Whole Body Deodorant

A fast-evaporating solvent used to carry actives and give toners a light, "clean" feel; at the concentrations used in classic astringents it can be genuinely drying or irritating with repeated use, especially on dry or compromised skin, though it is not inherently toxic and is a normal, well-studied cosmetic ingredient.

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 light coconut-derived emollient ester used as a natural-feeling alternative to silicones, giving a dry, velvety finish. It is well tolerated and graded low concern in published assessments.

Mandelic acid is a larger-molecule alpha hydroxy acid that tends to penetrate skin more slowly than glycolic acid, which is generally associated with less stinging and redness. It carries the same general AHA cautions around sun sensitivity but is often better tolerated by reactive skin.

Undecane is a straight-chain hydrocarbon (an alkane) used as a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient and solvent, often paired with tridecane as a silicone alternative in modern formulas. It has not been reviewed under its own name, but CIR's assessment of the closely related isoparaffin and hydrocarbon solvent group, across a wide concentration range, did not turn up genotoxicity, reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenicity concerns.

A natural alkaloid and studied active ingredient in skincare, valued for its antioxidant properties and potential to promote local circulation and reduce puffiness. Topical application results in minimal systemic absorption, graded low concern in regulatory assessments.

Tridecane is a straight-chain hydrocarbon (an alkane) almost always used alongside undecane as a light, quick-absorbing emollient and silicone substitute. As with undecane, it has not been reviewed individually, but it sits in the same simple-hydrocarbon family CIR has assessed without flagging genotoxicity, reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenicity concerns across the concentrations tested.

An inert, colorless gas used as a propellant and blanketing agent in aerosol and pressurized cosmetic formulations to prevent oxidation. Inherently non-toxic and does not penetrate 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 common preservative and fragrance/solvent ingredient found naturally in many essential oils. It is well tolerated by most people at the levels used in cosmetics, but it is one of the 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens and can trigger reactions in people with an existing sensitivity.

A naturally occurring acid used to preserve and adjust pH in cosmetic formulas. It is generally recognized as safe at cosmetic use levels, with mild irritation possible on broken or very sensitive skin at higher concentrations.

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.

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

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.

A fragrance fixative and solvent found naturally in balsams and used to help scents last longer. It is one of the 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens, with documented but uncommon contact sensitization.

A citrus-scented fragrance component. Fine for most, but it oxidizes over time into a known contact allergen, so it must be labelled in the EU.

A floral, rose-like fragrance compound found in many essential oils. It is one of the 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens, meaning a documented minority of people can develop contact sensitization, so brands must disclose it above set thresholds.

A floral fragrance component and one of the EU-labelled fragrance allergens. Usually fine, worth watching if you react to scented products.