Vita Active B+C+E Hyaluronic Super Serum

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

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.

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

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 fat-soluble vitamin C ester that provides antioxidant activity on skin. It is more stable than free ascorbic acid and is graded low concern in published assessments, with rare reports of sensitization at high concentrations.

A derived emulsifier made from sorbitol and oleic acid, used to help blend oil and water-based ingredients. Sorbitan esters are assessed as safe in cosmetics by the CIR, though people with sensitive skin or known sensitivities to oleic acid should patch test before broad application.

A fatty-acid and tocopherol-rich plant oil used as a hair and skin emollient; CIR's review of plant-derived fatty acid oils found no evidence of irritation or sensitization and a long history of safe use in food and cosmetics.

A common emulsifier and texture-softener made from glycerin and stearic acid. CIR review of this class found no evidence of reproductive, carcinogenic, sensitizing, or phototoxic effects in the studies examined.

A humectant that holds water at the skin surface for a more hydrated look. No safety concern.

A form of vitamin B3 used to support a more even-looking tone and a comfortable barrier. Well tolerated at cosmetic levels.

A naturally derived humectant made from fermented plant sugars that draws water into the skin. It is well tolerated in cosmetics and is used to support hydration and skin softness.

Used in tiny amounts to set a product to skin-friendly pH. No concern at those levels.

A salt derived from citric acid that buffers pH and prevents metal oxidation in formulas. Widely used in food and cosmetics, it is well tolerated at cosmetic concentrations.

A blend of cetyl and stearyl fatty alcohols used to thicken lotions and soften skin. It is chemically unrelated to drying alcohols like ethanol, and the CIR expert panel has found fatty alcohols safe as used in cosmetics.

A lipophilic derivative of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) designed for stable delivery in cosmetic formulations. It is graded low concern and well tolerated, with benefits similar to other vitamin C esters.

A rich plant butter pressed from shea tree nuts, valued for softening and cushioning dry skin. It is generally well tolerated, though very rare allergic reactions have been reported and people with tree nut allergies who are cautious may want to patch test first.

A naturally occurring tripeptide (amino acid compound) that functions as a cellular antioxidant. It is graded low concern in cosmetic assessments, though absorption across intact skin appears limited.

Arbutin is a plant-derived brightening ingredient that is chemically related to hydroquinone and can release small amounts of it in formulation. EU regulators have set new maximum use levels for arbutin and alpha-arbutin in leave-on products because of this hydroquinone-release concern, so products sold there must stay within those caps.

An antioxidant that helps protect a formula and condition skin. Well tolerated.

A soothing humectant that helps skin and hair look conditioned. Very well tolerated.

The most well-studied form of topical vitamin C, used as an antioxidant and to support collagen signaling and brighten uneven tone. It is acidic and can sting or irritate sensitive skin, and it oxidizes readily once a bottle is opened, which can reduce its effectiveness rather than create a safety issue.

A soothing plant extract traditionally used in skincare, valued for its potential anti-inflammatory properties. Published assessments note it is generally well tolerated in cosmetic formulations, though people with sensitivities to botanicals may want to patch test.

Green tea extract is a well-studied topical antioxidant with a long history of use in serums and moisturizers, generally well tolerated at cosmetic concentrations. Panel safety reviews of Camellia sinensis-derived ingredients have not identified meaningful topical hazard.

Chamomile extract is used for its soothing and mild antioxidant reputation and is generally well tolerated. It belongs to the Asteraceae (Compositae) plant family, so people with a known ragweed or daisy-family allergy occasionally react to it and may want to patch test first.

A plant extract used in Korean skincare for its soothing, antioxidant reputation. It is well tolerated with a low reported irritation rate; the soothing claims rest on limited but reasonable evidence.

A fatty alcohol used to soften skin and stabilize creams. Despite the name, it does not dry the skin.

A naturally occurring fatty acid (also made in the body and found in many foods) used to thicken lotions and help stabilize cleansing bars. It is one of the most well-studied emollient ingredients and is not a meaningful irritant at cosmetic use levels.

A liquid wax extracted from jojoba seeds that closely mirrors skin sebum, widely used to soften and condition the skin barrier. It is generally well tolerated and suitable for most skin types.

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 naturally occurring lipid cofactor produced in all cells, commonly used in skin care for its antioxidant and energizing properties. Topical formulations show low irritation in published data, and the ingredient is well tolerated across all skin types at cosmetic concentrations.

An extract from damascene rose flowers graded for antioxidant and skin-soothing properties. It is generally well tolerated in cosmetics, though people with rose pollen allergies or broader botanical sensitivities may prefer to patch test.

A strong alkali used in tiny amounts to adjust the pH of cosmetics to safe, skin-friendly levels. At the pH found in finished products, sodium hydroxide is neutralized and well tolerated.

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.

An antioxidant and preservative salt that prevents oxidation and microbial growth in formulations. It is well tolerated for most users, though people with sulfite sensitivity should avoid it; those without documented sulfite intolerance can use products containing it without concern.

A gentle humectant derived from glucose. It draws water to the skin and is mild enough for sensitive skin types. Widely used in cosmetics without reported safety concerns.

A widely used, gentle preservative also common in food. It is generally well tolerated, though it can occasionally cause mild, transient irritation in people with already-compromised or very reactive skin.