Sport After Sun Lotion

A plant-derived water or extract used mainly as a soothing humectant filler. Evidence for dramatic skin benefits beyond mild hydration and soothing is limited, but it is well tolerated by most people.

A common preservative and fragrance/solvent ingredient found naturally in many essential oils. It is well tolerated by most people at the levels used in cosmetics, but it is one of the 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens and can trigger reactions in people with an existing sensitivity.

A lightweight, odorless emollient made by combining coconut or palm-derived fatty acids with glycerin. It spreads easily, feels non-greasy, and has a long history of use in skin and hair products with no meaningful irritation or sensitization signal.

A mild enzymatic extract from papaya fruit that softens and hydrates skin. It is generally considered safe, though those with tree fruit allergies may wish to patch test first.

A PEG-type emulsifier (ethoxylated cetearyl alcohol) that helps blend the water and oil parts of a cream. CIR concluded ceteareth ingredients are safe as used, with the one caveat that they are not meant for broken or damaged skin.

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

Chamomile extract is used for its soothing and mild antioxidant reputation and is generally well tolerated. It belongs to the Asteraceae (Compositae) plant family, so people with a known ragweed or daisy-family allergy occasionally react to it and may want to patch test first.

Chlorphenesin is a preservative subject to an EU maximum concentration limit and has been linked to contact dermatitis in a minority of users, particularly with repeated exposure. Most people tolerate it at the regulated use level without issue.

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

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

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.

This branched hydrocarbon is one of the isoparaffins the CIR Expert Panel reviewed and found safe as used in cosmetics, including as an emollient in leave-on face creams. It is generally considered non-comedogenic and used mainly to give a lightweight, non-greasy skin feel.

A palm/coconut-derived fatty ester used to soften skin and help dissolve oil-soluble UV filters. It sits fairly high on lab comedogenicity scales, so some acne-prone users report clogged pores, though this does not translate into a broader safety concern for general use.

A rich plant butter from mango seed kernels, valued for its emollient and protective properties. It is generally well tolerated, though very rare allergic reactions have been reported; those with tree nut allergies may want to patch test first.

A highly refined, purified oil that forms a light protective layer to slow water loss from skin. Cosmetic-grade mineral oil goes through purification steps that remove the contaminants associated with crude petroleum, and CIR has found it safe as used.

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

A PEG-based emulsifier that blends oils and water in formulas. It is a workhorse ingredient in stable emulsions and is approved for cosmetic use. Well tolerated.

A light plant oil from apricot kernel, prized for quick absorption as a facial emollient. Shows low rates of adverse events in cosmetic use, though some formulations may show mild comedogenic properties.

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

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