Essential Pads

A foaming cleansing agent from the same sulfate family as sodium lauryl and laureth sulfate. Like its relatives it can be drying or irritating at high concentration or with prolonged contact, especially on already-compromised skin, but at the levels and rinse-off use typical of shampoos and body washes it is considered safe.

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

A preservative that works by slowly releasing small amounts of formaldehyde to control microbial growth. This makes it an effective preservative, but people with a known formaldehyde or fragrance-type sensitivity may develop irritation or an allergic reaction, especially with prolonged use of leave-on products.

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.

A naturally occurring compound from peppermint and other mint plants that creates a cooling sensation and may have mild antimicrobial properties. It is generally safe in rinse-off products and low concentrations but can irritate or sensitize some individuals, particularly in leave-on formulas or higher amounts.

A polyethylene glycol ester of hydrogenated castor oil, widely used as an emulsifier and solvent in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics. PEG-modified ingredients are graded as safe in cosmetics by the CIR when formulated at typical use levels.

A polypropylene glycol-based surfactant and emulsifier used to stabilize cosmetic formulas. Safety assessments indicate it is well-tolerated when used at typical cosmetic concentrations.

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

A silicone that gives a smooth, soft feel and helps hold water in the skin. Inert and well studied.

This is a stable, water-soluble derivative of vitamin C that converts to ascorbic acid in skin and is used for antioxidant and brightening support. It is generally better tolerated than plain ascorbic acid and has a low reported rate of irritation in formulation testing.

Tetrasodium EDTA is a chelating agent that binds trace metal ions to keep formulas stable and help preservatives work better. It has circulated online as a supposed "toxic" additive, but decades of safety review support its use at cosmetic concentrations.

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.