Slim Eye Pencil

A silicone with phenyl groups that provides conditioning and a refined feel in foundations and color cosmetics. It is inert and well tolerated across skin types.

A refined cellulose derivative processed from plant sources, used as a thickener and texturizing agent in cosmetics. It is an inert polysaccharide with no known sensitization or irritation potential and is widely used in personal care and pharmaceutical formulations.

Synthetic Beeswax is a manufactured blend of long-chain esters designed to mimic natural beeswax's texture and melting point, used as an emulsion stabilizer and thickener in balms, sticks, and creams. CIR reviewed it alongside other cosmetic waxes and concluded it is safe as used, a conclusion the panel revisited and left unchanged after a later look at additional data.

A plant-derived wax from carnauba palm leaves, widely used in cosmetics to provide texture and protective film-forming properties. Extensively documented as safe for topical use.

A naturally derived fossil wax used to provide texture and moisture retention in cosmetics. Long history of use with no documented safety concerns in standard formulations.

A synthetic polymer used as a gentle exfoliant in scrubs and peeling products. It is an inert, non-biodegradable microparticle with no known skin irritation or sensitization potential when used topically in cosmetic formulations.

An inert mineral oxide used as a filler and opacifying agent in color cosmetics. It is an FDA-approved colorant with a well-established safety record in cosmetic formulations.

A synthetic polymer that functions as a lightweight occlusive emollient, providing slip and smoothness to formulations. It is an inert ingredient with no reported sensitization or irritation concerns and is widely used in cosmetic and personal care products.

A vegetable oil that has been hydrogenated to create a stable, solid texture. Used in cosmetics for emollient and conditioning properties with extensive history of safe use.

A highly refined, inert petroleum-derived emollient that has been used in cosmetics and skincare for over a century. It creates a protective moisture barrier on the skin and is well tolerated by the vast majority of users, with minimal risk of irritation or sensitization.

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 saturated fatty acid found in palm oil and naturally in the skin, used as an emollient to soften and condition skin. It is one of the most studied fatty acids and is well tolerated.

Caprylyl glycol is a plant-derived humectant that also has mild antimicrobial properties, so it is commonly paired with other preservatives to allow lower overall preservative levels. Available data do not point to meaningful irritation or sensitization concerns at typical use levels.

A mineral powder valued for its absorbent and soft-feel properties in cosmetics. Cosmetic-grade talc is required to be asbestos-free; inhalation risk from topical application is minimal. Generally well tolerated when used as intended.

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 mineral pigment used to add opacity and soft-focus effects in cosmetics. FDA-approved for cosmetic use and graded low concern in published safety assessments.

Barium sulfate is a white, insoluble mineral pigment (CI 77120) used as an opacifier and colorant in makeup and other cosmetics. CIR's expert panel reviewed its safety, drawing on its long history of safe use as a medical imaging contrast agent, and concluded it's safe as used at up to 37% in leave-on products and 0.99% in rinse-off products, while noting that formulas should be kept nonirritating since sulfate salts in general have irritation potential.

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