Luminizing Black Mask

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

A synthetic polymer used as a film-former and thickener that creates a protective layer on skin. It has extensive use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals with a well-established safety profile.

A plant extract used for mild astringent and soothing effects. Evidence for its benefits comes mostly from traditional use and small studies rather than large trials, and the tannins it contains can be mildly irritating for some people, particularly in older distilled formulas that retain trace alcohol.

A water-soluble humectant that holds moisture and gives essences a soft feel. It is well tolerated and graded low concern in published assessments.

A lightweight humectant and solvent similar in role to propylene glycol, used to carry actives and give lotions a lighter feel. CIR has reviewed it and considers it safe as used in cosmetics.

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

Pentylene glycol is a humectant and solvent that also offers mild antimicrobial support in formulas. It is generally well tolerated, with only rare reports of irritation, mostly in already sensitive or compromised skin.

A naturally mined clay used in masks to absorb oil and give a tightening, drying feel. It is generally well tolerated on skin; the main real-world caution is sourcing, since unregulated raw clays have occasionally tested with elevated heavy metal content, so buying from a brand that tests each batch matters more than the ingredient itself.

A widely used emulsifier and solubilizer that has been in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals for decades. The CIR has assessed it as safe with no known concerns at typical cosmetic concentrations. As with any surfactant, some people with very sensitive skin may experience mild irritation.

A synthetic polymer used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulas. The polymer chains are too large to penetrate skin; graded safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review and widely used in rinse-off and leave-on products.

Xanthan gum is a microbial-fermentation-derived polysaccharide used to thicken and stabilize textures, similarly common in food. Cosmetic panel review of this and related microbial gums found them safe as used, with no meaningful irritation signal at typical concentrations.

A gentle, stable vitamin C derivative that the skin converts to active vitamin C, popular for brightening with less irritation than pure ascorbic acid. It is well tolerated and graded low concern in published assessments.

Technically a liquid wax ester rather than a true oil, jojoba closely resembles skin's own sebum and absorbs without feeling greasy. It is well tolerated across skin types, including acne-prone skin, with no significant irritation or comedogenicity signal in the available data.

An aromatic plant extract rich in natural antioxidants, valued in skincare formulations for its protective properties. Published cosmetic assessments indicate it is generally well tolerated, though the botanical origin means some sensitive individuals may react.

An essential oil with a distinctive cooling scent, eucalyptus contains recognized fragrance allergen constituents and can trigger contact reactions in fragrance-sensitive individuals. People with known sensitivities to essential oils or fragrance should avoid it or use with caution.

Mineral pigments used to add color to cosmetics. Iron oxides are FDA-approved colorants with a well-established safety record in cosmetic formulations.