Skincare ingredients, explained
Plain-language notes on the 37 ingredients Skinvio flags when it reads a product label — what each one is, why it's flagged, and how often it actually turns up across 4,195 catalogued products.
High caution
Restricted, prescription-strength, or strongly sensitising. Worth knowing by name.
- MethylisothiazolinoneA well-known preservative sensitizer, especially problematic in leave-on products.On 106 catalogued labels
- MethylchloroisothiazolinoneA strong preservative sensitizer commonly discussed with methylisothiazolinone.On 87 catalogued labels
- FormaldehydeFormaldehyde and releasers are common cosmetic allergy flags.On 1 catalogued labels
- HydroquinoneHydroquinone in OTC skin-lightening products is an FDA enforcement concern.
- Mercury compoundsMercury is prohibited or tightly restricted in cosmetics, with narrow preservative exceptions.
- TretinoinTretinoin is a strong retinoid drug active, not a casual cosmetic ingredient.
Elevated caution
Common causes of reactions, particularly in products you leave on.
- DMDM hydantoinA formaldehyde-releasing preservative that can matter for contact-allergy-prone skin.On 57 catalogued labels
- Diazolidinyl ureaA formaldehyde-releasing preservative with contact allergy relevance.On 35 catalogued labels
- Imidazolidinyl ureaA formaldehyde-releasing preservative with contact allergy relevance.On 12 catalogued labels
- Quaternium-15A formaldehyde-releasing preservative often flagged for contact allergy.On 5 catalogued labels
- BronopolA preservative associated with formaldehyde-release concerns under some conditions.On 1 catalogued labels
Moderate caution
Fine for most people, worth watching if your skin is reactive.
- FragranceFragrance can hide many individual components and is a common allergy trigger.On 1,370 catalogued labels
- LinaloolA common fragrance allergen on cosmetic labels.On 835 catalogued labels
- LimoneneA fragrance allergen that can oxidize and become more sensitizing over time.On 785 catalogued labels
- GeraniolA floral fragrance allergen that can trigger sensitive skin.On 334 catalogued labels
- Alcohol denat.High placement on a label can signal a drying formula for some skin types.On 303 catalogued labels
- CitralA listed fragrance allergen found in citrus-style fragrance blends.On 143 catalogued labels
- Isopropyl myristateA common acne-prone skin flag due to comedogenic potential.On 110 catalogued labels
- EugenolA clove-like fragrance allergen with contact-allergy relevance.On 104 catalogued labels
- Sodium lauryl sulfateA strong cleanser that can be drying or irritating for some skin types.On 100 catalogued labels
- Coconut oilCan be too occlusive for some acne-prone faces despite being useful elsewhere.On 85 catalogued labels
- Myristyl myristateA rich emollient that can be a clogging risk for acne-prone users.On 44 catalogued labels
- OctinoxateA sunscreen filter with environmental-policy restrictions in some locations.On 14 catalogued labels
- Peppermint oilMint oils can create a cooling feel while irritating sensitive skin.On 12 catalogued labels
- Lavender oilEssential oils add fragrance allergen exposure even when marketed as natural.On 10 catalogued labels
- OxybenzoneA sunscreen filter with allergy and environmental-policy concerns in some regions.On 6 catalogued labels
- Tea tree oilTea tree oil can irritate or sensitize reactive skin.On 5 catalogued labels
Low caution
Rarely a problem, included for completeness.
- Salicylic acidA helpful acne active that can dry or irritate some skin.On 233 catalogued labels
- Glycolic acidAn exfoliating acid that can sting or over-exfoliate if layered aggressively.On 73 catalogued labels
- RetinolUseful active, but can irritate and is commonly avoided during pregnancy.On 71 catalogued labels
Generally supportive
Ingredients that tend to be a good sign on a label.
- GlycerinA well-tolerated humectant that supports hydration.On 2,641 catalogued labels
- PanthenolA soothing humectant often used in barrier-friendly formulas.On 601 catalogued labels
- NiacinamideA barrier-supporting active commonly used for tone, oiliness, and redness support.On 428 catalogued labels
- AllantoinA soothing skin protectant often used in gentle formulas.On 233 catalogued labels
- SqualaneA lightweight emollient that is usually well tolerated.On 198 catalogued labels
- Hyaluronic acidA hydrating humectant that helps formulas feel plump and comfortable.On 180 catalogued labels
- CeramidesBarrier lipids that support dry or compromised skin.On 5 catalogued labels
This is cosmetic guidance, not medical advice
Skinvio does not diagnose, treat, or cure any skin condition. These notes describe general formulation patterns, not how your skin will respond. Always patch test, and speak to a licensed clinician about reactions, persistent irritation, or any changing spot or growth.