Water is a great solvent. It’s neutral and doesn’t provide any strong positive or negative effects. It just helps components to mix better and to transport active components.
Glycerin is one of the most outstanding and helpful skincare components. It's used in many skincare products because it works and provides notable results. It's one of the best moisturizers. Molecules of Glycerin can absorb water and deliver it into deep layers of the skin making it hydrated.
3
Pentylene Glycol
Roles: Skin conditioning, Solvent
Moisturizing
Hair conditioning
Pentylene Glycol is a great replacement for Propylene Glycol. It has very similar characteristics but it’s derived from plants (usually from corn). Natural cosmetics lovers will find this component very useful. It enhances the moisturizing effect of cosmetic products, improves the efficiency of preservatives and it’s an effective emulsifier. It’s approved by ECOCERT and COSMOS so it’s considered to be 100% safe and can be used in vegan products.
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BakuchiolAntioxidant
Roles: Antimicrobial, Biocide
Antiseptic
5
Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract
Roles: Fragrance, Masking
6
Maris Aqua/sea Water/eau De Mer
7
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Roles: Skin conditioning
Moisturizing
Soothing
Hair gloss
8
Phytic AcidAntioxidant
Roles: Chelating
Moisturizing
Soothing
Lightening
9
Pullulan
Roles: Binding, Film former
10
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Roles: Fragrance, Masking
11
Cymbopogon Martini (Palmarosa) Oil
Roles: Fragrance
12
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil
13
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
14
Juniperus Mexicana Oil
Roles: Fragrance, Masking
15
Cymbopogon Citratus (Lemongrass) Leaf Oil
16
Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Flower Oil
Roles: Fragrance, Masking
17
Linalool
Roles: Deodorant, Fragrance, Masking
Allergens
Linalool gives the product a nice and fresh lavender scent. It can be found in many essential oils. It oxidizes during air exposure and becomes allergenic. It can lead to irritation causing problems for people with sensitive skin. The threat is even higher if the product was opened several months ago. In such products, more Linalool is oxidized.
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Rosa Damascena (Rose) Flower Oil
Roles: Fragrance, Masking
19
Fusanus Spicatus Wood Oil
Roles: Fragrance
20
Silica
Silica is used for improving texture of the product. It helps the product to spread out evenly. Very often it’s used in different exfoliants as an abrasive. It's safe and non-toxic.
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Hexyl Acetate
22
Potassium Sorbate
Roles: Fragrance, Preservative
Antifungal
Antiseptic
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative that increases the shelf life of the product. It’s a great alternative to parabens. That's why manufacturers like to use this component. It is safe in concentration of up to 10% but it is used in cosmetics in amounts of 1% or even lower.
Lecithin is a great emulsifier. It also has slight antioxidant activity, but it’s not enough if you are looking for a strong and effective anti-oxidant. Our skin cells contain Lecithin and that’s why this component will hardly cause any problems or negative reactions. It soaks in pretty fast and it’s accepted by skin cells very well.
Xanthan Gum is used as a thickener or rheology modifier and emulsion stabilizer. It doesn’t provide any notable skin-related effects and is used mostly for formulation purposes. It makes the product’s texture smooth and even. It’s a naturally-derived thickener. Notable fact: it can also be found in the food you eat every day, so it is 100% safe.
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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.
