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1
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aloe leaf juice
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Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin
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2
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phenoxyethanol
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A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
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3
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glycerin
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One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
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4
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witch hazel water
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A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
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5
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hamamelis virginiana
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A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating
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6
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phospholipids
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Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
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7
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retinol
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Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
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8
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vegetable collagen
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A plant-derived compound that is supposed to mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products
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9
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melia azadirachta leaf extract
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A plant extract that has anti-bacterial properties. Can be used to preserve the product. Can be irritating
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10
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melia azadirachta flower extract
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A plant extract that might be helpful to neutralize free radicals in skin
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11
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curcuma longa (turmeric) root extract
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A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant
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12
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ocimum sanctum leaf extract
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A plant extract that is rich in a fragrance compound eugenol that is a frequent allergen and can be irritating. It might also contain anti-oxidants to help neutralize free radicals
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13
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ocimum basilicum (basil) flower/leaf extract
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Used as a fragrance. Canbe irritating
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14
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corallina officinalis extract
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Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might contain antioxidants
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15
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ascorbic acid
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One of the few well researched potent anti-aging ingredients. When it is able to penetrate the skin in an active state, it is effective against fine lines and wrinkles, helps improve skin elasticity and reduce hyperpigmentation. It acts as a powerful anti-oxidant and stimulates collagen production. The main issue with ascorbic acid is that it is highly unstable, in other words, it is losing its effectivenss quickly when exposed to air and light (if a serum or cream containing ascorbic acid has an orange color, it is a likely that the ingredient has oxidized and is no longer active). In addition, it is water-soluble, meaning that it has difficulty pentrating the skin. It is also quite irritating, and can cause stinging. When used in low concentrations, helps stabilize the product formulation
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16
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alcohol
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Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties
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17
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carbomer
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Helps create a gel-like product texture. Can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
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18
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triethanolamine
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Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell
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19
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tetrasodium glutamate diacetate
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Helps stabilize the product formulation
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