AHC Beauty Tension Eye Cream Stick For Face

AHC Beauty Tension Eye Cream Stick For Face

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Overview

What it is

Eye moisturizer with 189 ingredients that contains AHA, ceramides, exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, retinoid, Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Cool Features

It is reef safe

Suited For

It has ingredients that are good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture

Free From

It doesn't contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens or parabens

Fun facts

AHC Beauty is from South Korea.

We independently verify ingredients and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Does this product need an update? Let us know.

About this product

Ingredients List

Dive into the full list of ingredients.

119
26
44

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

Emollient
0 / 0 Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking

Octyldodecanol

Emollient

Microcrystalline Wax

Emulsion Stabilising
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Macadamia Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters Behenate

Emollient
Oil Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Euphorbia Cerifera Wax

Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Synthetic Wax

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyethylene

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ricinus Communis Seed Oil

Masking
0-1 / 0 Fragrance IconOil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate

Skin Conditioning

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Eclipta Prostrata Extract

Skin Conditioning

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

Skin Conditioning

Camellia Japonica Seed Extract

Skin Conditioning

Camellia Japonica Flower Extract

Emollient

Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract

Skin Conditioning

Collagen Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract

Antimicrobial
Antioxidant IconFragrance Icon

Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Oryza Sativa Extract

Absorbent
Helps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract

Emollient
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Triticum Aestivum Peptide

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Hydrolyzed Collagen Extract

Skin Protecting
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract

Emollient

Camellia Japonica Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Collagen Water

Humectant
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying

Soluble Collagen

Humectant
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Oryza Sativa Germ Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cocos Nucifera Oil

Masking
4 / 0 Fragrance IconOil IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glycine Soja Peptide

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer

Bisabolol

Masking
Helps reduce irritation Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Sorbitan Olivate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil

Emollient
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Mannitol

Humectant

Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconPeptide IconAntioxidant IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Ethyl Ether

Solvent
0 / 0

Carnosine

Skin Conditioning

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen

Cleansing
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Collagen

Moisturising
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate

Emollient
2 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

1,2-Hexanediol

Skin Conditioning

Schizosaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate

Humectant

Rosa Damascena Callus Extracellular Vesicles

Skin Conditioning

Capryloyl Glycine

Cleansing

Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen

Skin Conditioning
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Hexylene Glycol

Emulsifying
0-2 / 0-1

Graphene Oxide

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Methylpropanediol

Solvent

Sarcosine

Skin Conditioning

Propanediol

Solvent

Lecithin

Emollient

Sorbitan Laurate

Emulsifying
1-2 / 1-2 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Panthenol

Skin Conditioning
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Silica Dimethyl Silylate

Emollient

Lactobacillus Ferment

Skin Conditioning

Pentylene Glycol

Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient

Raffinose

Skin Conditioning

Soluble Elastin

Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Glutamine

Skin Conditioning

Human Embryonic Stem Cell Conditioned Media

Humectant

Collagen Amino Acids

Moisturising
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Polysorbate 80

Emulsifying
0 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydroxyethylcellulose

Emulsion Stabilising

Lactic Acid

Buffering
AHA IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment

Antimicrobial

Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Hydroxyacetophenone

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate

Skin Conditioning
Sulfate Icon

Ceramide NP

Skin Conditioning
Ceramide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Inulin Lauryl Carbamate

Emulsion Stabilising

Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose

Emulsion Stabilising

Atelocollagen

Skin Conditioning
Helps with Anti-Aging Icon

Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin Conditioning

Rutin

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate

Humectant

Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate

Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Tromethamine

Buffering

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Glycolipids

Skin Conditioning

Niacinamide

Smoothing
Niacinamide IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Dipotassium Phosphate

Buffering

Pantothenic Acid

Skin Conditioning

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate

Emulsifying

Potassium Hyaluronate

Skin Conditioning

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hyaluronic Acid

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Heptasodium Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Humectant
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol

Humectant

Saccharomyces Polypeptides

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate

Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid Icon

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Avena Sativa Peptide

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Glycine Max Polypeptide

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Acetyl Octapeptide-3

Humectant
Peptide Icon

3-Ascorbyl Carbonyl Dipeptide-17

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Glycine

Buffering
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glutamic Acid

Humectant

Glutamine

Skin Conditioning

Nonapeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Dipeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Dipeptide-2

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Dipeptide-4

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Lysine

Skin Conditioning

Retinyl Palmitate

Skin Conditioning
1-3 / 1-3 Retinoid IconGood for Oily Skin IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconHelps brighten skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Leucine

Skin Conditioning

Riboflavin

Cosmetic Colorant

Menadione

Masking

Methionine

Skin Conditioning

Biotin

Antiseborrhoeic

Valine

Masking

Cyanocobalamin

Skin Conditioning

Serine

Masking

Cysteine

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Citrulline

Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

Skin Protecting
Peptide Icon

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5

Humectant
Peptide Icon

Acetyl Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Ascorbic Acid

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Asparagine

Masking

Aspartic Acid

Masking

Isoleucine

Skin Conditioning

Alanine

Masking

Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper Hcl

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Arginine

Masking
Good for Scar Healing IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ornithine

Skin Conditioning

Oligopeptide-6

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Copper Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Capryloyl Dipeptide-17

Emollient
Peptide Icon

Taurine

Buffering

Tyrosine

Masking

Tripeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Tripeptide-2

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Tripeptide-3

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Threonine

Tryptophan

Masking

Thiamine Hcl

Masking

Phenylalanine

Masking

Pentapeptide-3

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Folic Acid

Skin Conditioning

Proline

Skin Conditioning

Pyridoxine

Skin Conditioning

Hexapeptide-2

Bleaching
Peptide Icon

Hexapeptide-9

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Histidine

Humectant

Sh-Oligopeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

R-Bovine Polypeptide-1

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Oligopeptide-2

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-11

Peptide Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-14

Skin Protecting
Peptide Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-16

Skin Protecting
Peptide Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-22

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-3

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-4

Antioxidant
Peptide IconAntioxidant Icon

Sh-Polypeptide-9

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Capryloyl Sh-Nonapeptide-6

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7

Skin Conditioning
Peptide Icon

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12

Skin Conditioning
Peptide IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Dehydroacetic Acid

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Microcrystalline Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Macadamia Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters Behenate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Silica, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Camellia Japonica Seed Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Collagen Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Triticum Aestivum Peptide, Hydrolyzed Collagen Extract, Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Collagen Water, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Soluble Collagen, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Oryza Sativa Germ Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Glycine Soja Peptide, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Bisabolol, Tocopherol, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Mannitol, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, Ethyl Ether, Carnosine, Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Collagen, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Schizosaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Rosa Damascena Callus Extracellular Vesicles, Capryloyl Glycine, Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hexylene Glycol, Graphene Oxide, Methylpropanediol, Sarcosine, Propanediol, Lecithin, Sorbitan Laurate, Panthenol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Raffinose, Soluble Elastin, Acetyl Glutamine, Human Embryonic Stem Cell Conditioned Media, Collagen Amino Acids, Polysorbate 80, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lactic Acid, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Ceramide NP, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Atelocollagen, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rutin, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Tromethamine, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Glycolipids, Niacinamide, Dipotassium Phosphate, Pantothenic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Hyaluronic Acid, Heptasodium Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Saccharomyces Polypeptides, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Avena Sativa Peptide, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate, Glycine Max Polypeptide, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, 3-Ascorbyl Carbonyl Dipeptide-17, Glycine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Nonapeptide-1, Dipeptide-1, Dipeptide-2, Dipeptide-4, Lysine, Retinyl Palmitate, Leucine, Riboflavin, Menadione, Methionine, Biotin, Valine, Cyanocobalamin, Serine, Cysteine, Citrulline, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Acetyl Tripeptide-1, Ascorbic Acid, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Isoleucine, Alanine, Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper Hcl, Arginine, Ornithine, Oligopeptide-6, Copper Tripeptide-1, Capryloyl Dipeptide-17, Taurine, Tyrosine, Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-2, Tripeptide-3, Threonine, Tryptophan, Thiamine Hcl, Phenylalanine, Pentapeptide-3, Folic Acid, Proline, Pyridoxine, Hexapeptide-2, Hexapeptide-9, Histidine, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, R-Bovine Polypeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Sh-Polypeptide-14, Sh-Polypeptide-16, Sh-Polypeptide-22, Sh-Polypeptide-3, Sh-Polypeptide-4, Sh-Polypeptide-9, Capryloyl Sh-Nonapeptide-6, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Parfum, Dehydroacetic Acid

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Explained

Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.

Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.

These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.

Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.

Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.

Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil

This ingredient is a form of glycerin with emulsifying and emollient properties.

As an emulsifier, this ingredient helps keep products together while adding a thick texture. The manufacturer states this ingredient has emollient properties. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated by trapping moisture in.

Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is created by reacting diglycerin and isostearic acid. Due to the isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.

Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Masking, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Emollient, Masking

Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol. It is primarily used to enhance the texture of products.

As an emulsifier, Octyldodecanol helps prevent the oils and waters from separating. It also prevents ingredients from creating foam when shaken.

Octyldodecanol is created by reducing fatty acid to an alcohol.

Due to its high molecular weight, it does not get absorbed into the skin.

Learn more about Octyldodecanol
Emulsion Stabilising

Microcrystalline Wax is created by de-oiling petroleum. It is highly refined and purified before being added to cosmetics.

Microcrystalline Wax is used to enhance the texture and create even consistency. It helps stabilize a product by preventing ingredients from separating.

Skin Conditioning

Butyrospermum Parkii Butter is a plant lipid from the fruit of the Shea Tree. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.

Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.

Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.

While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.

Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii Butter

Macadamia Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters Behenate is an oil.

Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.

One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.

Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.

Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate

Euphorbia Cerifera wax comes from a shrub in Northern Mexico. It is used to stabilize formulations and has emollient properties.

Emollients form a thin layer on top of skin to prevent water from evaporating, keeping skin and lips hydrated.

According to a manufacturer, this wax can range from a yellow/brown color to translucent.

Learn more about Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Abrasive, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking

Synthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.

It may also be used as an abrasive ingredient to exfoliate the skin.

Synthetic Wax may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Synthetic Wax
Abrasive

Polyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.

Polyethylene is also typically used within product formulations to help bind solid ingredients together and thicken oil-based ingredients. When added to balms and emulsions, it helps increase the melting point temperature.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 is lipid-based synthetic skin-conditioning agent. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate the skin.

Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.

Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning

Ricinus Communis Seed Oil is the INCI name for castor oil.

Castor Oil helps moisturize the skin. It is rich in a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid helps prevent moisture loss on the skin. This helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. Ricinoleic acid also has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties.

Besides hydrating the skin, castor oil is also used to hydrate hair. By keeping the hair shaft moisturized, breakage is decreased. More studies are needed to show castor oil's effective on stimulating hair growth.

Castor oil is created by cold-pressing castor seeds and then purifying the oil with heat. It was used in Ancient Egypt as fuel in lamps and to help treat eye irritation.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.

Learn more about Ricinus Communis Seed Oil

We don't have a description for Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate yet.

Abrasive, Absorbent

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.

Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.

Learn more about Silica
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Eclipta Prostrata Extract yet.

Skin Conditioning

Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.

The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Camellia Japonica Seed Extract yet.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Camellia Japonica Flower Extract comes from the Japanese Camellia plant. This plant is native to East Asia and known as "Tsubaki" in Japanese.

Tsubaki flowers possess antioxidant and soothing properties. This flower has shown to be effective at fighting pollution damage by protecting your skin's fibroblasts. Your skin's fibroblasts help create collagen and collagen is responsible for youthful, plump skin.

This flower also contains many antioxidant enzymes. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. They may originate from sunlight, air pollution, or cigarette smoke. These free-radical molecules are unstable and are often looking for missing electrons. This instability causes free-radicals to damage our cells. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons.

Thus, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract may help reduce the signs of aging.

Learn more about Camellia Japonica Flower Extract

Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract comes from the roots of the Lithospermumerythrorhizon plant, or the purple gromwell plant.

Studies show this root extract has anti-inflammatory properties and protects against oxidative stress. It also displayed UV absorption capability and protection against UV-B damage. However, it should not replace your sunscreen.

The dried roots of this plant are used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine due to its antiviral properties.

Learn more about Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
Skin Conditioning

Collagen extract is derived from parts of animals. It has skin conditioning properties and is mostly comprised of glycine, proline, and hydroxypoline. These are amino acids.

While our skin does have collagen, this ingredient is not used by the skin for anti-aging. Applying collagen topically has not been linked to helping with collagen loss in skin. All the benefits of collagen are related to hydration.

This ingredient will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.

Learn more about Collagen Extract
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Astringent

This cinnamon tree also called true cinnamon or Ceylon cinnamon. It has antimicrobial, emollient, skin hydrating, and antioxidant properties.

This tree is native to Sri Lanka.

Antioxidant, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract is an antioxidant.

Absorbent, Skin Conditioning

Oryza Sativa Extract comes from the rice grain, Oryza sativa. Rice extract has wound healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties.

Rice grains contain numerous antioxidants which may help with anti-aging, such as vitamin E. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radical molecules. Unstable free-radical molecules may damage your skin cells and accelerate signs of aging.

A study from 2002 found rice to help increase the rate of wound healing. The same study found an improvement of skin barrier function in the patients after taking rice baths.

Numerous in-vitro studies have found rice water to help decrease sun damage by increasing collagen production and inhibiting the process of tyrosinase.

Long story short- tyrosinase is an enzyme that controls melanin production. Our bodies start producing melanin (AKA tanning) when exposed to UV radiation to protect against damage. Rice water is found to partially block this process.

Though more research is needed on rice's ability to help with UV protection, recent studies seem promising.

Wondering why rice is hydrating? The protein in rice have emollient properties. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in, keeping your skin moisturized.

Some rice extract may have mildly-exfoliating properties. These are mainly limited to Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran and Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Powder.

This rice was first cultivated in China over 10,000 years ago. Many cultures throughout Asia have used rice water on skin and hair for centuries.

Learn more about Oryza Sativa Extract
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.

You may know Aloe to be a good sunburn reliever and inflammation reducer. This is because it contains many components that are known to help reduce irritation and itchiness. These include vitamins, amino acids, polysaccharides, and more. The high water content of aloe also helps give a cooling effect.

Aloe contains the antioxidants Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins neutralize free radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

The aloe plant is naturally abundant in polysaccharides, a carbohydrate made of sugar molecules. Polysaccharides help hydrate your skin by mimicking your skin's natural carbohydrates.

As it is easily absorbed by the skin, aloe is a great moisturizer. It is both a humectant and emollient. Emollients help trap moisture in your skin, keeping your skin soft. Humectants draw water from the air to your skin.

Other components of aloe include sugars such as monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, choline, many common minerals such as calcium, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.

Aloe does not protect against UV rays, despite it soothing sunburns.

There are over 420 species of aloe but Aloe Barbadensis is the most commonly used for topical products.

Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning

Triticum Aestivum Peptide is a peptide.

Skin Protecting

Hydrolyzed Collagen Extract can help to reduce the effects of aging.

We don't have a description for Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract yet.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Camellia Japonica Seed Oil comes from the Japanese Camellia plant. This plant is native to East Asia and known as "Tsubaki" in Japanese.

Camellia Japonica Seed Oil is rich in oleic acid. This makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soften and soothe the skin by forming a barrier. This barrier traps moisture within, keeping your skin hydated.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Collagen Water can help to reduce the effects of aging.

Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.

This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Soluble collagen comes from animals and fish. It has a large molecule size, meaning it doesn't get absorbed into skin.

Instead, it sits on top of skin as a humectant to improve skin hydration. It has incredible water-binding properties and creates a water barrier on skin that prevents evaporation.

This ingredient is incredibly gentle and often used to counter more irritating ingredients.

While our skin does have collagen, this ingredient is not used by the skin for anti-aging. Applying collagen topically has not been linked to helping with collagen loss in skin. All the benefits of soluble collagen are related to hydration.

Fun fact: The name "soluble collagen" refers to its ability to dissolve in water.

Learn more about Soluble Collagen
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate
Masking, Perfuming, Tonic

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water is a tonic and helps with masking.

Tonics are used to remove soap residues. They also help moisturize the skin.

Masking ingredients are used to obscure or block properties of other ingredients. They are commonly used to block the scent of a product.

Camellia Sinensis leaves contain antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties.

Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water

Oryza Sativa Germ Oil is an oil expressed from the germs of rice kernels.

Germs are not bacteria but rather a part of rice kernel that allows new plants to germinate.

Like other plant oils, this can help nourish the skin. The germ of rice is rich in oils, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and protein.

This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about the benefits of rice extract.

Learn more about Oryza Sativa Germ Oil
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning

Cocos Nucifera Oil is obtained from the kernels of the coconut fruit. In other words, this is coconut oil.

Coconut Oil is rich in fatty acids with lauric acid making up the majority of these. It also contains linoleic acid. Due to this high fatty acid content, coconut oil helps trap moisture and soften skin.

Despite being antibacterial, coconut oil may not be great for acne-prone skin. It is comedogenic and may clog pores. This ingredient may not be safe for malassezia or fungal acne.

Note: Coconut Oil should not replace your sunscreen for UV protection. Studies show it only blocks about 20% of UV.

This oil is non-volatile and has a light scent.

The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.

Learn more about Cocos Nucifera Oil
Skin Conditioning

Glycine Soja Peptide is a peptide.

We don't have a description for Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer yet.

Masking, Skin Conditioning, Soothing

Bisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.

This ingredient also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.

Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.

Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.

All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.

Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.

Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.

Learn more about Bisabolol
Antioxidant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.

Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.

Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.

You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.

There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.

Learn more about Tocopherol
Emulsifying

Sorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.

This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.

Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.

Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Sorbitan Olivate

Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate isn't fungal acne safe.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Moringa oleifera plant. It is more commonly known as Moringa seed oil.

Moringa seeds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin hydrating properties. These seeds are rich in oils, proteins, monounsaturated fats, and tocopherols.

As an emollient, moringa seed oil helps trap moisture in the skin by creating a film on top. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.

Many compounds in moringa seed oil are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. These compounds include Vitamin E. , catechins, ferulic acid, and more.

Another compound found in Moringa seed oil is oleic acid.

Moringa trees are native to the Himalayan mountains.

This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.
  • It has mild preservative properties.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin
Humectant, Masking, Moisturising

Mannitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a humectant and moisturizes the skin. In vitro (not tested on a living organism), mannitol displays antioxidant properties.

When found in aqueous solutions, mannitol tends to become acidic. This is because it loses a hydrogen ion. This is why mannitol can often be found with pH adjusting ingredients, such as sodium bicarbonate.

Fun fact: Mannitol can be found in foods as a sweetener. It can be naturally found in mushrooms, algae, fruits, and veggies.

Learn more about Mannitol
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide is a stable form of vitamin C that offers the same benefits with less irritation.

Read about the benefits of ascorbic acid here.

Fun fact: Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide has a similar structure to the vitamin C found in fruits.

Learn more about Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide
Solvent

We don't have a description for Ethyl Ether yet.

Skin Conditioning

Carnosine is a dipeptide made from two amino acids.

This ingredient helps:

Glycation is the process of sugars binding to and damaging proteins. Too much sugar in our skin can lead to damaged collagen, contributing to factors of aging.

Carnosine is water-soluble and is not able to travel deeper layers of skin. This leads to some doubt about whether it can boost collagen in skin, since collagen is located in the deeper layers of skin.

Fun fact: Carnosine can be naturally found in our muscles and brain.

Learn more about Carnosine
Cleansing, Skin Conditioning

Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen can help to reduce the effects of aging.

Moisturising, Skin Conditioning

Collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein found in your body. It is an effective skin moisturizer.

There is no conclusive proof that collagen is used by skin when applied topically. However, it is a great humectant that hydrates skin. Hydrated skin is associated with increased elasticity and a decrease in the appearance of wrinkles. It is also essential for maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Biologically, collagen is responsible for keeping skin firm and youthful. Collagen is comprised mostly of glycine, proline, and hydroxypoline. These are amino acids.

Collagen will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.

Learn more about hydrolyzed collagen here.

Learn more about Collagen
Skin Conditioning

Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate is a postbiotic with skin soothing properties. Postbiotics are inactive molecules produced by probiotic bacteria that provide skin benefits.

This ingredient comes from the secretion of the bacteria, Lactobacillus.

Studies show this ingredient can help calm redness and may help treat the signs of photoaging; however, the evidence is inconclusive and further studies are needed.

Learn more about Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Emollient, Emulsifying

Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is derived from isostearic acid. It is an emollient and emulsifier.

The highest concentration of this ingredient is found in lipsticks.

This ingredient is minimally water soluble and may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. 

It is a:

  • Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
  • Emollient, helping to soften skin
  • Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
  • Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Schizosaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate yet.

We don't have a description for Rosa Damascena Callus Extracellular Vesicles yet.

Cleansing

Capryloyl Glycine is created by adding an acyl group to glycine and caprylic acid chloride.

It is a cleanser due to its surfactant properties. Surfactants help dirt, oil, and other polluants be more easily rinsed away. According to manufacturers, Capryloyl Glycine also helps soften the skin and regulate sebum production.

Emerging studies show Capryloyl Glycine may inhibit hair growth. It may also cause allergies for some people. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any questions about this ingredient.

Learn more about Capryloyl Glycine

Potassium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen can help to reduce the effects of aging.

Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.

As a surfactant, Hexylene Glycol helps gather dirt and oil on your skin to be washed away.

As an emulsifier, Hexylene Glycol helps keep water and oil together. This prevents them from separating in a product. Hexylene Glycol also thins out the texture of a product by lessening viscosity.

Hexylene Glycol has a small molecular weight.

Learn more about Hexylene Glycol
Antioxidant, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Graphene Oxide is an antioxidant.

Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.

As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.

Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.

Learn more about Methylpropanediol
Skin Conditioning

Sarcosine is a skin conditioning ingredient. It is a synthetic amino acid.

It is an intermediate and byproduct in glycine synthesis and degradation. Glycine is an amino acid naturally found in our skin.

Solvent

Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin. 

It’s often used to:

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol
Emollient, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

Lecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.

This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.

As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.

As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.

This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.

Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.

We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.

Learn more about Lecithin
Emulsifying

Sorbitan Laurate is created from lauric acid and derivatives from sorbitol. It is an emulsifier.

Skin Conditioning

Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.

There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.

D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.

Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):

Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.

This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.

Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.

This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.

Learn more about Panthenol
Emollient, Emulsion Stabilising

This silica is mainly used to thicken oils and suspend particles in oils. It is not water soluble.

According to the manufacturer, it:

The manufacturer also claims this ingredient to be useful in makeup.

In lipstick formulations, this ingredient improves color payoff, reduces pigment settling, and reduces oil bleeding. This ingredient also improves the grip of powder products such as dry shampoos.

Learn more about Silica Dimethyl Silylate
Skin Conditioning

Lactobacillus Ferment is created by fermenting the Lactobacillus bacteria. It helps keep our skin's natural barrier and microbiome healthy.

Studies show lactobacillus ferment to be effective at repairing the skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier helps keep your skin healthy and hydrated. It also protects against bad bacteria.

As a probiotic/prebiotic/postbiotic, Lactobacillus ferment can help regular our natural biome. In fact, one study found a lack of diversity in our natural skin biome can trigger acne.

Learn more about Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning, Solvent

Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.

The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.

This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.

Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.

Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.

Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.

Learn more about Pentylene Glycol
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Raffinose yet.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Soluble Elastin yet.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Acetyl Glutamine yet.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Conditioned Media yet.

Moisturising, Skin Conditioning

Collagen amino acids are naturally found in the outermost layer of your skin.Your body uses amino acids to build collagen and elastin.

Due to their tiny size, amino acids are able to be absorbed into the skin. They mostly play a role in keeping your skin hydrated and reinforcing your NMF (natural moisturizing factors).

Emulsifying

Polysorbate 80 is a surfactant and emulsifier. It is used to keep ingredients together, and prevent oils and waters from separating.

It is made from polyethoxylated sorbitan and oleic acid. This ingredient can be found in cosmetics, foods, and medicine. It is water-soluble.

Polysorbate 80 may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polysorbate 80
Emulsion Stabilising, Stabilising

Hydroxyethylcellulose is used to improve the texture of products. It is created from a chemical reaction involving ethylene oxide and alkali-cellulose. Cellulose is a sugar found in plant cell walls and help give plants structure.

This ingredient helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating. It can also help thicken the texture of a product.

This ingredient can also be found in pill medicines to help our bodies digest other ingredients.

Learn more about Hydroxyethylcellulose
Buffering, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Lactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.

Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.

Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.

Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.

Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.

Read more about some other popular AHA's here:

Learn more about Lactic Acid
Antimicrobial, Antiseborrhoeic, Cleansing

We don't have a description for Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment yet.

Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester is a peptide composed of amino acids arginine and tyrosine.

This peptide is considered a neurotransmitter peptide, meaning it has pain-relieving and relaxing properties. It has the ability to calm skin irritation from external factors such as chemical stinging or heat.

Neurotransmitter peptides are also often called "botox in a bottle". This is because these peptides have the ability to relax the muscles.

Though relaxing the muscles can prevent expression lines (as we have seen in botox), the studies do not show these peptides to be a botox replacement. The effects of this muscle relaxation is also short-term, as opposed to longer-term results from botox.

Learn more about Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Antioxidant

Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.

This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing.

Skin Conditioning

Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate is a type of sulfate.

Skin Conditioning

Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.

Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.

Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.

If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.

Read more about other common types of ceramides here: Ceramide AP Ceramide EOP

Learn more about Ceramide NP
Emulsion Stabilising

We don't have a description for Inulin Lauryl Carbamate yet.

Emulsion Stabilising

We don't have a description for Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose yet.

Skin Conditioning

Atelocollagen can help to reduce the effects of aging.

Skin Conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Rutin is an antioxidant.

Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed collagen has a misleading name because it is actually a mixture of various proteins/peptides. This ingredient has skin hydrating properties.

Collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein found in your body. In your skin, it is responsible for keeping it firm and youthful.

Hydrolyzed Collagen is created by breaking up proteins into smaller peptide bonds. These peptides act as humectants and emollients.

Humectants are great at holding onto water, keeping skin hydrated. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.

There is ongoing debate about whether hydrolyzed collagen works because it increases skin hydration. Skin hydration is also linked to elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.

Collagen or peptide ingredients can be used in the morning or night. They will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.

According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is a great hair conditioner as well.

This ingredient can be extracted from different sources, including:

Vegan collagen is derived from yeast, bacteria, or plant sources. Vegan collagen would go by a different INCI name, such as hydrolyzed soy protein.

The results are varied.

A study from 2021 found hydrolyzed collagen increased elasticity and improved wrinkles in 1,125 participants between age 20 and 70. Another study found increased skin thickness in participants between the ages of 45 to 59.

However, It is difficult to prove that oral collagen will end up working on your skin. Many of the studies using hydrolyzed collagen also add several vitamins and nutrients into the test mixture as well.

Further studies are needed at this time.

Learn more about Hydrolyzed Collagen
Humectant, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate yet.

Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is created by putting sodium hyaluronate through hydrolysis.

You might know this as 'mini' or 'ultra low-molecular weight' hyaluronic acid. The small molecule size means it is able to travel deeper in the skin.

According to studies, low molecular-weight hyaluronic acid can:

One study from 2011 found ultra-low weight HA to show pro-inflammatory properties. Another study from 2022 found it to downregulate UV-B induced inflammation.

Hydrolysis is a process of changing a molecule using water or enzymes.

This ingredient is water-soluble.

Learn more about Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of hyaluronic acid. It is created by the hydrolysis of hyaluronic acid with a high molecular weight. Once created, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid has a low molecular weight.

Low molecular weight HA has been shown to hydrate and increase elasticity of the skin. Increasing elasticity is also associated with reduction of wrinkle depth.

One study found topical low molecular weight hyaluronic acid may be considered for the treatment of rosacea in the adult population. However, we always recommend speaking with a professional about your skin concerns.

Hyaluronic acids are a humectant. This means they draw moisture from the air. Hyaluronic acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.

Read more about other common forms of hyaluronic acid:

Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Skin Conditioning

This synthetic peptide is a signal peptide, meaning it tells your skin to create more collagen and elastin.

According to a manufacturer, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11 helps improve skin elasticity and firmness.

Buffering, Masking

Tromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.

As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.

Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.

Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.

1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-

Learn more about Tromethamine
Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 is a signal peptide. Signal peptides tell your skin to create collagen or start tissue repair.

This peptide plays a role in key skin components such as collagen, lumican, and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Lumican is used in collagen organization and regulation, while GAGs are a component that holds water in our skin.

The manufacturer claims this ingredient is effective at firming the skin and enhancing skin hydration.

Learn more about Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning

This synthetic peptide is created from lysine, valine, and palmitic acid.

According to the manufacturer, in-vitro studies show tissue growth and collagen synthesis. Another in-vivo study found 60 volunteers saw a significant reduction in wrinkles after 84 days.

Due to its palmitic acid base, this peptide may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning

Glycolipids are natural, sustainable biosurfactants. They are both surfactants (cleansing agents) and emollients.

Made from lipids and sugars, in-vitro studies show glycolipids are a gentle alternative to conventional surfactants. They also possess foaming properties to give cleaning products a nice texture.

One manufacturer study found their glycolipid also demonstrated sebum reduction and helped reduced oiliness after four weeks. This means it can also be great for scalp care.

Learn more about Glycolipids
Smoothing

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.

Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.

The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.

When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.

Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.

Learn more about Niacinamide

Dipotassium Phosphate is an inorganic salt. This just means it has a different structure than organic salts. It is a stabilizing and pH adjusting ingredient.

This ingredient is soluble in water.

Skin Conditioning

Pantothenic Acid is an essential vitamin. Our bodies use it for metabolizing fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.

Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.

As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.

Learn more about Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Potassium Hyaluronate yet.

Skin Conditioning

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is an ester of lauric acid and Polyglycerin-10.

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier. It helps gather dirt, oil, and other pollutants to be rinsed away. As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating, such as oil and water.

Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Humectant, Moisturising, Skin Conditioning

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in healthy skin. It is a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to your skin.

This ingredient helps hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin.

What makes hyaluronic acid so hydrating? It has the capacity to bind or hold large amounts of water.

Fun fact: It is already naturally found in our bodies, such as the fluids of our eyes and our joints.

Studies find this ingredient to have anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This can help speed up wound-healing.

Hyaluronic acid can be irritating if the molecule has a low-molecular weight, or if the molecules are small.

One study found low-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be pro-inflammatory, meaning some people may experience irritation. This is because our bodies use hyaluronic acid in the wound-healing process to signal to our bodies, via irritation, that something needs healing.

The same study found high-molecular weight hyaluronic acid to be anti-inflammatory.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Hyaluronic Acid

Heptasodium Hexacarboxymethyl Dipeptide-12 is a peptide.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer is a type of hyaluronic acid. In fact, it is modified version of hyaluronic acid.

The structure of Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer allows it to stay in the skin's top layer for a longer period of time. This allows for even more hydration and humectant action than hyaluronic acid.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

This form of hyaluronic acid is produced through fermentation.

According to a manufacturer, it has a positive charge by ionic binding to help moisturize and give hair a smooth feel. This is why you'll find this ingredient in shampoos and body washes.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a peptide. A common name for this peptide is Argireline.

Argireline has a similar function to botox; it prevents muscle movement and contractions slightly. By preventing muscles from moving, argireline also prohibits the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. However, research is lacking in proving this ingredient to be as effective as botox.

On the other hand, argireline tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol yet.

Skin Conditioning

Peptides are amino acids naturally found in your skin. These amino acids make up many proteins your skin uses. Collagen is made up of peptides. Collagen is responsible for keeping your skin plump and youthful.

As you age, your body naturally produces less collagen. Since peptides are the building blocks of collagen, it may have anti-aging effects.

Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.

Hyaluronic Acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.

Skin Conditioning

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

This ingredient consists of four amino acids and palmitic acid. These amino acids are arginine, proline, glutamine, and glycine.

This ingredient has many benefits. These benefits include boosting collagen production, fighting inflammation, and reversing UV damage.

By preventing our bodies from producing interleukins, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 helps fight inflammation. An interleukin is a chemical that signals to the body to produce an inflammatory response. Interleukin production is accelerated by UV radiation.

Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is a 3-amino acid peptide. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

This ingredient is a signal peptide, meaning it tells our skin to create collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 can help reduce wrinkles and make the skin look more youthful.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning

This peptide is extracted from oat. It has skin conditioning properties.

Peptides are great for boosting hydration.

Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) is a form of Vitamin C and is an antioxidant. It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.

MAP is created by combining ascorbic acid with magnesium salt. While MAP more gentle on the skin than ascorbic acid, it is thought to be less easily-absorbed into the skin.

Due to MAP's stability up to a pH level of 7, it is more stable to air and sunlight exposure than ascorbic acid. The best pH range for MAP is between 5 and 6.

Like other forms of Vitamin C, MAP has been shown to help reduce hyperpigmentation and simulate collagen production.

As an antioxidant, it helps protect your skin against the signs of aging.

Learn more about Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate is a form of Vitamin C. It is the salt of ascorbic acid.

This ingredient is more gentle than ascorbic acid. It is also more stable when exposed to light and oxygen.

Vitamin C helps reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.

Your skin uses Vitamin C to produce collagen and collagen production plays a role in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. As an antioxidant, this ingredient also helps reduce the signs of aging such as fine-lines and wrinkles.

VItamin C helps brighten skin by blocking the process of skin darkening.

In a 2011 study, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate was found to have antibacterial properties. This may help treat acne.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Learn more about Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Skin Conditioning

Ascorbyl Propyl Hyaluronate can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, and brighten skin.

Skin Conditioning

Peptides are amino acids naturally found in your skin. These amino acids make up many proteins your skin uses. Collagen is made up of peptides. Collagen is responsible for keeping your skin plump and youthful.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Octapeptide-3 is a synthetic peptide. It is often called a botox alternative due to its ability to restrict the movement of muscles, and thus reduce the appearance of fine-lines.

While this peptide can help reduce wrinkles and fine-lines, the research is lacking in it being as effective as botox.

All current studies for this ingredient are either from manufacturers or look at amounts far greater than in actual products.

Learn more about Acetyl Octapeptide-3

3-Ascorbyl Carbonyl Dipeptide-17 is a peptide. It can help to improve skin texture and reduce the effects of aging.

Buffering, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is an amino acid that helps build proteins and moisturizes skin. It is already present in our skin as our bodies produce them naturally.

Glycine already plays a role in helping keep our skin moisturized as amino acids transport moisture throughout our skin.

As collagen is made up of glycine and other amino acids, it is believed glycine may help our skin produce more collagen.

Learn more about Glycine
Humectant

Glutamic Acid is an amino acid that is found in all living organisms. Our bodies use this to help nerve cells in the brain communicate with other cells.

In cosmetics, glutamic acid is a famous humectant. It draws water from the air to your skin, keeping your skin hydrated (like hyaluronic acid).

An in-vitro study from 2024 found glutamic acid to play a role in inhibiting inflammation and thus a potential skin-soothing ingredient.

Other studies show it to be have potential wound healing, skin barrier repair, and hair growth properties.

Glutamic acid has poor solubility in water and other solvents.

Learn more about Glutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Glutamine yet.

Skin Conditioning

Nonapeptide-1 is created from amino acids including arginine and lysine.

It has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Emerging studies show Nonapeptide-1 to help with reducing pigmentation and brightening the skin. It has shown to prevent the activation of tyrosinase, an enzyme in the skin that begins the process of melanin creation. Melanin is responsible for giving skin a tan or dark spots.

Learn more about Nonapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning

Dipeptide-1 is a peptide.

Skin Conditioning

Dipeptide-2 is a peptide. It can help to reduce the effects of aging.

Skin Conditioning

Dipeptide-4 is a peptide.

Skin Conditioning

Lysine is an essential amino acid. Your body is unable to produce it naturally and we mainly get lysine from food sources.

Our bodies use lysine for growth and tissue repair. The skin uses amino acids as a precursor for building protein, and therefore keratins, collagen and elastin.

Skin Conditioning

Retinyl palmitate is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the superstar class of anti-aging ingredients that include tretinoin and retinol.

This particular ingredient has had a bumpy year with its rise and fall in popularity.

First, Retinyl palmitate is created from palmitic acid and retinol. It is a retinol ester and considered one of the weaker forms of retinoid.

This is because all retinoids have to be converted to Tretinoin, AKA retinoic acid. Retinyl Palmitate is pretty far down the line and has to go through multiple conversions before its effects are seen.

Due to this long and ineffective conversion line, the benefits of Retinyl Palmitate are debated.

Studies show Retinyl Palmitate to help:

Dermatologists say this ingredient is ineffective because it isn't used in high enough concentrations in cosmetics.

This ingredient used to be found in sunscreens to boost the efficacy of sunscreen filters.

The downfall of Retinyl Palmitate was due to released reports about the ingredient being correlated to sun damage and skin tumors.

While there is a study showing this ingredient to cause DNA damage when exposed to UV-A, there is no concrete proof of it being linked to skin cancer. It is safe to use when used correctly.

All retinoids increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun in the first few months of usage. Be especially careful with reapplying sunscreen when using any form of retinoid.

Currently, this ingredient is still allowed in cosmetics all over the world. In Canada, cosmetics must have a warning label stating the product to contain Retinyl Palmitate

Fun fact: This ingredient is often added to low-fat milk to increase the levels of Vitamin A.

Learn more about Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Leucine yet.

Cosmetic Colorant, Skin Conditioning

Riboflavin is Vitamin B2. Our bodies use riboflavin in the creation of skin, digestive tract lining, and blood cells.

Riboflavin is naturally found in Royal Jelly.

Foods rich in riboflavin include eggs, milk, organ meat, cheese, and yogurt.

Learn more about other types of Vitamin B:

Learn more about Riboflavin
Masking

We don't have a description for Menadione yet.

Skin Conditioning

Methionine is an essential amino acid. It is a conditioning agent and commonly found in both skin and hair products.

This amino acid is a precursor to glutathione, a powerful antioxidant.

Fun fact: Methionine can be found in meat, fish, and dairy. It cannot be naturally produce and requires dietary intake.

Learn more about Methionine
Antiseborrhoeic, Skin Conditioning

Biotin is a B vitamin that is naturally produced by our bodies. It is also called Vitamin H.

Our bodies use biotin in the metabolism process. It also helps our bodies use enzymes and move nutrients around. A biotin deficiency can lead to brittle hair and nails.

More research is needed on applying biotin topically. However, taking biotin orally has been shown to help nourish the skin, hair, and nails. They play a role in forming skin-hydrating fatty acids.

Biotin is water-soluble. It can be found in foods such as fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and meat. Vitamin H stands for "haar" and "haut". These are the German words for hair and skin.

Learn more about Biotin
Masking, Skin Conditioning

Valine is an essential amino acid. It is used by our bodies for tissue repair and muscle growth.

An essential amino acid is one in which our bodies cannot naturally produce so we must get them through diet. Foods such as eggs, dairy, red meat, and fish contain valine.

This ingredient can either be derived from an animal product or be synthetically created.

Learn more about Valine
Skin Conditioning

Cyanocobalamin is the manufactured version of vitamin B12. It has skin soothing, antioxidant, and barrier protecting properties. Topical cyanocobalamin is used to treat skin irritation and atopic dermatitis.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

Serine is an amino acid naturally found in our body. Our bodies use amino acids to create protein.

Amino-acids help give keep our skin hydrated. They play an important role in the skin barrier, which keeps the skin plump and firm.

Serine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning we don't need to obtain it from eating foods.

Learn more about Serine
Antioxidant, Masking

Cysteine is an amino acid found in our bodies. It becomes an antioxidant when converted into gluthatione.

Once it becomes gluthatione, it prevents oxidative damage to parts of our cell. Gluthatione has also been shown to protect our skin from UV-B induced damage.

Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Citrulline yet.

Skin Conditioning

This peptide is more commonly known as Thymulen 4 BG.

It is derived from a youth hormone called thymopoietin. Thymopoietin helps regulate the immune system and decreases naturally with age.

According to the manufacturer, this peptide boosts the skin's immune defenses and regenerates the outer layers of skin.

Learn more about Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin Protecting

This biometic peptide is designed to support hair growth.

According to a manufacturer, it stimulates hair growth by:

The manufacturer has found combining this ingredient with red clover extract (Capixyl) boosted benefits. Not only does it enforce the scalp's extracellular matrix, it also inhibits the enzyme that creates DHT, a hormone that leads to hair loss.

While this ingredient is promising, more research is still needed to confirm its full effectiveness.

Learn more about Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 is a peptide that goes by another name, eyeseryl, due to claims that it can help reduce eye puffiness.

The manufacturer claims this ingredient reduces eye puffiness by:

An in-vivo study from the manufacturer found 95% of volunteers saw eye bag improvement by the end of the study.

Eye puffiness is caused by two major factors: fluid retention and fat.

Those with fluid retention may see improvement from using this ingredient. However, those with eye fat will need surgical intervention in order to get rid of puffiness.

Learn more about Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5
Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Tripeptide-1 is a peptide.

Antioxidant, Buffering, Masking

Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.

Not only is vitamin C great for your overall health and immune system, it also has plenty of benefits on your skin.

Vitamin C is best used for brightening skin. It improves dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This is because it blocks the process of skin darkening when exposed to UV.

Remember: Vitamin C should not replace sunscreen!

Your skin uses vitamin C to build collagen. Collagen is one key component in having a strong skin barrier and plump skin. Vitamin C also plays a role in regulating collagen, thus making it effective in improving wrinkles and fine lines.

Ascorbic acid shows potent antioxidant activity. As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. These antioxidants also protect skin against UV damage.

The best formulations include Vitamin E and/or ferulic acid. These two ingredients help stabilize and provide a boost in the benefits of ascorbic acid. This is because ascorbic acid becomes unstable when exposed to UV and air. In fact, you can tell your ascorbic acid has oxidized when it turns an orange-yellow color.

Ascorbic acid is generally compatible with other ingredients. However, using ascorbic acid with other active ingredients might cause irritation. Two ingredients: copper ions and benzoyl peroxide, will inactivate ascorbic acid completely.

Read more about other types of Vitamin C:

Foods rich with vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, broccoli, bell peppers, and more. When consuming Vitamin C, your skin receives a portion of the nutrients.

Learn more about Ascorbic Acid
Masking, Skin Conditioning

Asparagine is one building block of all proteins in our body. It is an antioxidant and may help with anti-aging.

Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage our skin cells.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

Aspartic Acid is an amino acid that our bodies produce naturally. It is an antioxidant.

Our body uses Aspartic Acid to help build collagen and elastin. It also plays a role in hydrating skin.

Skin Conditioning

Isoleucine is an amino acid that helps reinforce our skin barrier. This amino acid plays a role in creating protein for the body.

Fun fact: Isoleucine is found in meat, fish, dairy, legumes, and nuts.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

Alanine is an amino acid and is already found in the human body. Our skin uses alanine to build collagen, elastin, and keratin.

Alanine/Histidine/Lysine Polypeptide Copper Hcl is a peptide.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

Arginine is an amino acid that is important for human development. Your body uses is it to produce hair keratin and skin collagen.

As a cosmetic ingredient, Arginine has antioxidant properties and can also help repair damaged skin. This ingredient is derived either synthetically or from animals.

Arginine isn't fungal acne safe when used in the presence of other lipids (fats, fatty acids, oils, esters, etc). Oils and fats occur naturally within the skin, so take caution when using Arginine if you're prone to fungal acne.

Learn more about Arginine
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Ornithine yet.

Skin Conditioning

Oligopeptide-6 is a peptide.

Skin Conditioning

Copper Tripeptide-1 is a peptide naturally found in body fluids. Peptides are building blocks for protein.

Studies show this ingredient tells our body to create more collagen and elastin. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Elastin is the protein responsible for giving our skin elasticity. Our bodies start to slow down collagen and elastin production with age.

Boosting collagen and elastin production can help create a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin. It's a win-win situation!

This ingredient helps with scar healing. This is because it breaks down damaged collagen, the main component of scar tissue. It may also help with reducing sunspots, acne scars, and uneven skin tone.

On top of all this, Copper Tripeptide-1 is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants help the body fight off free-radicals. Free radicals are molecules that damage our cells, such as pollution and tobacco smoke.

More benefits: Copper Tripeptide-1 helps maintain tissues in blood vessels and promote natural hyaluronic acid in skin.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Copper Tripeptide-1
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Capryloyl Dipeptide-17 is a peptide.

Buffering

We don't have a description for Taurine yet.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

Tyrosine is one of the amino acids used to create protein. It plays a role in melanin production.

A study from 2012 found tyrosine to show promising results in restoring skin volume.

Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Tripeptide-1 is a peptide. It can help to reduce the effects of aging.

Skin Conditioning

Tripeptide-2 protects our collagen and elastin fibers to slow down the process of aging. It does this by inhibiting the proteins responsible for the breakdown of collagen and elastin.

Skin Conditioning

Tripeptide-3 isn't fungal acne safe and is a peptide.

Threonine is an amino-acid. It helps hydrate the skin and has antioxidant benefits.

Our skin uses threonine for creating collagen and elastin. Humans are not able to create threonine and must get it through eating foods such as fish, lentils, poultry, sesame seeds, and more.

Masking

We don't have a description for Tryptophan yet.

Masking, Skin Conditioning

Thiamine Hcl is Vitamin B1. The HCL stands for hydrochloride. Thiamine HCL is created using thiamine chloride and hydrochloric acid.

Our bodies use Thiamine HCL for aerobic metabolism, cell growth, and transmission of nerve impulses.

Learn more about Vitamin B in skincare:

Learn more about Thiamine Hcl
Masking, Skin Conditioning

Phenylalanine is an amino acid. It is a skin soothing and hydrating ingredient. Amino acids play a crucial role in wound healing and skin hydration.

This ingredient is also used to help even out skin tone due to its ability to disrupt the melanin production process.

Two structures of phenylalanine exist: L-phenylalanine and D-phenylalanine. L-phenylalanine is essential, this means our bodies cannot produce it naturally and we must get it from foods. Our bodies convert D-phenylalanine to neurotransmitters, and D-phenylalanine is found in our bodies naturally.

Some foods that contain L-phenylalanine include eggs, soybeans, beef, milk.

Learn more about Phenylalanine
Skin Conditioning

Pentapeptide-3 is a peptide.

Skin Conditioning

Folic acid is a form of Vitamin B9. Our bodies use folic acid for creating new cells and for DNA repair.

Folic acid is an antioxidant, making it an effective skin repair ingredient.

In vivo studies show folic acid to decrease UV-C induced DNA damage on human fibroblasts. This is because folic acid is effective at rejoining breaks in the fibroblast DNA. It is believed folic acid may play a role in reducing UV-B damage as well. While the mechanisms are unknown, it is believed folic acid plays a role in disrupting the DNA damage process.

Studies show using moisturizers rich in folic acid led to increased hydration of the skin. Hydrated skin is essential for collagen and elastin, or for keeping skin plump. One study found a reduction in wrinkles from using folic acid creams.

Foods rich in folic acid include leafy vegetables, beans, peanuts, fresh fruit, and eggs.

Learn more about Folic Acid
Skin Conditioning

Proline is an amino-acid. It helps moisturize the skin and plays an important role in creating proteins.

Our skin uses proline as one of the building blocks for producing collagen.

In medicine, proline is used as an osmoprotectant. This means it helps prevent oxidative degradation in other drugs.

Our bodies are able to produce proline naturally, but certain conditions may inhibit this production. In that case, proline can be obtained from eating egg whites, soy protein, dairy products, asparagus, mushrooms, and seaweed.

Learn more about Proline
Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Pyridoxine yet.

Bleaching, Skin Conditioning

Hexapeptide-2 is a peptide.

Skin Conditioning

Hexapeptide-9 is a peptide.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Histidine is a semi-essential amino acid used by our bodies to create protein. It has humectant and skin conditioning properties.

Our bodies use histidine to create filaggrin - filaggrin is a structural protein that the skin uses in maintaining skin barrier.

One study found histidine and carnosine to be a dynamic duo for your skin:

Oral histidine has also been found to help with filaggrin-deficit skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis.

Why is it considered a semi-essential amino acid? This is because adults are able to create it but children must get it from their diet.

Learn more about Histidine
Skin Conditioning

sh-Oligopeptide-1 is a peptide found naturally in our bodies. Peptides are the building blocks for collagen and elastin in our skin.

In cosmetics, this ingredient is bioengineered to be identical to a human gene that codes for epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF are signal molecules that simulate cell growth and healing.

Studies find EGF help with:

In South Korea and China, EGF is considered a controversial ingredient. The South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has cracked down on companies with products including EGF due to false advertisement claims.

According to Dr. Zoe Draelos, growth factors have some drawbacks:

There is also controversy surrounding growth factors. The controversy is due to their mitogenic activity, or their ability to increase the number of cells. It is best to avoid using growth factors if you have psoriasis or are at risk of skin cancer. However, it should be noted EGF are not mutagenic - meaning they will not cause cancer.

Learn more about Sh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning

Sh-Polypeptide-1 is a signal peptide that tells our cells to create more fibroblast cells. Fibroblasts maintain skin structure and plays a role in wound healing.

It is important to note this ingredient is mitogenic and not mutagenic. Meaning it will stimulate cell multiplication, and will not cause cancer.

This small molecule peptide has similar benefits to Argireline, the "botox" peptide.

According to the manufacturer, this peptide mimics snake venom to freeze muscles. This prevents muscle movement and contractions to prohibit the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.

While this seems promising, research is lacking in proving this ingredient to be as effective as botox.

Learn more about Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin Conditioning

R-Bovine Polypeptide-1 is a peptide.

Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

This peptide has similar properties to Sh-Oligopeptide-1.

In cosmetics, this ingredient is bioengineered to be identical to a human gene that codes for epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF are signal molecules that simulate cell growth and healing.

There is also controversy surrounding EGF. The controversy is due to their mitogenic activity, or their ability to increase the number of cells. It is best to avoid using growth factors if you have psoriasis or are at risk of skin cancer. However, it should be noted EGF are not mutagenic - meaning they will not cause cancer.

Learn more about Sh-Oligopeptide-2

Sh-Polypeptide-11 is a signal protein that tells our skin to create more fibroblast cells. Fibroblasts maintain skin structure and plays a role in wound healing.

It is important to note this ingredient is mitogenic and not mutagenic. Meaning it will stimulate cell multiplication, and will not cause cancer.

Skin Protecting

Sh-Polypeptide-14 is a peptide.

Skin Protecting

Sh-Polypeptide-16 is a peptide.

Skin Conditioning

Peptides are amino acids naturally found in your skin. These amino acids make up many proteins your skin uses. Collagen is made up of peptides. Collagen is responsible for keeping your skin plump and youthful.

As you age, your body naturally produces less collagen. Since peptides are the building blocks of collagen, it may have anti-aging effects.

Skin Conditioning

Sh-Polypeptide-3 is a peptide.

Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Sh-Polypeptide-4 is an antioxidant and is a peptide.

Skin Conditioning

Sh-Polypeptide-9 is a signal peptide that tells our body to create more blood vessels.

It is important to note, this ingredient is mitogenic and not mutagenic. Meaning it will stimulate cell multiplication, and will not cause cancer.

Skin Conditioning

Capryloyl Sh-Nonapeptide-6 is a peptide.

Skin Conditioning

Palmitoyl Dipeptide-7 is a peptide.

Skin Conditioning

You might know this ingredients as Matrixyl, a famous peptide.

Peptides are building blocks for protein. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 consists of five amino acids. These amino acids include: 2 lysines, 2 threonines, and serine

This ingredients tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.

Thus, Matrixyl may help improve the look of wrinkles.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 is a synthetic peptide made with glycine, histidine, lysine, and palmitic acid.

The sequence of this peptide matches that of elastin, a key protein that plays a role in how firm our skin is.

Due to its palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Masking, Perfuming

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.

For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.

The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.

For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.

One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.

Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.

Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.

The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.

Learn more about Parfum
Preservative

Dehydroacetic Acid is fungicide and bactericide. It is used as a preservative in cosmetics. Preservatives help elongate the shelf life of a product.

Dehydroacetic Acid is not soluble in water.

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· Updated August 13, 2024 Added by Alllisda_idiot