Retinol Professional Micro-Capsule Essence

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

A lightweight humectant and solvent similar in role to propylene glycol, used to carry actives and give lotions a lighter feel. CIR has reviewed it and considers it safe as used in cosmetics.

A light, low-odor glycol used as a solvent and humectant, extremely common in Korean toners and essences. It has a low reported irritation rate and is graded low concern in published assessments.

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

A probiotic-derived ferment lysate containing amino acids and polysaccharides. Limited published research suggests it may benefit skin hydration, though the cosmetic evidence base is smaller than for established ingredients.

A hexapeptide designed to reduce facial muscle contractions by interfering with acetylcholine release. Cosmetic-grade formulations show no systemic absorption at recommended use levels and are well tolerated.

A signal peptide attached to palmitic acid that activates collagen synthesis in skin cells. Well tolerated across skin types with no significant safety concerns in cosmetic use.

A peptide lipid that mimics collagen fragments and signals skin cells to increase collagen production while reducing inflammation. Established in anti-aging formulas with a consistent safety record.

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 salt form of glycyrrhizic acid, a compound from licorice root prized for soothing irritated skin. It is well tolerated at cosmetic levels and has a long history of use in skincare formulations.

A polysaccharide produced through fermentation that thickens formulations and provides hydration. It is used across rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics with a low irritation profile, though very rare sensitivities to fermented polysaccharides have been documented.

A vitamin A derivative used for the look of lines and texture. Effective but can irritate and increases sun sensitivity; usually advised against in pregnancy.

Retinyl palmitate is an ester of vitamin A used in moisturizers and some sunscreens for mild anti-aging and antioxidant support. Long-term panel reviews of the ingredient have generally found it safe as used, with irritation potential similar to other mild retinoids at typical cosmetic concentrations.

A potent carotenoid antioxidant sourced primarily from microalgae, studied extensively for antioxidant strength and skin-barrier support. Published data suggests good tolerability and efficacy in topical formulations at typical concentrations.

A precursor to vitamin A used as an antioxidant and colorant in cosmetics. CIR and regulatory bodies confirm it is safe at cosmetic concentrations; topical beta-carotene does not carry the same concerns as oral supplementation.

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

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

A higher-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol ester of hydrogenated castor oil, used as an emulsifier in creams, serums, and other formulations. Like other PEG-modified ingredients, published cosmetic safety assessments grade it as safe in rinse-off and leave-on products.

A cellulose derivative used to thicken and stabilize formulas. It dissolves fully in water and does not separate or settle over time. It is well tolerated and widely used in gels, lotions, and serums.

A widely used emulsifier and solubilizer that has been in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals for decades. The CIR has assessed it as safe with no known concerns at typical cosmetic concentrations. As with any surfactant, some people with very sensitive skin may experience mild irritation.

A crosslinked acrylic polymer that thickens and stabilizes formulations. Published assessments show it to be well tolerated at cosmetic use levels, with no evidence of penetration into viable skin layers or systemic absorption.

Caprylyl glycol is a plant-derived humectant that also has mild antimicrobial properties, so it is commonly paired with other preservatives to allow lower overall preservative levels. Available data do not point to meaningful irritation or sensitization concerns at typical use levels.

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 synthetic polymer used to thicken and stabilize water-based formulas like gels and serums. It provides texture and suspension of particles without interfering with skin feel. Well established in cosmetics.

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.