Tranexamic Topical Acid 5%

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

Tranexamic acid is used topically at low concentrations to help even the look of dark spots and redness-related discoloration. It has an extensive systemic safety record as an oral medicine, and topical skin absorption is minimal, though a dedicated cosmetic-specific safety review has not yet been published by the main cosmetic safety panels.

A corn-derived solvent and humectant that has largely replaced propylene glycol in "clean" formulas; CIR reviewed the alkane diol group and found use concentrations up to about 40 percent in leave-on products like deodorant sticks with no meaningful irritation signal.

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

Kojic acid is a fungal-fermentation-derived brightening ingredient with a known tendency to cause contact irritation and, in some users, allergic contact dermatitis. A 2022 EU safety committee review recommended keeping use concentrations well below older industry norms, so it is worth patch testing and following label percentages closely.

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

A lightweight hydrocarbon that gives formulas a smooth, silky feel. Used in color cosmetics and sunscreens. Well tolerated and inert.

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.

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

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

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.

A widely used preservative, safe at the legal limit of 1% or less. Often the "paraben-free" replacement.

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

Sodium phytate is a plant-derived chelating agent used to bind trace metals and stabilize formulas, often as a preservative booster alongside other preservatives. Available safety reviews have not identified meaningful irritation or sensitization concerns at typical use levels.

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.

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