Know what's in the bottle
Plain-language notes on what each ingredient does, who it suits and when to be careful.
Filter by what it does
43 ingredients ยท Common irritants
Clear all filtersA
- Alcohol Denat.Denatured alcoholSolventCan irritateA fast-evaporating alcohol that gives a light, quick-drying feel. High up the list it can dry out and irritate sensitive or dry skin.
- Ammonium Lauryl SulfateALSCleansing agentCan irritateA strong foaming cleanser, related to SLS, that can strip dry or sensitive skin.
B
- Benzophenone-3OxybenzoneUV filterCan irritatePregnancy cautionA chemical UV filter that absorbs UVB and some UVA. It is a relatively common cause of allergic reactions and is often avoided during pregnancy.
- Benzoyl PeroxideBPOAnti-acneCan irritateKills acne-causing bacteria and clears breakouts. Can dry and irritate skin and bleach fabrics. Start at a low strength.
- Benzyl SalicylateFragranceCan irritateA fragrance compound that can trigger allergies in sensitive people.
- Butylphenyl MethylpropionalLilialFragranceCan irritatePregnancy cautionA floral fragrance compound now banned in the EU and best avoided, especially during pregnancy.
C
- CamphorFragranceCan irritateA strongly scented, cooling ingredient that can irritate sensitive skin.
- CinnamalFragranceCan irritateA cinnamon-scented fragrance compound and a strong skin allergen.
- CitralFragranceCan irritateA lemon-scented fragrance compound that can irritate and sensitise skin.
- CitronellolFragranceCan irritateA rose-scented fragrance compound and a known skin allergen.
- Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit OilBergamot oilFragranceCan irritateA citrus oil that can cause dark patches or burns when skin is exposed to sun.
- Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel OilSweet orange oilFragranceCan irritateA citrus oil that adds scent but can irritate skin and make it sensitive to sunlight.
- Citrus Limon Peel OilLemon oilFragranceCan irritateA citrus oil that can irritate and make skin react to sunlight.
- CoumarinFragranceCan irritateA sweet, hay-like fragrance compound that can cause allergic reactions.
- Cymbopogon Schoenanthus OilLemongrass oilFragranceCan irritateA strongly scented essential oil that commonly irritates sensitive skin.
D
E
G
H
- Hamamelis Virginiana WaterWitch hazelPlant extractCan irritateA plant water that tightens the look of pores. Some versions contain alcohol and can be drying or irritating for sensitive skin.
- Hexyl CinnamalFragranceCan irritateA floral fragrance compound and a known skin allergen.
- HydroquinoneBrighteningCan irritatePregnancy cautionA strong prescription-strength skin lightener. Should only be used under a dermatologist's supervision and avoided during pregnancy.
I
K
L
- Lavandula Angustifolia OilLavender oilFragranceCan irritateA fragrant essential oil that can irritate skin, especially as it oxidises.
- LimoneneFragranceCan irritateA citrus-scented fragrance compound. Becomes more irritating when it oxidises; a known allergen.
- LinaloolFragranceCan irritateA floral fragrance compound found in lavender. Becomes more allergenic when it oxidises.
M
- Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf OilTea tree oilFragranceCan irritateAn essential oil with antibacterial properties. It adds natural fragrance and can irritate or sensitise skin.
- Mentha Piperita OilPeppermint oilFragranceCan irritateGives a cooling tingle, which is a sign of irritation. Best avoided on sensitive skin.
- MentholFragranceCan irritateCreates a cooling tingle, which is a sign of irritation for many skin types.
- MethylchloroisothiazolinoneMCIPreservativeCan irritateA preservative usually paired with methylisothiazolinone and a frequent cause of skin allergies.
- MethylisothiazolinoneMIPreservativeCan irritateA preservative that is a common cause of allergic skin reactions. Banned in leave-on products in some markets.
P
Q
R
- RetinalRetinaldehydeRetinoidCan irritatePregnancy cautionA retinoid one step closer to the active form than retinol, so it works faster. Use at night, introduce slowly and avoid during pregnancy.
- RetinolVitamin ARetinoidCan irritatePregnancy cautionA proven anti-ageing active that speeds up skin renewal, softens fine lines and helps clear pores. Start slowly, use at night, wear sunscreen and avoid during pregnancy.
- Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf OilRosemary oilFragranceCan irritateA fragrant essential oil with antioxidant properties that can irritate sensitive skin.
S
- Santalum Album OilSandalwood oilFragranceCan irritateA fragrant oil long used in Indian skincare. It smells lovely but, like other essential oils, can irritate sensitive skin.
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin SulfonateCleansing agentCan irritateA strong foaming cleanser similar to sulfates. It can dry and irritate sensitive skin.
- Sodium Lauryl SulfateSLSCleansing agentCan irritateA strong foaming cleanser that can strip and irritate skin, especially dry or sensitive skin.