Ingredient dictionary

This nano-sized form of sulfur has antimicrobial and soothing properties.

This chemical element’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties are used to treat many skin issues.

This combination of two separate ingredients can have both healing and astringent properties.

This herbal ingredient has antioxidant properties but can also cause skin irritation.

Effective for soothing skin, but there is no research showing it has any impact when used in skin care products.

Like all plant extracts, this contains components that function as antioxidants. There is some potential for sensitivity with sage extracts, but the risk is relatively low at the amounts used in topical skincare products.

Plant extract that contains components that function as antioxidants. There is some potential for sensitivity with sage extracts, but the risk is relatively low at the amounts used in topical skin care products.

An inorganic salt that has no known function in cosmetics.

Reducing agent that alters the structure of hair. It can also be used as a preservative in cosmetic formulations, and can be a skin sensitizer.

Extract derived from the leaf or flower of the thyme plant. It can have potent antioxidant properties but may also cause skin sensitivity due to fragrant components.

Extract of wild thyme.

Derived from the leaf or flower of the thyme plant. It can have potent antioxidant properties but may also cause skin sensitivity due to fragrant components.

Extract that has weak antioxidant properties. May be a potential skin sensitizer.

This lotion can effectively treat several skin conditions, but long-term use can lead to skin drying out.

Name for a genus of plants that includes chili peppers and bell peppers. Learn more at Paula’s Choice.

This oil derived from the prickly ash plant has some beneficial properties but can also irritate skin.

Best known as ginger, this plant can have soothing an antioxidant activity, but its oil form can be sensitising.

Acid found in vinegar, some fruits, and human sweat. It can be sensitising to skin.

Fragrant essential oil (also known as blue tansy) that poses a risk of sensitizing skin.

Plant-derived oil, AKA neem oil, that has potent active compounds that can sensitize skin.

A plant oil derived from the seeds and fruit of the Melia azadirachta, AKA Azadirachta indica, tree. Can cause skin sensitization.

White powder that can be used to create abrasive formulations (not recommended) or can be formulated in a way that lends opacity to makeup (which is not problematic).

A plant-derived ingredient rich in antioxidants that contains tannins, which denature proteins in skin’s surface, resulting in sensitization.

This extract from the guarana plant has antioxidant properties but also constricts skin.