BPO 5% Cleanser

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

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.

A primary cleansing surfactant similar in strength to sodium laureth sulfate, used in many "sulfate-lite" shampoos even though it is itself a sulfonate detergent. CIR concluded it is safe in rinse-off products; it can be drying or irritating for already-sensitized scalps at higher use levels, same as most anionic surfactants.

A buffering agent used in small amounts to maintain or adjust the pH of formulas to keep them skin-friendly. It is not added as an active ingredient but to keep the product at a safe and stable pH level.

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

A coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant used to boost foam and mildness in cleansers and shampoos. CIR has reviewed it as safe as used, but it is one of the more established contact-allergy triggers in personal care, usually traced to manufacturing impurities such as amidoamine and dimethylaminopropylamine (DMAPA) rather than the betaine itself. People with a history of eyelid or scalp dermatitis are more likely to react.

A crosslinked acrylic polymer that thickens and stabilizes formulations. Published assessments show it to be well tolerated at cosmetic use levels, with no evidence of penetration into viable skin layers or systemic absorption.

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

A high molecular weight polymer used to thicken and gel aqueous formulas in creams and lotions. Its large size prevents skin penetration, and CIR has confirmed it is safe as used in cosmetics.

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.

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 synthetic film-forming emollient that provides a protective, flexible layer on skin. Not absorbed and well tolerated with no documented safety issues in cosmetic use.

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 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 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.

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 more stable, esterified form of vitamin E used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning ingredient. It is a different substance from the vitamin E acetate implicated in vaping-related lung injury, which involved inhaling the oil, not applying it topically to skin.

This small glycol is used to thin out formulas and help preservatives work better, similar in role to propylene glycol and butylene glycol already in wide use. Industry and EU safety reviewers have set purity and concentration conditions for its use rather than restricting it outright, and no consumer-relevant hazard has been established at typical cosmetic levels.

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

Sodium PCA is a natural component of skin's own moisturizing factor and is used in cosmetics as a humectant to help skin hold onto water. It has an extensive history of safe use with no meaningful irritation or sensitization signal.

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.

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 plant-derived antioxidant and mild chelating agent found in seeds and grains, used for its antioxidant and skin-conditioning properties. At typical cosmetic concentrations it is well-tolerated, though sensitive individuals may experience mild irritation.

A broad class of seaweed and microalgae extracts, commonly used in skincare for water retention and antioxidant properties. Most forms are well tolerated, though individuals sensitive to iodine or seaweed should patch test.

Roman chamomile flower extract, traditionally valued for soothing skin. Allergic contact dermatitis is rare but documented; those with known sensitivities to Asteraceae plants like ragweed or chrysanthemum should patch test first.

An extract from cucumber fruit valued in skincare for its hydrating and soothing properties. It is well tolerated across skin types and commonly included in formulas designed to refresh and calm the skin.