Peptide Lip Treatment

A synthetic emollient with properties similar to silicones, used for a smooth skin feel. Inert and not absorbed through intact skin, with no documented safety concerns in cosmetic formulations.

A diester formed from malic acid and isostearyl alcohol. It conditions and smooths skin with no known safety issues in cosmetic use.

A rich plant butter pressed from shea tree nuts, valued for softening and cushioning dry skin. It is generally well tolerated, though very rare allergic reactions have been reported and people with tree nut allergies who are cautious may want to patch test first.

A fatty alcohol emollient that softens and conditions skin. The CIR Expert Panel concluded it is safe as used in cosmetics, with this determination originally made in 1985 and reaffirmed in 2006.

A saturated hydrocarbon emollient that softens skin and gives products a smooth glide. Its saturated structure makes it stable and well tolerated. It is inert and carries a low sensitization risk at typical cosmetic use levels.

A citrate ester used as a solvent and plasticizer in cosmetics to dissolve active ingredients and adjust texture. It is well tolerated and widely used in formulations without documented safety concerns.

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

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.

A lipophilic derivative of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) designed for stable delivery in cosmetic formulations. It is graded low concern and well tolerated, with benefits similar to other vitamin C esters.

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.

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.

An ester of palmitic acid and ethylhexanol, commonly used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It is well studied and well tolerated in cosmetics.

An emulsifier made from sorbitol and isostearic acid, used to stabilize oil-in-water formulas. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel assessed it as safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations.

A quaternized clay mineral used to thicken and suspend products. CIR found it safe as used, though the mineral base means trace amounts of inhalable silica particles exist if the powder form is aerosolized. It is well tolerated in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics when formulated properly.