Advanced Care Hand Cream

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

A linoleic-acid-rich plant oil used as an emollient and, in some small pediatric studies, associated with support of the skin barrier when applied to infant skin. It is well tolerated with a low reported rate of contact reactions.

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

A natural wax secreted by honeybees, used as an emollient and texture builder in balms and salves. It is generally well tolerated. People with bee or pollen allergies should patch test, as rare sensitization has been documented.

A rich plant butter pressed from shea tree nuts, valued for softening and cushioning dry skin. It is generally well tolerated, though very rare allergic reactions have been reported and people with tree nut allergies who are cautious may want to patch test first.

A plant-derived emollient high in linoleic acid, used to support the skin barrier. Generally well tolerated, though some formulators note mild comedogenic potential in heavier occluded applications.

A naturally occurring fatty acid (also made in the body and found in many foods) used to thicken lotions and help stabilize cleansing bars. It is one of the most well-studied emollient ingredients and is not a meaningful irritant at cosmetic use levels.

An emulsifier made from glycerin and stearic acid that stabilizes oil-in-water and water-in-oil formulations. It has a long history of safe use in cosmetics and is assessed as a low-concern ingredient in published safety reviews.

A lightweight carrier oil expressed from macadamia nuts, rich in oleic acid and similar in composition to skin lipids. Very well tolerated in cosmetic use, though individuals with tree nut allergies who are cautious may want to patch test.

An emulsifier combining glyceryl stearate with citric acid to stabilize oil-water mixtures and moderate pH. Well tolerated in cosmetic formulas at standard use concentrations.

A rich, solid-at-room-temperature butter extracted from cocoa seeds, valued for its intense emollient and conditioning properties. While generally well tolerated, it carries a higher likelihood of comedogenicity, so people with acne-prone skin may want to opt for lighter alternatives.

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 preservative and antioxidant that helps prevent microbial growth and oxidative degradation in formulas. Published assessments support its use at cosmetic levels.

A plant oil rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), used to nourish and soften skin. Borage seed oil is well tolerated by most skin types; occasional sensitivity has been reported but is rare in finished cosmetic formulations.

A mineral clay-like absorbent used in powder formulations and dry textures to control oil and provide body. It is widely used in cosmetics, though inhalation of powder particles should be minimized during application.

The sodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative in both foods and cosmetics. Decades of safety review support its use at typical cosmetic concentrations, with mild irritation the main reported issue in sensitive skin.

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 widely used, gentle preservative also common in food. It is generally well tolerated, though it can occasionally cause mild, transient irritation in people with already-compromised or very reactive skin.

Natural corn starch used to absorb excess oil and add body to cosmetic formulas. It is very well-tolerated and has a long history of safe use in personal care.

Sodium phytate is a plant-derived chelating agent used to bind trace metals and stabilize formulas, often as a preservative booster alongside other preservatives. Available safety reviews have not identified meaningful irritation or sensitization concerns at typical use levels.

An antioxidant that helps protect a formula and condition skin. Well tolerated.

A larger, gentler alpha hydroxy acid than glycolic acid, used to exfoliate and to draw in moisture. It can still cause stinging or increased sun sensitivity at higher concentrations, so daytime SPF use is sensible, but it is generally better tolerated than glycolic acid.

A nutrient-rich carrier oil from soybean seeds containing linoleic and linolenic acids essential for barrier function. Phytoestrogen content is present but not absorbed systemically from topical application, graded low concern by regulatory assessments.

A fast-evaporating solvent used to carry actives and give toners a light, "clean" feel; at the concentrations used in classic astringents it can be genuinely drying or irritating with repeated use, especially on dry or compromised skin, though it is not inherently toxic and is a normal, well-studied cosmetic ingredient.

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

A citrus-scented fragrance component. Fine for most, but it oxidizes over time into a known contact allergen, so it must be labelled in the EU.

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.