Rapid Rescue Deep Treatment Pads

A beta hydroxy acid used to smooth texture and clear pores. Safe at cosmetic levels; can be mildly irritating if overused.

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

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

A sugar derivative obtained by hydrolysis and hydrogenation of starch. It functions as a humectant and thickener, draws moisture into the skin, and is well tolerated with no known safety concerns.

A strong alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust the pH of cosmetics to safe, skin-friendly levels. At the pH found in finished products, sodium hydroxide is neutralized and well tolerated.

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 extract from helichrysum italicum flowers graded for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is generally well tolerated in skincare formulations, though people with sensitivities to plant extracts may prefer to patch test.

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.