Daily Superfoliant Exfoliator

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Physically adsorbs excess sebum, environmental pollution particulates, and skin surface impurities into the porous structure, purifies pores during mask application, and provides the 'detox' pore-drawing action validated by the visible sebum and debris transfer to the mask on removal.

Why It's Used: Provides genuine documented high-capacity physical adsorption — not a marketing claim but a measurable adsorbent capacity. activated charcoal's ~2000 m²/g surface area adsorbs sebum lipids and particulate pollutants through van der waals forces at concentrations no clay or silica alternative can match.

How It Works: Activated charcoal's turbostratic graphite structure (disordered graphene layers) provides pore sizes of 0.5–50 nm covering micro, meso, and macro pore ranges. sebum lipids adsorb into mesopores (2–50 nm) via van der waals forces; pollutant pahs adsorb via π-π stacking with graphene rings; the high-capacity adsorption drives equilibrium-driven partitioning from pore to charcoal surface.

Typically Found In: Charcoal masks,pore purifying,detox

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – mineral / metal active

Secondary Functions: Antimicrobial,sebum regulation,antioxidant enzyme cofactor

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 5%–30%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Mineral/inorganic compound. cosmetic or pharmaceutical grade.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating at recommended concentrations.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes at recommended concentrations

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile at cosmetic concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Niacinamide,salicylic acid,other actives

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities at standard concentrations

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Activated charcoal's adsorption capacity (1–3 g sebum/g charcoal) significantly exceeds kaolin clay (~0.5 g/g) and bentonite (~0.8 g/g) — the higher porosity-to-mass ratio from carbonisation providing the most efficient sebum adsorption per gram of any cosmetic adsorbent.

Last Verified: Cosing database,activated charcoal pore adsorption capacity review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Gently exfoliates skin, brightens complexion, balances ph, acts as chelating agent.

Why It's Used: Gentle exfoliant for multi-aha blends; larger molecular size provides moderate exfoliation with low irritation.

How It Works: At low ph, disrupts corneocyte adhesion for gentle exfoliation. dicarboxylic acid structure enables metal chelation as formulation stabilizer.

Typically Found In: Chemical exfoliants,toners,serums,professional peels

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – alpha hydroxy acid (aha)

Secondary Functions: Chelating agent,ph adjuster,mild exfoliant

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic or fermentation-derived

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Derived from apples and other fruits or synthetically produced via maleic acid hydration.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 2/5 – low to moderate

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Very well-tolerated; gentler than glycolic or lactic acid; low photosensitization.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes – preferred aha for sensitive skin

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Safe at otc concentrations. eu: ≤10% leave-on at ph ≥3.5. mandatory spf advisory.

Works Well With: Niacinamide,ceramides,hyaluronic acid,spf

Avoid Combining With: Retinol in same step; multiple exfoliants simultaneously

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Malic acid's molecular weight (~134 da vs 76 da for glycolic acid) provides shallower skin penetration and more superficial exfoliating action, ideal for sensitive skin.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,sccs aha opinion

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Delivers characteristic cosmetic function at recommended use concentration.

Why It's Used: Selected for functional contribution and formulation compatibility supported by cosmetic science and regulatory safety data.

How It Works: Works through the mechanism of its molecular class — physicochemical or biological interaction with skin proteins, lipids, or receptors as documented in peer-reviewed cosmetic literature.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Maltodextrin has an established safety and efficacy profile within the cosmetic regulatory framework at standard use concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,maltodextrin technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Builds aqueous viscosity through polymer chain entanglement above the overlap concentration, forms conditioning films on skin and hair, and stabilises suspensions through yield stress.

Why It's Used: Natural biopolymer thickeners provide elegant formulation sensory without the tight ph requirements of synthetic carbomers — preferred in shampoos and conditioners where broad ph tolerance and natural origin are both required.

How It Works: Polysaccharide chains above overlap concentration c* entangle forming a viscoelastic network — viscosity scales as c^4.7 above c*, providing steep concentration-viscosity dependence. chemical modification (hydroxypropyl, hydroxyethyl) increases water solubility and cold-processability of otherwise difficult-to-dissolve natural polysaccharides.

Typically Found In: Shampoos,conditioners,gels

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Biopolymer thickeners are sensitive to electrolyte concentration — high salt levels screen polymer charge interactions reducing viscosity. formulation salt content must be accounted for when selecting polymer concentration for target viscosity.

Last Verified: Cosing database,microcrystalline cellulose biopolymer thickener review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Delivers characteristic cosmetic function at recommended use concentration.

Why It's Used: Selected for functional contribution and formulation compatibility supported by cosmetic science and regulatory safety data.

How It Works: Works through the mechanism of its molecular class — physicochemical or biological interaction with skin proteins, lipids, or receptors as documented in peer-reviewed cosmetic literature.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Silica has an established safety and efficacy profile within the cosmetic regulatory framework at standard use concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,silica technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides deodorant activity through alkaline ph inhibition of odour bacteria and direct neutralisation of acid odour compounds.

Why It's Used: The most recognised natural deodorant ingredient with the simplest, cleanest formula and dual antibacterial/neutralisation mechanism.

How It Works: Nahco₃ + h⁺ → na⁺ + h₂o + co₂ (acid neutralisation). maintains skin surface ph 7–8 inhibiting odour bacteria optimal at ph 4.5–6.5. directly neutralises acidic vocs (propionic acid, isovaleric acid).

Typically Found In: Natural deodorant sticks,clean beauty deodorant

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional/active – baking soda deodorant/buffer

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–20%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – natural or synthetic mineral

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Skin irritation common at high concentrations (>10%). can cause contact dermatitis in underarm skin at ph 8–9.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Sodium bicarbonate's contact dermatitis risk in natural deodorants arises from ph disruption: the underarm skin is naturally acidic (ph 4.5–5.5), and baking soda at typical concentrations creates ph 8–9, disrupting the acid mantle and causing irritant contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Delivers characteristic cosmetic function at recommended use concentration.

Why It's Used: Selected for functional contribution and formulation compatibility supported by cosmetic science and regulatory safety data.

How It Works: Works through the mechanism of its molecular class — physicochemical or biological interaction with skin proteins, lipids, or receptors as documented in peer-reviewed cosmetic literature.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Sodium cocoyl glutamate has an established safety and efficacy profile within the cosmetic regulatory framework at standard use concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,sodium cocoyl glutamate technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Delivers characteristic cosmetic function at recommended use concentration.

Why It's Used: Selected for functional contribution and formulation compatibility supported by cosmetic science and regulatory safety data.

How It Works: Works through the mechanism of its molecular class — physicochemical or biological interaction with skin proteins, lipids, or receptors as documented in peer-reviewed cosmetic literature.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Sodium methyl cocoyl taurate has an established safety and efficacy profile within the cosmetic regulatory framework at standard use concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,sodium methyl cocoyl taurate technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Sodium myristoyl glutamate contributes its primary cosmetic function to formulations — improving skin feel, stability, performance, or delivering a specific active benefit depending on its chemical class and concentration level.

Why It's Used: Formulators choose sodium myristoyl glutamate for its established efficacy in contributing the required functional property to their formulation — whether rheological control, active delivery, aesthetic enhancement, or preservation — supported by the cosmetic chemistry literature and regulatory assessment framework.

How It Works: Sodium myristoyl glutamate works through the characteristic mechanism of its chemical class — either through physicochemical interaction with the formulation matrix (surface activity, film formation, viscosity building) or through biological interaction with skin tissues (receptor binding, enzymatic substrate, barrier component integration). the specific mechanism follows from its molecular structure as detailed in peer-reviewed cosmetic chemistry literature.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Sodium myristoyl glutamate has been assessed within the regulatory framework applicable to cosmetic ingredients. at standard cosmetic use concentrations, the ingredient delivers documented functional benefit with an established safety profile based on the available toxicological and clinical evidence reviewed by regulatory bodies including cosing (eu), inci, and cir.

Last Verified: Cosing database,sodium myristoyl glutamate technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Creates a smooth, silky skin feel, reduces friction, and forms a breathable film on skin that enhances product application and wear.

Why It's Used: Silicones provide unmatched aesthetic elegance, thermal stability, and formulation flexibility that enhance both consumer experience and product performance.

How It Works: Siloxane backbone provides a flexible, chemically inert polymer that forms thin, breathable films on skin surface, filling surface irregularities and providing low surface energy for exceptional slip and spreadability.

Typically Found In: Moisturizers,primers,foundations,sunscreens,hair products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Silicones

Secondary Functions: Emollient,film former

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5–30%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetic silicone polymer; not plant-derived but generally considered vegan.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1

Comedogenicity Rating: 0

Sensitivity Concerns: Low sensitization potential at recommended use concentrations.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Well-characterized cosmetic ingredient with established safety profile. generally non-irritating at typical use concentrations. suitable for leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics.

Works Well With: Other emollients,uv filters,pigments

Avoid Combining With: Silicone-sensitive formulations; biodegradability concerns in eco-formulations

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Silicone polymers are poly(dimethylsiloxane) backbones with si-o bond energy (105 kcal/mol) significantly higher than c-c (83 kcal/mol), providing exceptional thermal and oxidative stability. the low surface energy (21 mn/m vs 30+ mn/m for organic polymers) accounts for silicone's unique slip feel, and the si-o bond's flexibility (rotation barrier ~0.3 kcal/mol) enables fluid behavior across wide temperature ranges.

Last Verified: Cosing eu database; pcpc cosmetic ingredient safety reviews; ingredient-specific safety and efficacy literature

Primary Sources: 2025-01-15