Black and White

A lightweight, volatile silicone that gives serums and primers their silky slip and quick-evaporating finish. Human safety data are reassuring; the EU restriction on this ingredient in rinse-off products is about environmental persistence in waterways, not skin safety.

A conditioning ether used as an emollient and carrier in deodorants and body care. Safety data support its use at cosmetic levels.

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 synthetic polymer used as a gentle exfoliant in scrubs and peeling products. It is an inert, non-biodegradable microparticle with no known skin irritation or sensitization potential when used topically in cosmetic formulations.

A thickening emulsifier derived from castor oil that has been saturated with hydrogen for stability. It helps form creams and lotions while conditioning the skin. CIR and EU assessments support its safety in cosmetics at typical use levels.

An emulsifier used to stabilize and blend oil and water phases in deodorants and body care formulas. Assessed as safe for cosmetic use by regulatory bodies.

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 mineral thickener and anti-caking agent widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics to control texture and prevent ingredient separation. CIR has reviewed silica in cosmetic use and found no basis for concern at the levels used topically.

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 starch derivative used in cosmetics to thicken formulations and improve texture. It has been used safely in food and cosmetics for decades and shows low irritation potential across rinse-off and leave-on products.

A small-dose synthetic antioxidant that prevents oils and fragrance in a formula from oxidizing. Not shown to pose a toxicological risk at the levels used in cosmetics.

A plant-based thickener derived from cellulose that creates smooth, gel-like textures in formulas. One of the most studied and best-tolerated thickeners in cosmetics, used in shampoos, face masks, and leave-on products for decades.