Break Even Balancing Toner
Break Even Balancing Toner
Product Description
Product overview
Bubble's Break Even Balancing Toner is an everyday oil-regulating toner developed by dermatologists for normal, oily, and combination skin. Formulated with Niacinamide, Sodium PCA, Rose Water, Willow Bark Extract, and Sea Water, it gently exfoliates, mattifies pores, calms redness, and restores balance — all in a clean, alcohol-free, 20-ingredient formula. Perfect for teens and young adults building their first skincare routine.
Oil Regulation
Sea Water and Niacinamide work together to mattify the skin surface, visibly reduce pore size, and regulate sebum production for a more balanced complexion throughout the day.
Texture & feel
SENSORYOil Regulation
Sea Water and Niacinamide work together to mattify the skin surface, visibly reduce pore size, and regulate sebum production for a more balanced complexion throughout the day.
Soothing Rose Water Base
Rosa Damascena Flower Water forms the hydrating foundation of this formula, delivering calming anti-inflammatory benefits and a delicate natural scent to sensitized or red-prone skin.
Gentle Exfoliation
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract provides BHA-like mild exfoliation — gently dissolving dead skin cells, clearing pores, and smoothing texture without the irritation of synthetic acids.
Antioxidant Defense
Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) and triple Echinacea extracts form a powerful antioxidant shield, neutralizing free radicals, calming inflammation, and supporting the skin's natural resilience.
Humectant Hydration
Glycerin and Sodium PCA — a key component of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF) — attract and lock in moisture without adding oils or heaviness to oily skin types.
Clean, Minimal Formula
Only 20 ingredients, free from harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones, sulfates, and synthetic fragrance base. Dermatologist-developed with transparent, easy-to-understand ingredient choices.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. The formula is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Willow Bark Extract provides BHA-like effects through salicin, not free salicylic acid, making it much gentler. Consult your OB-GYN if concerned.
Contains Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, a ferment-derived ingredient. Some fermented ingredients can potentially feed Malassezia yeast. While not a high-risk fatty acid ester, those with active fungal acne should patch test first or consult a dermatologist.
Contains no known comedogenic oils or waxes. Glycerin (0/5), Niacinamide (0/5), and Sodium PCA (0/5) are all rated non-comedogenic. Sea Water and Rose Water are non-pore-clogging. Safe for acne-prone skin types.
Contains no denatured alcohol (SD Alcohol, Alcohol Denat.) or other drying alcohols. Pentylene Glycol is a glycol — not an irritating alcohol — and actually functions as a moisturizer and mild antimicrobial.
Contains Citronellol, Geraniol, and Linalool — naturally occurring fragrance components derived from the Rosa Damascena Flower Water. These are recognized EU fragrance allergens. Those with floral fragrance sensitivities should patch test before full use.
Preserved with Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate — two widely accepted, low-hazard preservatives. Free from parabens, phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
Specifically formulated by Bubble for Gen Z skin. Free from phthalates, bisphenols, PFAS compounds, and other hormone-altering chemicals of concern for developing skin. Rated Teen SAFE by SkinSafe.
Can be layered with Vitamin C (morning) and gentle retinoids (evening, apply toner first). Avoid using immediately before or after strong AHA/BHA chemical exfoliants to prevent over-exfoliation, as Willow Bark already provides mild exfoliation.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSRosa Damascena Flower Water (Rose Water) Top 5%Proven
The second ingredient after water, Rosa Damascena Flower Water forms the base of this toner. Steam-distilled from Damask rose petals, it is rich in natural polyphenols and flavonoids that deliver anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild astringent benefits. It also gives the product its characteristic light floral scent.
- Function: Soothing, anti-inflammatory, mild astringent, skin-conditioning
- Key Compounds: Citronellol, geraniol, linalool — naturally present in rose extracts
- Research: Rose water has demonstrated antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in multiple peer-reviewed studies; helps reduce redness and restore a balanced skin pH
Glycerin ~3–8%Proven
One of the most well-researched skincare humectants, Glycerin draws water from the air and deeper skin layers into the stratum corneum. It also maintains the liquid crystal state of skin lipids and helps restore the moisture barrier. Comedogenicity rating: 0/5.
- Function: Humectant, skin-identical moisturizer, barrier support
- Effective From: Beneficial even at 3%; maximum benefit at 20–40% for very dry skin
- Irritancy: 0 — non-irritating at cosmetic concentrations
Pentylene Glycol ~2–5%Proven
A multi-functional silky-feel ingredient that acts as a solvent, emulsion stabilizer, broad-spectrum antimicrobial, and moisturizer. It works synergistically with preservatives to enhance their efficacy, allowing lower concentrations of traditional preservatives to be used. Not to be confused with drying alcohols.
- Function: Moisturizer, solvent, antimicrobial booster, skin-feel enhancer
- Safety: Considered safe and non-irritating at cosmetic concentrations
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate ~1–3%Promising
A naturally derived preservative and antimicrobial ingredient produced by fermentation of radish root with Leuconostoc bacteria. It helps protect the formula from microbial contamination and is considered a "natural preservative" alternative, though it typically requires pairing with other preservatives for full protection.
- Function: Natural preservative, antimicrobial, mild skin-conditioning
- Effectiveness: Works best at pH 3–5; recommended at 2–4% but not effective alone
Sea Water ~2–5%Proven
Rich in natural minerals including magnesium, sodium, potassium, and trace elements, Sea Water helps mattify the skin surface and minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores. It is a key differentiating ingredient in this toner, cited directly by Bubble for its pore-minimizing and oil-controlling effects.
- Function: Pore minimizer, mattifier, mineral supplier, trace element delivery
- Brand Claim: "Helps mattify skin and reduce the appearance of large, pesky pores"
Sodium PCA ~0.5–2%Proven
Sodium PCA (Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid) is a skin-identical humectant naturally found in the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). It is highly effective at attracting and retaining water in the stratum corneum, maintaining hydration without adding oils that could worsen oiliness in acne-prone skin.
- Function: Skin-identical humectant, NMF component, water retention
- Irritancy: 0 — Comedogenicity: 0
- Research: Clinically demonstrated to improve hydration and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~2–5%Proven
A multi-functional skincare superstar with extensive clinical evidence. At concentrations of 2–5%, Niacinamide visibly reduces sebum production, minimizes pore appearance, evens skin tone, brightens hyperpigmentation, and strengthens the skin barrier. It also has proven anti-inflammatory properties for acne-prone skin.
- Function: Sebum regulation, brightening, anti-acne, barrier repair, anti-inflammatory
- Effective Concentration: 2% minimum; studies show meaningful results at 2–5%
- Research: Clinical study (J. Cosmetic Dermatology 2024) confirmed efficacy for sebum reduction, pore appearance, and acne improvement
Citric Acid ~0.1–0.5%Proven
Used primarily as a pH adjuster in this formula to bring the toner to its optimal working pH (approximately 4.5–5.5), which is essential for both skin compatibility and the efficacy of the preservative system. At higher concentrations it acts as an AHA exfoliant, but at the levels used here its role is pH buffering.
- Function: pH adjuster, chelating agent, mild AHA at higher concentrations
- Role in Formula: Optimizes pH for preservative efficacy and skin compatibility
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract ~0.5–2%Proven
Derived from Black Willow bark, this extract contains salicin — a natural compound that the skin's enzymes gradually convert to salicylic acid. This provides gentle BHA-like exfoliation, helping to clear pores, reduce oiliness, calm redness, and smooth skin texture, but with lower irritation potential than synthetic salicylic acid.
- Function: Mild exfoliation, pore-clearing, anti-inflammatory, oil regulation
- Research: Salicin from Willow bark has demonstrated efficacy for visible signs of skin aging and acne (J. Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010)
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea) ~0.5–1%Proven
Derived from the same plant that produces green, black, and oolong tea. Rich in polyphenols — particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) — Green Tea Extract is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals from UV exposure, calms inflamed blood vessels, soothes irritated skin, and may provide mild UV-protective support (not a replacement for sunscreen).
- Function: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, soothing, mild UV protection support
- Key Compounds: Polyphenols (EGCG), L-theanine, Vitamin Bs, caffeine, linoleic acid
Echinacea Triple Complex (Purpurea Extract, Angustifolia Root, Purpurea Root) ~0.1–1%Promising
This formula includes three forms of Echinacea — Echinacea Purpurea aerial extract, Echinacea Angustifolia root extract, and Echinacea Purpurea root extract — providing a comprehensive botanical complex. Echinacea is known for its immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, helping to calm reactive skin and support barrier function.
- Function: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, barrier support, soothing
- Active Compounds: Alkamides, polysaccharides, cichoric acid, echinacoside
20 ingredients
Water (Aqua), Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sea Water, Sodium PCA, Niacinamide, Citric Acid, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Echinacea Angustifolia Root Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Phytate, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply as Step 2 — after cleansing, before serums and moisturizer. Use morning and night. Apply with a cotton pad, pressing gently onto face (do not rub). Bubble recommends 1–2 pumps per application.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Your Face
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove makeup, sunscreen, and daily impurities. Pat your face dry with a clean towel — do not rub. Your skin should be clean but not stripped.
Pump onto Cotton Pad
Press 1–2 pumps of Break Even Toner directly onto a cotton pad. The unique pump-cap design dispenses directly onto the pad with minimal waste. You can also pour a few drops into your palm.
Gently Press onto Face
Using gentle pressing and sweeping motions, apply the soaked cotton pad across your face, focusing on oily zones (T-zone, nose, chin). Avoid the eye area. Do not rub aggressively — press and glide.
Allow to Absorb
Wait 20–30 seconds for the toner to fully absorb. Your skin should feel balanced and refreshed — not sticky, not dry. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly with no residue.
Continue Routine
Follow with your serum, moisturizer, and (in the AM) sunscreen. Use twice daily — morning and evening. For oily skin types, this toner can act as your sole hydrating step before SPF on low-maintenance mornings.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination, or normal skin that tends toward shine
- You're a teen or young adult building your first skincare routine
- You want gentle daily exfoliation without strong acids
- You're looking for pore minimizing and oil-control without drying out your skin
- You prefer a short, clean, and transparent ingredient list
- You want a pregnancy-safe toning option
- You are new to skincare and want a beginner-friendly, effective product
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very dry or dehydrated skin needing intense moisture
- You want strong chemical exfoliation (high-% AHA/BHA/PHA)
- You have confirmed floral fragrance allergies (Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool)
- You have active, severe fungal acne (Malassezia) and want a 100% FA-safe formula
- You prefer fragrance-free formulas with zero natural scent
- You need anti-aging actives like retinol, peptides, or high-dose Vitamin C
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThis is the toner's primary target. Sea Water mattifies, Niacinamide regulates sebum, and Willow Bark gently unclogs pores. Lightweight and non-greasy — absorbs instantly without adding shine.
Balances oily T-zones without over-drying drier cheek areas. Glycerin and Sodium PCA maintain moisture across all zones while Niacinamide and Sea Water control shine where needed.
Works well as a daily balancing toner. May not provide dramatic results since normal skin doesn't need significant oil control, but maintains balance and provides antioxidant benefits.
Core actives (Niacinamide, Sodium PCA, Green Tea) are well-tolerated. However, the Rose Water base contains natural fragrance allergens (Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool). Patch test first if skin is reactive to floral ingredients.
Non-comedogenic (1/5 rating), alcohol-free, with Niacinamide and Willow Bark providing anti-inflammatory and gentle pore-clearing benefits. Dermatologists recommend it as an appropriate daily acne-management toner for young skin.
Contains humectants (Glycerin, Sodium PCA, Rose Water) but is a lightweight formula designed for oil control. Dry skin users will need a richer moisturizer to follow and may find the mattifying effect counterproductive.
Results timeline
WEEK 6–8Refreshed, Balanced Feel
Skin feels clean, lightly refreshed, and balanced after cleansing. The lightweight watery texture absorbs within seconds, leaving a non-greasy, comfortable finish. Redness from cleansing begins to calm.
95% noticedReduced Shine & Tighter Pores
Sebum production begins to regulate with twice-daily use of Niacinamide and Sea Water. Skin surface appears less oily through the day. Pores look visibly refined, especially on the nose and T-zone.
70% noticedSmoother Texture & Calmer Skin
Willow Bark Extract's gradual exfoliating action begins to smooth surface texture and reduce minor breakouts. Redness subsides. Skin tone appears more even. Users report fewer mid-day touch-ups needed.
65% noticedVisible Brightening & Even Tone
Niacinamide's brightening effect on uneven pigmentation and post-acne marks becomes more visible. The antioxidant benefits from Green Tea and Echinacea contribute to an overall clearer, more radiant complexion.
55% noticedRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Short, transparent 20-ingredient formula — easy to understand
- Effective oil control and pore minimizing results
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing — no sticky residue
- Dermatologist-developed for young and teen skin
- Non-comedogenic, alcohol-free, paraben-free
- Pregnancy-safe formula with no harsh actives
- Affordable price point (~$14 for 100ml)
- Innovative pump-top dispenses directly onto cotton pad
- Widely available at Walmart, Target, and Amazon
- Gentle enough for twice-daily use
Criticized
- Noticeable rose floral scent — not suitable for fragrance-sensitive users
- Contains natural fragrance allergens (Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool)
- Fungal acne caution due to ferment ingredient
- 100ml may run out quickly with twice-daily use
- Gentler than some users expect — not a strong chemical exfoliant
- Not ideal for very dry skin types
- Occasionally sold out on brand website
- Some users reported minor initial purging in week 1
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Classic rose water-based toner with witch hazel (natural astringent). Similar rose scent profile and oil-balancing benefits. Slightly more astringent feel than Break Even; lacks Niacinamide but is widely available and very affordable.
Delivers higher concentration Niacinamide (10%) for stronger oil control and pore results. Serum rather than toner format — no rose water or exfoliation. More targeted, but requires separate toner and may be too strong for beginners.
Affordable drugstore toner with Niacinamide and pore-minimizing claims. Slightly different formula focus but similar target audience and price point. Lacks Rose Water base and triple Echinacea complex found in Break Even.
Clean, minimalist Niacinamide-focused toner with similar oil-balancing goals. Fragrance-free — better for those sensitive to rose/floral notes. No Willow Bark exfoliation or Sea Water pore-minimizing, but excellent clean-formula value.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Kiehl's Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Look for the open jar symbol on the packaging indicating "12M." Discard if color, smell, or texture changes before this period.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. A bathroom cabinet or skincare shelf is ideal. Keep out of direct light to preserve the botanical extracts and antioxidants in the formula.
Plastic bottle with Bubble's signature press-top pump cap that dispenses product directly onto a cotton pad — a hygienic, waste-minimizing design that prevents over-dispensing.
Yes — 100ml bottle meets TSA 3-1-1 liquid rules for carry-on luggage. The press-top pump cap prevents accidental spills in luggage. Ideal for travel skincare routines.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes — Break Even Balancing Toner is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, free salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens — the ingredients most commonly flagged during pregnancy. The Willow Bark Extract provides gentle BHA-like exfoliation through salicin, not free salicylic acid, and is present in small amounts that are not considered a concern. The natural fragrance components (Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool) from the rose water are at trace levels. As always, consult your OB-GYN or midwife before adding any new skincare product during pregnancy.
Use with caution if you have active fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis). The formula contains Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, a ferment-derived ingredient. While this is not a fatty acid ester or polysorbate (the highest-risk FA ingredients), some fermented ingredients can theoretically support Malassezia yeast growth. The rest of the formula — Rose Water, Niacinamide, Sea Water, Willow Bark, Green Tea — is generally considered FA-safe. If you have mild or resolved fungal acne, patch testing is recommended. For active FA, consider a fully FA-verified alternative toner.
Yes, with some guidance. Vitamin C (morning): Apply Break Even first, allow to absorb, then apply your Vitamin C serum — the slightly acidic pH from Citric Acid can even help Vitamin C stability. Retinol (evening): Apply the toner first, allow to absorb, then apply your retinol — this helps buffer potential irritation. AHA/BHA exfoliants: Be careful — Break Even already provides mild exfoliation via Willow Bark. Layering with strong acids like glycolic (AHA) or salicylic acid (BHA) could cause over-exfoliation and sensitivity. If you use a dedicated chemical exfoliant, consider alternating days rather than using both simultaneously.
Break Even is best suited for oily, combination, and normal-to-oily skin types. It was specifically formulated by Bubble for teenagers and young adults who are beginning to experience oiliness, enlarged pores, and minor breakouts. The Niacinamide, Sea Water, and Willow Bark combination specifically targets sebum regulation and pore refinement. It is not ideal for dry or very dry skin types, who may find the oil-controlling effects drying and may need a more hydration-focused toner instead.
Results vary by skin concern. Most users notice a balanced, less oily skin feel immediately after the first use. Visible pore reduction and reduced midday shine typically appear within 1–2 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. Smoother skin texture from Willow Bark's gentle exfoliation usually becomes noticeable around weeks 3–4. The Niacinamide brightening effect on uneven skin tone and post-acne marks generally requires 6–8 weeks of regular use to show measurable improvement. Consistency is key — use morning and evening for best results.
Break Even is Step 2 in your skincare routine — applied immediately after cleansing and before any serums, essences, moisturizers, or sunscreen. The order: (1) Cleanser → (2) Break Even Toner → (3) Serum/Essence → (4) Moisturizer → (5) Sunscreen (morning only). Toners are applied while skin is still slightly damp or immediately after patting dry post-cleanse. Bubble recommends using a cotton pad with 1–2 pumps and gently pressing it across the face. Use morning and evening.
No — Break Even has a comedogenic rating of 1/5, meaning it is considered non-comedogenic and unlikely to clog pores. The formula is oil-free and contains no known comedogenic oils, waxes, or butters. Key ingredients like Glycerin (0/5), Niacinamide (0/5), Sodium PCA (0/5), Rose Water, and Sea Water are all rated 0 or 1 on the comedogenic scale. The Willow Bark Extract actually helps clear pores gently. It is suitable for acne-prone skin. A small number of users reported initial breakouts in week 1, which may reflect a purging response as skin adjusts, not clogged pores from the formula itself.
The Period After Opening (PAO) for Break Even is 12 months — look for the open jar symbol on the packaging with "12M" indicated. With twice-daily use (1–2 pumps per application), a 100ml bottle typically lasts approximately 2–3 months, well within the PAO window. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve the botanical extracts. If the product changes color, develops an off smell, or changes texture before 12 months, discontinue use.
Verdict: Bubble Break Even Balancing Toner is a well-formulated, beginner-friendly toner that delivers on its core promises of oil control, pore refinement, and gentle exfoliation for oily and combination skin. Its 20-ingredient formula is refreshingly transparent — built around a rose water base, Niacinamide, Sodium PCA, Sea Water, and Willow Bark Extract — all clinically supported ingredients at reasonable concentrations. At approximately $14 for 100ml, it offers excellent value for what is genuinely a dermatologist-developed product designed with young skin in mind. The primary caveats are the rose floral scent (from natural fragrance components in the rose water) that won't suit everyone, the fungal acne caution due to a ferment ingredient, and its design as an oil-control toner rather than a hydrating one — making it less ideal for dry skin. For teens, young adults, or anyone seeking a clean, effective, no-fuss daily balancing toner for oily or combination skin, Break Even is a strong and accessible choice.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 3 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 3 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Pentylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial, Antidandruff Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium PCA
Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 2 |
Citric Acid
Masking, Fragrance, Chelating Agent, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
Promotes Wound Healing
Texture
Pores
|