Detox Serum
Why this score
Concern55 / 55
- No ingredients carry meaningful, evidence-backed concern.
How much genuine, cited concern the ingredients carry, weighted by how much of each is likely present and whether the product stays on or rinses off.
Transparency20 / 20
- No hidden fragrance blend.
Whether the full ingredient list, and any fragrance, are actually disclosed.
Formulation restraint23 / 25
- 1 known irritant or fragrance-allergen ingredient: Gluconolactone.
Needless irritant or allergen load for the product type. A clean, purposeful formula scores well without any "free-from" theater.
Scored by PlainBody Editorial against the PlainScore method · Label checked July 2026
What’s inside
WaterGenerally safe
The base most products are built on. It carries the other ingredients and has no safety concern.
Full ingredient details →Salix Alba (Willow) Bark ExtractGenerally safe
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.
Full ingredient details →PropanediolGenerally safe
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.
Full ingredient details →GlycerinGenerally safe
A humectant that draws water into the skin. One of the best-studied, best-tolerated ingredients in personal care.
Full ingredient details →Aloe VeraGenerally safe
A plant-derived water or extract used mainly as a soothing humectant filler. Evidence for dramatic skin benefits beyond mild hydration and soothing is limited, but it is well tolerated by most people.
Full ingredient details →CarbomerGenerally safe
Carbomer is a synthetic polymer used purely to thicken and stabilize gels and lotions, with negligible skin penetration due to its large molecular size. Safety reviews have found low toxicity and minimal irritation potential even in leave-on use.
Full ingredient details →TriethanolamineGenerally safe
A pH buffer that neutralizes acidic ingredients to maintain a skin-compatible formulation pH. Decades of safety data and modern manufacturing practices support its use at cosmetic concentrations.
Full ingredient details →NiacinamideGenerally safe
A form of vitamin B3 used to support a more even-looking tone and a comfortable barrier. Well tolerated at cosmetic levels.
Full ingredient details →Butylene GlycolCommonly feared, low concern
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.
Full ingredient details →EthylhexylglycerinGenerally safe
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.
Full ingredient details →PhospholipidsGenerally safe
Natural fat molecules present in healthy skin that help reinforce the skin barrier. They are graded with no known concerns in cosmetic assessments and are well tolerated as skin conditioning agents.
Full ingredient details →3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidGenerally safe
A stable vitamin C derivative used to brighten and provide antioxidant support, more shelf-stable than pure ascorbic acid. It is generally well tolerated, though strong vitamin C forms can sting sensitive skin.
Full ingredient details →Potassium SorbateGenerally safe
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.
Full ingredient details →GluconolactoneGenerally safe
Gluconolactone is a polyhydroxy acid that exfoliates gently while also acting as a humectant and mild antioxidant, and it is generally recommended for sensitive or barrier-compromised skin over smaller AHAs. A full cosmetic panel review found it safe as used, though some users still report mild stinging or redness at higher concentrations.
Full ingredient details →Sodium BenzoateGenerally safe
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.
Full ingredient details →PhenoxyethanolCommonly feared, low concern
A widely used preservative, safe at the legal limit of 1% or less. Often the "paraben-free" replacement.
Full ingredient details →Polysorbate 20Generally safe
A widely used emulsifier and solubilizer that has been in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals for decades. The CIR has assessed it as safe with no known concerns at typical cosmetic concentrations. As with any surfactant, some people with very sensitive skin may experience mild irritation.
Full ingredient details →Calcium GluconateGenerally safe
A mineral salt used in cosmetics as a pH buffer and conditioning agent. Safety data indicate no hazards or sensitization concerns for topical cosmetic use at typical concentrations.
Full ingredient details →Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Generally safe
A signal peptide attached to palmitic acid that activates collagen synthesis in skin cells. Well tolerated across skin types with no significant safety concerns in cosmetic use.
Full ingredient details →Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Generally safe
A peptide lipid that mimics collagen fragments and signals skin cells to increase collagen production while reducing inflammation. Established in anti-aging formulas with a consistent safety record.
Full ingredient details →Lower-concern alternatives
Same category, higher PlainScore.
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Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern ratings are evidence-graded and cited on each ingredient page. See how we score.