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

A form of vitamin B3 used to support a more even-looking tone and a comfortable barrier. Well tolerated at cosmetic levels.

An ester emollient used to soften and condition skin. The 2017 CIR safety assessment found it non-irritating and non-sensitizing across 415 surveyed formulas at concentrations from 1 to 33 percent.

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

A light, linoleic-acid-rich oil extracted from grape seeds, traditionally used for skin conditioning. It is generally well tolerated, though botanical sensitivity and rare allergic reactions are possible, especially for those with grape allergies.

A film-forming copolymer used to add texture and stability to formulas. Well-tolerated with no documented safety concerns at cosmetic concentrations.

A humectant derived from glycerin, used to attract and retain moisture in cosmetic formulas. Evidence from cosmetic use indicates it is well-tolerated and produces minimal sensitization even on sensitive skin.

A synthetic ester used to provide lightweight emollient and conditioning properties in cosmetic formulations. Limited but consistent use history in cosmetics without adverse reports.

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 vitamin A derivative used for the look of lines and texture. Effective but can irritate and increases sun sensitivity; usually advised against in pregnancy.

An amino acid derived emulsifier made from stearic acid and glutamic acid that is increasingly used in natural and clean formulations. It is mild, biodegradable, and presents no known safety concerns for cosmetic use.

A stearic acid derivative used to thicken and stabilize formulations while providing mild emollient properties. Graded low concern with no documented sensitization or safety issues.

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

A cross-linked polymer used to thicken formulas and create lightweight gel textures. The large molecular weight prevents penetration into the skin and is not absorbed; well tolerated in cosmetics.

An emulsifier made from glycerin and stearic acid that stabilizes oil-in-water and water-in-oil formulations. It has a long history of safe use in cosmetics and is assessed as a low-concern ingredient in published safety reviews.

A polysaccharide produced by fermentation of fungal cultures, used to thicken and stabilize formulas. It is well tolerated in cosmetics and often chosen by natural-leaning brands. It functions similarly to other gelling agents but comes from a more controlled fermentation source.

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.

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

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