IGK Expensive Clear Gloss Topcoat

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides antioxidant protection from reactive oxygen species, reduces inflammatory cytokine production in skin, and conditions skin surface through the plant's secondary metabolite complex.

Why It's Used: Chosen for its natural origin narrative, traditional use heritage, and multi-functional phytochemical profile that supports several concurrent skin care claims from one ingredient.

How It Works: Polyphenols, terpenoids, and alkaloids in the extract scavenge ros via hydrogen atom transfer, inhibit nf-kb or cox-2 inflammatory pathways, and interact with skin surface proteins for conditioning.

Typically Found In: Botanical skin care,natural products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

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: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Plant secondary metabolites evolved as uv photoprotectants and antimicrobial agents — mechanisms that directly translate to cosmetic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in human skin.

Last Verified: Cosing database,algae extract botanical review

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

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides antioxidant protection, soothing anti-inflammatory effects, and skin-conditioning benefits through plant-derived polyphenols and phytochemicals.

Why It's Used: Plant extracts concentrate bioactive phytochemicals evolved for environmental protection — uv, microbial, and oxidative stressors — that translate to skin benefits.

How It Works: Polyphenols (flavonoids, phenolic acids) inhibit nf-κb-mediated inflammatory signaling, scavenge reactive oxygen species through electron donation, and chelate pro-oxidant metal ions to reduce oxidative skin damage.

Typically Found In: Serums,toners,moisturizers,masks,essences

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Botanical extracts

Secondary Functions: Antioxidant,anti-inflammatory

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: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract; no animal components.

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: Niacinamide,hyaluronic acid,vitamin c,ceramides

Avoid Combining With: Strong oxidizing agents

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Plant secondary metabolites (flavonoids, terpenes, phenolic acids) are biosynthesized as defense compounds against uv, herbivores, and pathogens. their anti-inflammatory activity typically derives from competitive inhibition of cox-2 and 5-lox enzymes (ic50 1–50 µm), while antioxidant activity involves single electron transfer (set) and hydrogen atom transfer (hat) mechanisms with structure-dependent rate constants.

Last Verified: Cosing eu database; pcpc cosmetic ingredient safety reviews; phytochemical and ethnobotanical literature

Primary Sources: 2025-01-15

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Adsorbs to hair surface for superior conditioning, detangling, and static elimination.

Why It's Used: The premium quaternary ammonium conditioner – c22 chain length provides superior substantivity and lower irritation than ctab or dcdmh at equivalent conditioning performance.

How It Works: C22 quaternary ammonium adsorbs electrostatically to negatively charged hair cuticle (damaged hair has more negative sites, more adsorption where needed). forms a positively charged film reducing inter-fiber friction for detangling. c22 chain provides superior lubricant film vs shorter-chain quats. lower irritation than c16 ctac.

Typically Found In: Conditioners,hair masks,detangling sprays

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – quaternary ammonium conditioner

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 – from behenyl (c22) fatty alcohol and trimethylamine

Halal Status: Yes

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

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 2/5 – low to moderate (rinse-off)

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

Behentrimonium chloride's c22 chain length is the cosmetic industry's sweet spot for quaternary ammonium conditioners – longer than ctac (c16) for better substantivity and lower rinse-off, shorter than c24+ which would be too waxy. the c22 monounsaturated variant (behentrimonium methosulfate, btms) in emulsifying wax nf is the gold standard conditioning emulsifier in leave-on conditioners.

Last Verified: Cosing database,robbins conditioning hair science,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides documented cosmetic activity from behenyl alcohol.

Why It's Used: Behenyl alcohol delivers formulation value through its specific biological activity and established safety and efficacy.

How It Works: Source: behenyl alcohol. mechanism: documented in cosmetic literature. safety: cosing-reviewed. standard cosmetic use concentrations.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations,active products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant

Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging

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: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Behenyl alcohol provides cosmetic activity through its characteristic mechanism. at standard concentrations it delivers documented biological activity with an established safety profile from cosmetic science literature and regulatory review.

Last Verified: Cosing database,behenyl alcohol technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides floral-balsamic scent with uv-absorbing fixative properties.

Why It's Used: Natural jasmine-associated fragrance ester with mild uv protection contribution for fragranced sun-exposed products.

How It Works: Salicylate ester absorbs uv-b mildly. provides fixative function by slowing evaporation of lighter fragrance top notes. naturally in jasmine absolute (1-3%). good skin absorption.

Typically Found In: Floral fragrances,sun-exposed products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Fragrance component – floral fixative

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.001%–1%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from jasmine absolute, or synthetic

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: Eu cosmetics regulation: declared fragrance allergen. ifra guidelines apply.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Benzyl salicylate's salicylate moiety provides uv absorption in the uvb range (absorbs at 295-315nm) despite not being a registered uv filter. its occurrence in jasmine absolute means natural jasmine-fragranced products inherently contain a mild uv absorber – an incidental benefit of the natural fragrance chemistry that wasn't intentionally designed as photoprotection.

Last Verified: Cosing database,ifra standards

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Absorbs uv radiation at specific wavelengths (uva 320–400 nm, uvb 290–320 nm) and dissipates photon energy as heat rather than skin-damaging photochemical reactions.

Why It's Used: Organic uv filters are chosen for their high molar extinction coefficient, specific spectral coverage, and formulation compatibility — individual filters are combined to provide broad-spectrum coverage across uva+uvb.

How It Works: Uv photon absorption by the aromatic chromophore π-system excites the molecule from s₀ ground state to s₁ excited state. rapid internal conversion or photoisomerisation dissipates energy as vibrational heat before it can initiate skin photodamage.

Typically Found In: Sunscreens,photoprotective products

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: Check local sunscreen regulations

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

Organic uv filters require photostabilisation (by avobenzone-octocrylene pairing, or triazine stabilisers) as some absorbers degrade on uv exposure — formulator must verify photostability of the chosen filter combination.

Last Verified: Cosing database,butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane organic uv filter 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

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

Last Verified: Cosing database,butyloctanol technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides c16 fatty alcohol emolliency and thickening for well-textured cosmetic emulsions.

Why It's Used: Lighter-textured fatty alcohol alternative to stearyl alcohol for creams and conditioners requiring less heavy emolliency.

How It Works: C16 chain length provides slightly lower melting point (49°c) than stearyl (60°c) giving softer, lighter emulsion texture. forms lamellar networks for thickening and stability. direct skin and hair conditioning via fatty alcohol film.

Typically Found In: Creams,hair conditioners,lotions

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – fatty alcohol

Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–15%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from vegetable or coconut/palm fatty acids

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low; formulation-dependent

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Cetyl alcohol's c16 chain length is at the approximate thermal transition point for fatty alcohol lamellar crystallization at skin temperature (33°c). this transition (from ordered crystalline to disordered liquid phase near skin temperature) provides the characteristic 'melts on application' sensory profile that makes cetyl alcohol-containing products feel cooling and light on initial application.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Adjusts ph to optimal ranges, chelates destabilizing metal ions, provides mild exfoliation at higher concentrations.

Why It's Used: Universal cosmetic ph adjuster and chelating agent. aha exfoliant activity is secondary.

How It Works: As ph adjuster, donates protons. as chelating agent, three carboxylic groups bind divalent metals (ca²⁺, mg²⁺, fe²⁺) preventing oxidative degradation.

Typically Found In: Nearly all cosmetic formulations,brightening products,exfoliants

TECHNICAL DETAILS

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

Secondary Functions: Chelating agent,ph adjustment,preservation enhancement

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: Yes – synthetic or fermentation-derived

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Produced by fermentation of sugars by aspergillus niger. gras (e330). most abundant organic acid in citrus.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low at low concentrations; 2/5 at exfoliant concentrations

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Photosensitizing – mandatory spf use. start at low frequency.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Use with caution – spf required

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

Three carboxylic acid groups provide multiple proton donation sites and stronger chelation than monocarboxylic ahas. this makes citric acid the preferred cosmetic chelating agent alongside edta.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,ewg skin deep

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12