Ocean Cleanser

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

A mild non-ionic cleansing agent made from coconut fatty alcohols and plant sugars (glucose). It is widely used in sulfate-free shampoos and gentle cleansers and is one of the least irritating surfactants in common use.

A naturally mined clay used in masks to absorb oil and give a tightening, drying feel. It is generally well tolerated on skin; the main real-world caution is sourcing, since unregulated raw clays have occasionally tested with elevated heavy metal content, so buying from a brand that tests each batch matters more than the ingredient itself.

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

Technically a liquid wax ester rather than a true oil, jojoba closely resembles skin's own sebum and absorbs without feeling greasy. It is well tolerated across skin types, including acne-prone skin, with no significant irritation or comedogenicity signal in the available data.

A plant-derived emollient high in linoleic acid, used to support the skin barrier. Generally well tolerated, though some formulators note mild comedogenic potential in heavier occluded applications.

An olive-oil-derived emulsifier, almost always paired with cetearyl olivate, that holds water and oil together and leaves a light skin-like finish. It is well tolerated and graded low concern in published assessments.

A gentle amino acid-derived surfactant made from coconut oil and glutamic acid. Commonly used in cleansers and body washes for its mild cleaning action and skin compatibility.

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.

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 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 mild amino acid-derived surfactant from coconut oil and glutamic acid, similar to its disodium counterpart. Valued in gentle facial and body cleansers for its low irritation potential.

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

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.

An extract from neem tree leaves, valued for antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits in formulations. Well tolerated overall, though isolated cases of contact sensitivity have been reported in the literature.

An extract from neem tree flowers, used for its antioxidant and conditioning properties. While neem has traditional use in skincare, rare cases of contact sensitization have been noted in literature; most people tolerate it without issue.

Mineral-rich saltwater from the ocean, used as a humectant and source of trace minerals in skincare. Sea water is straightforward in composition and well tolerated, though its salt content may require buffering for sensitive skin.

An extract from red algae valued for its humectant and antioxidant properties. It is well tolerated and commonly used in marine-based skincare formulations.

A preservative and antioxidant that helps prevent microbial growth and oxidative degradation in formulas. Published assessments support its use at cosmetic levels.

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.

An amino acid-derived chelating agent that stabilizes formulas by binding trace metals. Published assessments support its use at cosmetic concentrations.

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

The sodium salt of benzoic acid, used as a preservative in both foods and cosmetics. Decades of safety review support its use at typical cosmetic concentrations, with mild irritation the main reported issue in sensitive skin.

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.

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.