After Sun Soothing Gel with Aloe

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.

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

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

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 pH buffer that neutralizes acidic ingredients to maintain a skin-compatible formulation pH. Decades of safety data and modern manufacturing practices support its use at cosmetic concentrations.

Carbomer is a synthetic polymer used purely to thicken and stabilize gels and lotions, with negligible skin penetration due to its large molecular size. Safety reviews have found low toxicity and minimal irritation potential even in leave-on use.

A formaldehyde-releasing preservative that slowly gives off small amounts of formaldehyde to keep bacteria and mold from growing in the bottle. CIR set a maximum use level of 0.5%, at which released formaldehyde stays under generally accepted skin-safety thresholds, but people with a formaldehyde or fragrance-mix contact allergy sometimes react to it and may want to avoid the ingredient regardless of the low dose.

A halogenated preservative used to prevent microbial growth in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics. Published assessments consider it safe at permitted use levels, but it is a recognized contact allergen; people with known sensitizer profiles or a history of cosmetic dermatitis should patch-test products containing it.

An organic UV filter with a genuinely mixed evidence picture: it is a documented contact and photo-contact allergen in a subset of users, and studies show it absorbs into the bloodstream at levels that prompted the FDA to request further safety data. The EU has lowered its permitted concentration as a precaution. It is not established as unsafe at approved levels, but people with sensitive skin may prefer to watch for reactions or choose a mineral filter.

A small humectant and solvent molecule that helps other ingredients dissolve and helps skin hold water. It is one of the most studied cosmetic ingredients and is considered safe at the concentrations used in personal care products.

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.

An FDA-approved synthetic colorant used in cosmetics to impart a blue hue. Blue dye sensitivity is rare but documented in a small subset of individuals. Generally well tolerated at regulated cosmetic levels.

An FDA-approved synthetic colorant commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. A small proportion of individuals report sensitivity or allergic reactions, particularly those with existing dye sensitivities. Remains safe at approved cosmetic concentrations.