanced emulsification. It is graded safe for cosmetic use and well tolerated.

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