Big Mood Mascara

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

Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene is a synthetic hydrocarbon resin used in small amounts in mascara, lip products, and depilatory waxes to give a formula body and hold. It is described as chemically inert with negligible skin absorption, and it falls within a CIR review of related polyene and hydrocarbon polymers, though published ingredient specific irritation or sensitization data is thin compared to more heavily studied cosmetic polymers.

A quaternized clay mineral used to thicken and suspend products. CIR found it safe as used, though the mineral base means trace amounts of inhalable silica particles exist if the powder form is aerosolized. It is well tolerated in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics when formulated properly.

A highly refined, inert petroleum-derived emollient that has been used in cosmetics and skincare for over a century. It creates a protective moisture barrier on the skin and is well tolerated by the vast majority of users, with minimal risk of irritation or sensitization.

Silica silylate is silica surface-treated with trimethylsilyl groups so it feels silkier and disperses better into oil-based formulas; it works as an anti-caking and viscosity-control agent in pressed powders, foundations, and other makeup. CIR reviewed it in the same assessment as silica dimethyl silylate and trimethylsiloxysilicate and concluded it's safe as used, with the same caveat that the finished product should be formulated not to irritate the eyes or respiratory tract.

Dextrin Palmitate is a starch derivative (dextrin) esterified with palmitic acid, used as a texturizing thickener and water-in-oil emulsion stabilizer, often in pressed powders and gel creams. Testing on this and closely related dextrin fatty-acid esters reported no eye irritation in rabbits and a high oral LD50 in rats, pointing to low acute hazard, though a dedicated CIR panel report specific to this ester has not been published.

A naturally occurring mineral silicate that adds shimmer and light-diffusing properties to cosmetics. Cosmetic-grade mica is well tolerated and should be free of asbestos and talc contamination.

VP/eicosene copolymer is a synthetic polymer of vinylpyrrolidone and the hydrocarbon eicosene, used as a film former and dispersant in sunscreens, hairsprays, and lipsticks to help the product cling to skin or hair and hold up against water and humidity. CIR reviewed it as part of a broader group of vinylpyrrolidone polymers and found no evidence of irritation, sensitization, or other safety signal at the concentrations reported in use.

A synthetic polymer used to create film-forming serums and gels. It is stable, non-irritating, and widely used in cosmetic formulations to improve texture and adherence without toxicological concerns.

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

Propylene carbonate is a small, high-boiling solvent used to dissolve other ingredients and thin out formulas in products like lipstick, eyeshadow, and mascara. Undiluted material caused moderate skin irritation in testing, but at the concentrations actually used in finished products (generally under 20%), CIR's panel found it at most moderately irritating and reaffirmed it safe as used, with no meaningful sensitization or photoirritation seen.

A complex polyester used as an emollient in cosmetics to soften and protect the skin. Limited published safety data exists, but cosmetic industry use patterns show no significant adverse effects reported.

A polyol ester emulsifier that stabilizes water-in-oil and oil-in-water emulsions with minimal irritation. Like other polyglyceryl esters, it is valued for its mildness and is used across a range of skincare and color cosmetics.

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

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.

A saturated fatty acid found in palm oil and naturally in the skin, used as an emollient to soften and condition skin. It is one of the most studied fatty acids and is well tolerated.

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.