Lasting Finish Lipstick

A plant-derived emollient oil rich in ricinoleic acid, used in skincare for decades. Contact allergy has been reported but is uncommon relative to how widely it is used in leave-on products.

A plant-derived wax extracted from the Euphorbia cerifera shrub native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. It provides emollient and thickening benefits and has a long history of traditional use with no documented sensitization or irritation concerns at typical cosmetic concentrations.

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 The CIR Expert Panel concluded it is safe as used in cosmetics, with this determination originally made in 1985 and reaffirmed in 2006.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 lightweight, odorless emollient made by combining coconut or palm-derived fatty acids with glycerin. It spreads easily, feels non-greasy, and has a long history of use in skin and hair products with no meaningful irritation or sensitization signal.

VP/Hexadecene Copolymer combines a petroleum derived hydrocarbon with vinylpyrrolidone to form a thin, glossy film that helps waterproof mascara, foundation, and long wear makeup grip skin and lashes. CIR reviewed it with the broader vinylpyrrolidone polymer group, and patch testing on a product with nearly 15% of the ingredient produced no skin reactions in 50 subjects, with no eye irritation reported in a separate eye shadow test.

A natural wax derived from sheep wool, known for its rich emollient properties and ability to reinforce the skin barrier. While generally well tolerated, lanolin is a recognized contact allergen for some individuals; those with wool sensitivity or lanolin allergy history should patch test before 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.

An ester formed from myristic acid, used to provide emollient and conditioning effects. Long track record in cosmetics with well-established safety in topical applications.

A mineral thickener and anti-caking agent widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics to control texture and prevent ingredient separation. CIR has reviewed silica in cosmetic use and found no basis for concern at the levels used topically.

An undisclosed scent blend that can contain dozens of components. The single most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, and the blend is not itemized, so you cannot see what is in it.

Synthetic fluorphlogopite is a lab-grown mica look-alike made of layered magnesium aluminum silicate sheets with some fluorine substitution, used as a shimmer and pearlescent base in powders, eyeshadow, and skincare. CIR's expert panel reviewed irritation, sensitization, and genotoxicity data and concluded it's safe as used at reported concentrations up to 67%.

Calcium aluminum borosilicate is another engineered borosilicate glass, milled into fine flakes or microspheres and used the same way as its calcium sodium counterpart: as a sparkle and light-diffusing effect pigment in eyeshadow, highlighter, lip products, and nail polish. CIR reviewed it alongside the other borosilicate glasses and concluded it's safe as used, provided the glass meets standard impurity and particle-size specifications.

A fragrance fixative and solvent found naturally in balsams and used to help scents last longer. It is one of the 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens, with documented but uncommon contact sensitization.

Calcium sodium borosilicate is a milled borosilicate glass used as sparkling flakes or platelets that add glitter and light-catching shimmer to eyeshadow, highlighter, and other color cosmetics. CIR's expert panel reviewed data on this and related borosilicate glasses, including patch and eye-irritation testing, and concluded the ingredient is safe as used, with heavy-metal impurities like lead, arsenic, and mercury held to trace, low-parts-per-million specifications.

A derived emulsifier made from sorbitol and oleic acid, used to help blend oil and water-based ingredients. Sorbitan esters are assessed as safe in cosmetics by the CIR, though people with sensitive skin or known sensitivities to oleic acid should patch test before broad application.

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

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 member of the paraben family used to prevent microbial growth in cosmetics. Like methylparaben, it has been reviewed extensively and found safe at the concentrations used in leave-on and rinse-off products.

A fat-soluble vitamin C ester that provides antioxidant activity on skin. It is more stable than free ascorbic acid and is graded low concern in published assessments, with rare reports of sensitization at high concentrations.

Benzyl salicylate is a fragrance fixative that also absorbs some UV light. It is on the EU allergen disclosure list, but the evidence suggests it sensitizes fewer people than most other listed fragrance allergens.

Benzyl cinnamate is a fragrance ingredient found naturally in balsams and is included on the EU disclosure list of potential allergens. Reported sensitization rates are low relative to other listed allergens.

A floral fragrance component and one of the EU-labelled fragrance allergens. Usually fine, worth watching if you react to scented products.

Chamomile extract is used for its soothing and mild antioxidant reputation and is generally well tolerated. It belongs to the Asteraceae (Compositae) plant family, so people with a known ragweed or daisy-family allergy occasionally react to it and may want to 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.

Cinnamyl alcohol is a fragrance ingredient related to cinnamal and is one of the EU-listed allergens that must appear on labels above set thresholds. Contact allergy is documented in patch-test panels, though most users tolerate it without issue.

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.

A spicy, clove-derived fragrance and flavor compound. It is one of the 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens because it can trigger contact allergy in sensitized individuals, though CIR review found it safe as typically used in cosmetics.

A synthetic antioxidant approved in the EU and used at low levels to prevent product degradation and extend shelf life. Not absorbed through skin and presents no safety concern in cosmetic formulations.