Zero Pore Pad 2.0

A small glycol used as a solvent and to boost the absorption of actives, and to help preservatives work at lower levels. It is well tolerated and graded low concern in published assessments.

A buffering agent used in tiny amounts to set a product's pH, most often alongside gel-forming polymers. It is graded low concern in published assessments at the levels used.

A larger, gentler alpha hydroxy acid than glycolic acid, used to exfoliate and to draw in moisture. It can still cause stinging or increased sun sensitivity at higher concentrations, so daytime SPF use is sensible, but it is generally better tolerated than glycolic acid.

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

A water-soluble humectant that holds moisture and gives essences a soft feel. It is well tolerated and graded low concern in published assessments.

A beta hydroxy acid used to smooth texture and clear pores. Safe at cosmetic levels; can be mildly irritating if overused.

A synthetic polymer used to thicken and stabilize water-based formulas like gels and serums. It provides texture and suspension of particles without interfering with skin feel. Well established in cosmetics.

A humectant naturally derived from sugar beets that helps skin draw in and hold water; it has a long history of safe use with no meaningful irritation or sensitization concerns.

A disaccharide sugar that acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin and helping prevent dryness. It is well tolerated and commonly found in skincare formulas designed to support skin barrier health.

A mild plant-derived emulsifier combining polyglycerol and lauric acid. Used in gentle formulas to blend oil and water phases; well tolerated across skin types at cosmetic concentrations.

A glycerin derivative used as a skin conditioner and preservative booster, often paired with phenoxyethanol to allow lower total preservative levels. It has a low irritation and sensitization profile in safety reviews.

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

A soothing, skin-conditioning compound (also found in comfrey root) commonly added to calm and hydrate irritated or sensitive skin. It has a long history of safe use with very low irritation potential.

A polyol ester emulsifier derived from glycerin and myristic acid that provides stable oil-water emulsification. Polyglyceryl esters are among the gentlest emulsifiers available and carry low irritation potential.

A chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and preservatives working properly. It is not a functional skincare "active" and only a very small amount is used, with minimal skin penetration expected.

A lightweight humectant and solvent similar in role to propylene glycol, used to carry actives and give lotions a lighter feel. CIR has reviewed it and considers it safe as used in cosmetics.

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

A salicylate compound used as a gentle chemical exfoliant, structurally related to salicylic acid (BHA). Formulation pH and concentration determine irritation risk. If you react to salicylic acid, BHA, or other exfoliants, exercise caution or patch-test first.

A cold-pressed oil from sweet orange peel with a bright, citrus scent, containing furanocoumarins that can cause phototoxic reactions (pigmentation and irritation) when exposed to sunlight. This oil is best reserved for rinse-off products or formulations where sun exposure is unlikely or protected, as it can trigger adverse reactions in reactive individuals on sun-exposed skin.

A citrus essential oil with a fresh scent, extracted from lemon peel. It contains recognized fragrance allergen constituents (limonene, citral) and can trigger contact reactions in fragrance-sensitive individuals. Additionally, citrus peel oils carry documented phototoxicity risk, meaning skin treated with the product should avoid direct sunlight.

An essential oil from grapefruit peel rich in limonene and other furocoumarins. It is a fragrance allergen that carries phototoxicity risk, particularly in sun-exposed areas; some formulations concentrate enough to cause phototoxic reactions in sensitive individuals.

An aromatic plant extract rich in natural antioxidants, valued in skincare formulations for its protective properties. Published cosmetic assessments indicate it is generally well tolerated, though the botanical origin means some sensitive individuals may react.

An essential oil with a distinctive cooling scent, eucalyptus contains recognized fragrance allergen constituents and can trigger contact reactions in fragrance-sensitive individuals. People with known sensitivities to essential oils or fragrance should avoid it or use with caution.

Lavender essential oil naturally contains linalool, geraniol, and coumarin, several of the recognized fragrance allergen constituents, so it can trigger contact reactions in fragrance-sensitive users even though it is a "natural" ingredient. It is not a general hazard for most people, but those with a known fragrance allergy should treat it like any other essential oil.

A cold-pressed oil from lime peel with a citrus scent, containing furanocoumarins that can cause phototoxic reactions (pigmentation and irritation) when skin is exposed to sunlight. This oil is best used in rinse-off products or formulations with significant sun protection awareness, as it can trigger reactions in some individuals on sun-exposed skin.

A hydrating botanical extract from apple fruit, rich in polysaccharides and flavonoids. It conditions and softens skin and is generally well tolerated in cosmetic formulations.

A versatile eight-carbon alcohol used as a humectant and solvent in skincare and cosmetics. Published assessments support its safe use at concentrations found in cosmetic products.

A plant extract long used in traditional wound care and now common in "cica" soothing products, valued for calming redness and supporting the skin barrier. It is generally well tolerated, with rare contact allergy reported.

A natural source of salicylates, traditionally used for gentle chemical exfoliation and inflammation support. It delivers BHA-like activity through natural compounds and is generally well tolerated. People with salicylate sensitivity should exercise caution, and it may cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin.

A fermented soybean extract used in skincare for its hydrating and skin-conditioning properties. Well tolerated in cosmetic formulations without documented safety concerns at cosmetic concentrations.

An extract from the root of the baical skullcap plant, used for antioxidant and skin-conditioning effects. It is generally well tolerated at cosmetic concentrations.

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.

An oil rich in omega-6 fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, sourced from evening primrose seeds. It is well tolerated as a skin conditioner and is included in formulas designed to support the skin barrier.

Pine leaf extract containing volatile terpenes and antioxidants. Fine for most, but contains fragrance components; individuals with fragrance sensitivity should exercise caution.

An extract from the root of the Ulmus davidiana tree, used in some skincare formulas for soothing and conditioning effects. Published safety data is limited, but the ingredient has not raised signals in cosmetic use.

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.