Hydrating Cream Conditioner

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

A fatty alcohol derived from stearic acid that thickens creams and gives them a smooth, non-greasy glide. It is one of the fatty alcohols the CIR panel reviewed together and found safe as used, with a very low reported rate of contact sensitization.

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

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 cationic conditioning agent used in rinse-off products like shampoos and conditioners to provide softness and detangling. Generally well tolerated but can cause irritation at high concentrations in some individuals.

A common emulsifier and texture-softener made from glycerin and stearic acid. CIR review of this class found no evidence of reproductive, carcinogenic, sensitizing, or phototoxic effects in the studies examined.

A widely used preservative, safe at the legal limit of 1% or less. Often the "paraben-free" replacement.

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.

An ester emollient used to soften and condition skin. The 2017 CIR safety assessment found it non-irritating and non-sensitizing across 415 surveyed formulas at concentrations from 1 to 33 percent.

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 lightweight hydrocarbon that gives formulas a smooth, silky feel. Used in color cosmetics and sunscreens. Well tolerated and inert.

A glycerin derivative used as a skin conditioner and preservative booster, often paired with phenoxyethanol to allow lower total preservative levels. It has a low irritation and sensitization profile in safety reviews.

Polyethylene Terephthalate is the plastic film cut into tiny flecks that makes up most cosmetic glitter, used purely for sparkle in eyeshadow, highlighter, and nail products. The dermal safety data on PET itself is unremarkable, but the EU has classified this kind of non biodegradable plastic glitter as an intentionally added microplastic and is phasing out its sale in cosmetics on a schedule running from 2027 for rinse off products through 2035 for makeup, lip, and nail products, so the concern here is environmental persistence rather than a skin reaction.

A soothing humectant that helps skin and hair look conditioned. Very well tolerated.

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 fragrance fixative and solvent found naturally in balsams and used to help scents last longer. It is one of the 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens, with documented but uncommon contact sensitization.