Roles: Emulsion stabilizer, Film former, Viscosity controlling
AcrylatesC10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic non-toxic gel used mostly for formulation purposes. It helps manufacturers to achieve the necessary texture of the product (it makes the product thicker). It also has sight healing and antistatic activity.
Triethanolamine is a pH adjuster. It is a toxic component that can be absorbed by the skin and detected in blood later. It can be a dermal irritant. Though it's considered safe, you should think before using it in skincare. There are many products on the market without Triethanolamine.
9
Phenoxyethanol
Roles: Fragrance, Preservative
Antiseptic
Phenoxyethanol is one of the most popular preservatives. It kills bacteria and makes the product live longer. Manufacturers like this ingredient because it can dissolve in any liquid, even in oils.
Another purpose of this component is the fixation of aromas in perfumery. Phenoxyethanol is also used as a strong antiseptic and a good antibacterial agent. It is widely used in dermatological cosmetics alongside natural antiseptics such as chamomile, sage, and calendula.
Green Tea Leaf Extract is a great antioxidant often used in Korean skincare products. It contains EGCG - the most effective flavonoid. It makes the skin look fresh, fills it with vitamines, and helps to prevent aging. It also helps to lower inflammation.
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Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Fruit Extract
Roles: Skin conditioning, Fragrance
13
Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract
14
Rheum Palmatum Root Extract
Roles: Skin conditioning, Astringent
15
Astragalus Membranaceus (Huang Qi) Root Extract
Roles: Skin conditioning, Emollient
16
Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Extract
Roles: Skin conditioning, Astringent
17
Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone
18
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3
Roles: Skin conditioning
19
Dipeptide-2
Roles: Skin conditioning
20
N-Hydroxysuccinimide
Roles: Skin conditioning
21
Chrysin
Roles: Skin conditioning
Moisturizing
Soothing
Anti-aging
Lightening
Rejuvenation
Regeneration
22
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Roles: Skin conditioning, Cleansing, Surfactant
Anti-aging
Regeneration
23
Steareth-20
Roles: Cleansing, Emulsifying, Surfactant
Softening
Comedogenic rating [ 2 ]
24
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Extract
Roles: Skin conditioning
25
Arnica Montana Flower Water
26
Allantoin
Roles: Skin conditioning
Moisturizing
Pore Shrinking
Softening
Soothing
Regeneration
Good for dry skin
Good for oily skin
Allantoin usually doesn’t catch too much attention, but it is an essential ingredient for sensitive, dry, and problem skin. It is a good moisturizer that makes skin hydrated. But manufacturers love it because of its strong soothing effect. It also exfoliates dead cells, stimulates recovery of your skin, and helps to protect the skin from the sun, frost, and similar negative impacts.
The component is researched very well and its soothing activity is confirmed by scientists. Used in concentration between 0.5-2%.
27
Methylparaben
Roles: Fragrance, Preservative
Parabens
Methylparaben is an effective preservative. It is a controversial ingredient in terms of safety. In 2006 there was a laboratory test showed that this component can increase the sun sensitivity of the skin cells. That’s why it’s a good idea to use sunscreen after you use this component.
28
Ethylparaben
Roles: Fragrance, Preservative
Antifungal
Antiseptic
Parabens
29
Ethylhexylglycerin
Roles: Skin conditioning, Deodorant
Moisturizing
Softening
Antiseptic
Deodorant
Ethylhexylglycerin makes the skin softer, smoother and more hydrated. It acts deeply but without any heavy or sticky feeling. In haircare products, it works as a conditioner and scalp cleanser. It is safe but only in concentration below 8% in rinse-off products and below 2% in leave-on products. Can be an irritator in higher concentrations. In general, this component is great if you see it somewhere at the bottom of the list.
30
Tetrasodium EDTA
Roles: Chelating
Tetrasodium EDTA is a formulation component. It is a pH adjuster and chelate. It prevents other components from reacting with each other making the product live longer.
