O Face Satin Lipstick

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.

An ester of palmitic acid and ethylhexanol, commonly used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It is well studied and well tolerated in cosmetics.

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 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.

A chemically produced wax derived from petroleum refining, used to add texture, viscosity, and occlusive properties to formulations. It is an inert ingredient with a long history of safe use in cosmetics and is well documented as non-toxic and non-irritating.

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 plant-derived wax extracted from the Euphorbia cerifera shrub native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It provides emollient and thickening benefits and has a long history of traditional use with no documented sensitization or irritation concerns at typical cosmetic concentrations.

A stable, saturated version of squalene, a lipid the skin already produces, now usually sourced from olives or sugarcane instead of shark liver. It is very well tolerated across skin types and helps reinforce the skin barrier.

This branched ester is a CIR-reviewed emollient used to give creams and lotions a silky, fast-absorbing after-feel. It is generally rated non-comedogenic and has not shown irritation or sensitization concerns in the available safety data.

A wax ester derived from jojoba oil that closely resembles the skin's own sebum esters, used to soften and smooth skin. Available safety data has not flagged meaningful irritation or sensitization risk at cosmetic use levels.

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.

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 water or bran extract of rice containing ferulic acid, small peptides and starches. It is a traditional East Asian skincare staple with some supporting antioxidant and mild-brightening data, but most of that evidence comes from cell or animal studies rather than large human trials, so the "brightening" claims on finished products go further than the direct evidence.

A linoleic-acid-rich plant oil used as an emollient and, in some small pediatric studies, associated with support of the skin barrier when applied to infant skin. It is well tolerated with a low reported rate of contact reactions.

A lightweight botanical oil from marula tree seeds, valued for softening and conditioning the skin. It is generally well tolerated across skin types.

A more stable, esterified form of vitamin E used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient. It is a different substance from the vitamin E acetate implicated in vaping-related lung injury, which involved inhaling the oil, not applying it topically to skin.

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 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 stearic acid derivative used to thicken and stabilize formulations while providing mild emollient properties. Graded low concern with no documented sensitization or safety issues.

A phospholipid emulsifier from soy or sunflower that binds water and oil and helps other ingredients absorb. It is a natural component of skin membranes, well tolerated, and reviewed as safe as used; a soy-derived grade is not a meaningful concern for a soy food allergy because the protein is largely absent.

A humectant derived from glycerin, used to attract and retain moisture in cosmetic formulas. Evidence from cosmetic use indicates it is well-tolerated and produces minimal sensitization even on sensitive skin.

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.

Isostearic Acid is a branched fatty acid used as an emollient and co-emulsifier that gives lotions and creams a lighter, less waxy feel than straight-chain fatty acids. CIR's review found no irritation or sensitization in human patch testing with the undiluted acid and no photosensitization at 35% concentration under UVA and UVB exposure, and the panel reaffirmed that finding after a later look at newer data.

A synthetic ester used to thin out heavy formulas and help other ingredients absorb faster. It is considered safe as used by CIR, but it has a reputation among acne-prone users for feeling occlusive on skin, so people who clog easily may prefer to patch test or choose lighter alternatives.

A silane used to improve texture and conditioning properties in leave-on cosmetics. It is hydrolyzed during formulation and creates silicone-like benefits; well tolerated at standard use levels.