Tidy Pores Water Jelly Lipid Peroxidation Serum With Stabilized Vitamin C
Tidy Pores Water Jelly Lipid Peroxidation Serum With Stabilized Vitamin C
Product Description
Product overview
Authentic Ego's all-in-one AM water jelly serum pairs a stabilized, ultra-gentle vitamin C derivative (Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate) with 11 complementary actives — phloretin, silymarin, tetrahydrocurcumin, green tea, licorice root and dimethylmethoxy chromanol — to target lipid peroxidation, fade post-acne marks, brighten, and deliver up to 30 hours of hydration without stinging, pilling, or fragrance. Formulated specifically for sensitive, hormonal, rosacea-prone and acne-prone skin.
Lipid Peroxidation Defense
Targets the hidden oxidative trigger behind hormonal breakouts by protecting skin lipids from UV and pollution damage.
Texture & feel
SENSORYLipid Peroxidation Defense
Targets the hidden oxidative trigger behind hormonal breakouts by protecting skin lipids from UV and pollution damage.
Gentle Stabilized Vitamin C
Micro-dose of Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate — all the brightening benefits, none of the sting, purge, or pH drama.
Up to 30-Hour Hydration
Five humectants (acetamidoethoxyethanol, betaine, glyceryl glucoside, snow mushroom, panthenol) replace a separate hydrating serum.
11-Active Antioxidant Matrix
Phloretin, silymarin, DMC, tocopherol, green tea, licorice and turmeric extract work synergistically for 360° antioxidant protection.
Reactive-Skin Approved
Exceeds Rosacea Society, National Eczema Association and EU allergen-free guidelines. Safe for perioral dermatitis and fungal acne.
Plays Well With Actives
Near-neutral pH means you can layer with azelaic acid, retinoids, peptides, AHAs and most acne treatments without irritation.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. The brand states it contains no ingredients contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Free of fatty acids, esters, most oils, polysorbates and common Malassezia food sources. Explicitly formulated for fungal acne sufferers.
Exceeds Rosacea Society and EU allergen-free guidelines. No fragrance, essential oils, alcohol, or common cross-reactive plant extracts.
Near-neutral pH (4.0–4.5) means no clash with azelaic acid, AHAs, BHA, retinoids or peptides. Perfect under prescription tazarotene/tretinoin routines.
Benzoyl peroxide is an oxidant and will neutralize the antioxidants. Use Tidy Pores in the AM and BP at night (or vice versa).
Spray HOCl on clean damp skin and let it fully dry before applying Tidy Pores — HOCl will otherwise neutralize the antioxidants.
Lactic acid (0.1%) appears on the INCI as a pH adjuster only — it does NOT exfoliate at this concentration. Safe for daily use.
Vitamin C and antioxidants work best under a broad-spectrum sunscreen. SPF 30+ is strongly recommended every morning.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate 0.1%Proven
An ultra-stable, pH-neutral vitamin C derivative that delivers brightening, collagen-protecting and antioxidant benefits without the irritation, purge or oxidation issues of L-ascorbic acid. Works effectively at low concentrations, making it ideal for sensitive and melanated skin.
- Stability: Unlike L-ascorbic acid, APAP stays active in water-based formulas at near-neutral pH and resists oxidation.
- Delivery: Converts to active ascorbic acid in the skin, delivering brightening effects without the low pH sting.
- Skin tone: Studies on ascorbyl phosphate derivatives show reduced melanin production and PIH fading over 8–12 weeks.
Phloretin 0.5%Proven
A flavonoid antioxidant derived from apple skin that penetrates the skin barrier to neutralize free radicals, calm redness and boost ceramide production. Clinically documented as a superior brightening agent and ceramide booster.
- Antioxidant: More potent than vitamin E at neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) on skin.
- Ceramides: Upregulates the skin's natural ceramide production, strengthening the barrier.
- Brightening: Inhibits tyrosinase, helping fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Silymarin (Milk Thistle Extract) 0.5%Proven
A concentrated flavonoid complex from Silybum marianum that specifically targets lipid peroxidation — the oxidation of skin oils that triggers inflammatory acne. Regulates sebum quality without over-drying.
- Lipid protection: One of the most studied antioxidants for protecting sebum from oxidative damage.
- Sebum quality: Shown to improve the fatty acid profile in sebum, reducing inflammatory trigger.
- Calming: Documented anti-inflammatory effects relevant to rosacea and acne-prone skin.
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol 0.05%Proven
A next-generation antioxidant often called "super vitamin E" — it's one of the most potent broad-spectrum antioxidants available, shielding against UV, pollution, IR and blue light damage without any irritation.
- Broad-spectrum: Neutralizes both free radicals AND peroxyl radicals from lipid peroxidation.
- Effective dose: Works at very low concentrations (0.05–0.1%) — a little goes a long way.
- Anti-pollution: Protects against particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone damage.
Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane (Turmeric Extract) 0.2%Promising
A colorless, odorless, stable form of curcumin that targets hyperpigmentation, post-acne marks and dullness — without any of the yellow staining, instability or irritation of raw turmeric.
- Pigmentation: Inhibits tyrosinase and reduces melanin synthesis in research models.
- Hyaluronic acid boost: Shown to upregulate skin's natural HA production for plumping.
- Anti-inflammatory: Calms oxidative stress pathways linked to acne and redness.
Acetamidoethoxyethanol 5%Promising
A novel, lab-created humectant that pulls moisture into the skin and binds it there. At 5%, it is the primary hydration workhorse — delivering the "up to 30 hours" moisture claim while staying non-comedogenic and fungal acne safe.
- Humectant power: High water-binding capacity without the sticky feel of glycerin at equivalent doses.
- Fungal acne safe: Synthetic humectant that does not feed Malassezia yeast.
- Texture: Contributes to the signature plump, jelly-like skin finish.
Betaine 2%Proven
A sugar-beet-derived osmolyte that regulates cell-water balance, protects proteins from denaturation, and provides a soft sensorial cushion. Key to the formula's non-stinging, non-tight finish on compromised barriers.
- Osmoprotectant: Maintains cellular hydration even under environmental stress.
- Barrier-friendly: Reduces TEWL (transepidermal water loss) in stressed skin.
- Tolerance: Consistently rated among the most well-tolerated humectants for sensitive skin.
Glyceryl Glucoside 2%Proven
A biotech humectant inspired by resurrection plants — it activates aquaporin-3 water channels in skin cells, boosting long-term hydration from the inside out and supporting cellular resilience.
- Aquaporin activation: Upregulates AQP3 channels that move water through skin layers.
- Long-lasting: Hydration effect continues well beyond application.
- Stress protection: Helps skin cells survive dehydration and environmental stress.
Portulaca Oleracea Extract (Purslane) 1%Proven
A Korean-traditional-medicine succulent rich in omega-3 fatty acids, polysaccharides, β-carotene and minerals. Calms irritation, strengthens the barrier and delivers NMF-like hydration to stressed skin.
- Richest green source of omega-3: α-linolenic acid with strong anti-inflammatory effect.
- Korean dermatology staple: Traditional use for irritated, inflamed and infected skin.
- Antioxidant: Multiple flavonoids and alkaloids with documented free-radical scavenging.
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract 0.5%Proven
Packed with EGCG, the most researched polyphenol antioxidant in skincare. Soothes, reduces redness, regulates sebum and protects skin DNA from UV-induced oxidative damage.
- EGCG: Epigallocatechin gallate is proven to reduce UV-induced oxidative damage.
- Sebum regulation: Multiple studies show reduction in sebum production on oily skin.
- Anti-inflammatory: Calms post-acne redness and barrier-stressed skin.
Glycyrrhetinic Acid (Licorice Root) 0.5%Proven
The active compound of licorice root, known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin-brightening activity. Works in tandem with vitamin C derivatives to fade hyperpigmentation without irritation.
- Brightening: Inhibits melanin production via tyrosinase and melanogenesis pathways.
- Anti-inflammatory: Comparable to low-dose hydrocortisone for calming redness (without steroid side effects).
- Synergy: Pairs exceptionally well with vitamin C for hyperpigmentation fading.
Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~0.5–1%Proven
Converts to vitamin B5 in the skin, strengthening the barrier, reducing inflammation and boosting wound healing. A gold-standard soothing humectant with decades of clinical data.
- Barrier repair: Stimulates fibroblast proliferation and skin barrier recovery.
- Anti-irritation: Proven to reduce irritation from fragrance, preservatives and UV exposure.
- Humectant: Attracts and binds water in the stratum corneum.
Tremella Fuciformis (Snow Mushroom) Extract ~0.1%Proven
A natural polysaccharide with hyaluronic-acid-like hydration — but with smaller molecules that can penetrate deeper. Delivers visible plumping and long-lasting moisture retention.
- Smaller than HA: Tremella polysaccharides are smaller than hyaluronic acid, penetrating more effectively.
- Water-holding: Binds up to 500x its weight in water in formulation studies.
- Antioxidant bonus: Contains natural polyphenols for additional free-radical defense.
Acetyl Heptapeptide-4 TracePromising
A signaling peptide that targets the inflammatory cascade in skin — relevant for hormonal acne, redness and rosacea-prone skin. Helps calm the deeper triggers of reactive breakouts.
- Calming peptide: Modulates pro-inflammatory cytokines in lab studies.
- Low-irritation: Peptides are generally among the most well-tolerated actives.
- Compatible: Works synergistically with antioxidants, not in conflict.
24 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Acetamidoethoxyethanol, Propanediol, Betaine, Glyceryl Glucoside, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Portulaca Oleracea Extract (Purslane Extract), Lactobacillus Ferment, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phloretin, Silybum Marianum Extract (Milk Thistle Extract), Glycyrrhetinic Acid (Licorice Root Extract), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea Extract), Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Panthenol, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp (Silver Ear Mushroom) Extract, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Lactic Acid*, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol**, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol.
* 0.1% used as a pH adjuster only. Does not exfoliate.
** Mixed tocopherols.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply Tidy Pores todamp skin right after cleansing — this maximizes hydration and prevents pilling. It plays well with azelaic acid, retinoids, peptides, exfoliants and most acne treatments thanks to its near-neutral pH.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse Gently
Use a barrier-safe, non-stripping cleanser. Pat skin until just damp — don't dry completely.
Apply 1 Pump
Dispense 1 pump to damp skin (2–3 pumps if applying to neck and chest). Press gently — don't rub.
Layer Treatments (Optional)
Now is the time for any targeted actives — azelaic acid, retinoids, peptides or acne treatments.
Moisturize
Follow with a barrier-supporting moisturizer like Super Sensa for glow, plumpness and barrier repair.
SPF in the AM (Non-Negotiable)
Finish with a broad-spectrum, acne-safe SPF 30+. Vitamin C + sunscreen = the ultimate antioxidant shield.
Optional PM Use
Apply again at night for an extra boost of hydration and overnight lipid peroxidation defense.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have sensitive, reactive, rosacea-prone or eczema-prone skin
- Traditional vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) makes you sting, purge or break out
- You're dealing with hormonal acne, post-acne marks or PIH
- You have fungal acne / malassezia folliculitis concerns
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safer vitamin C option
- You have melanated skin and want a non-irritating brightener
- You want to simplify AM routine (serum + hydrator in one)
- You use retinoids/tretinoin and need a barrier-safe AM partner
Consider alternatives if:
- You specifically want high-dose L-ascorbic acid (15–20%)
- You have very dry skin and prefer oil-based serums (this is water-based)
- You're looking for a dedicated exfoliant — this does NOT exfoliate
- You need a fragranced "luxury" spa experience (this is scent-free)
- Your budget is under $25 for a 30ml serum
- You want dramatic, fast results — this is a gentle, gradual approach
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESWater-jelly texture absorbs without residue. Silymarin and green tea help regulate sebum without over-drying.
Five humectants deliver hydration, but drier complexions should layer a richer barrier moisturizer on top.
Balances dry and oily zones — hydrates without greasiness, brightens without tightness. The sweet spot skin type.
Formulated to exceed Rosacea Society guidelines. Zero fragrance, essential oils, drying alcohols, or cross-reactive extracts.
The signature use case. Targets lipid peroxidation — the hidden hormonal breakout trigger — while fading post-acne marks.
Rare vitamin C serum that's fully fungal-acne safe — no fatty acids, esters, polysorbates or yeast food sources.
Specifically formulated for melanated tones — gentle enough to fade PIH without the irritation-induced pigmentation rebound of L-AA.
Strong antioxidant and collagen-support profile, but lower vitamin C % than dedicated anti-aging serums. Ideal layered with retinoids.
Results timeline
3+ MONTHSImmediate Plumpness & Glow
Skin feels immediately more hydrated, smoother and slightly dewy. Zero sting — even on compromised barriers or rosacea flares.
~95% noticeCalmer, More Balanced Skin
Redness starts to visibly reduce. Makeup sits better. No pilling under sunscreen. Texture begins to refine.
~75% noticePost-Acne Marks Begin to Fade
PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) visibly lightens. Skin tone becomes more even. Sebum feels more balanced.
~65% noticeReal Brightness & Clarity
Significant fading of dark spots and PIH. Overall skin clarity, radiance and resilience improve. Fewer hormonal breakouts reported.
~70% noticeLong-Term Protection & Anti-Aging
Cumulative antioxidant protection against photoaging. Skin is more resilient, texture smoother, pigmentation more even and breakouts more controlled.
~60% noticeRatings by platform
78+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Truly non-irritating — even on rosacea, eczema & perioral dermatitis
- Genuinely fungal acne safe (rare in vitamin C serums)
- No pilling under sunscreen or makeup
- Layers beautifully with tretinoin/tazarotene routines
- Visible PIH/post-acne mark fading after 4–8 weeks
- Full ingredient transparency including concentrations
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding friendly
- Doubles as hydrating serum — simplifies routine
- Near-neutral pH = compatible with all actives
Criticized
- Price ($45 for 30ml) is premium for indie brand
- Only available direct from brand website (limited retail)
- Very dry skin needs additional moisturizer on top
- Low vitamin C % won't satisfy L-AA enthusiasts
- Small, newer brand = less social proof than legacy labels
- Occasional stock shortages due to small-batch production
- Not vegan-certified (though actives are plant/biotech-derived)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Uses a different stable vitamin C derivative at a much higher concentration. Lacks the full antioxidant matrix, hydration system and anti-inflammatory support. Works for basic brightening but not reactive skin.
Uses L-ascorbic acid 15% + vitamin E + ferulic. More potent brightening but far more irritating, NOT fungal-acne safe, NOT rosacea-friendly. Good for resilient skin only.
Sodium ascorbyl phosphate (similar stable C derivative family) at a higher % with vitamin E & ferulic. Affordable and well-formulated, but lacks the full antioxidant matrix, peptide and fungal-acne-safe humectant system.
Contains stabilized vitamin C + niacinamide + turmeric at a lower price. Not specifically formulated for rosacea or fungal acne, and contains ingredients some sensitive skin types react to, but a strong value pick.
The classic budget L-ascorbic acid dupe for SkinCeuticals. Potent brightening but highly irritating for reactive skin — completely different use case from Tidy Pores.
K-beauty budget vitamin C with L-AA 13%. Potent but pure LAA formulas are NOT fungal acne safe and can sting. Different formulation philosophy altogether.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEAuthentic Ego Tidy Pores
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Stabilized vitamin C derivative resists oxidation far better than L-ascorbic acid.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration is not required but can extend antioxidant potency.
Opaque airless pump bottle (30ml) — protects light-sensitive actives like phloretin and preserves stability throughout use.
Yes — 30ml (1 fl oz) is TSA-carry-on compliant. Airless pump prevents leaks and oxidation in transit.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. Tidy Pores contains no ingredients that are contraindicated during pregnancy or breastfeeding — no retinoids, no salicylic acid, no hydroquinone, no chemical sunscreens, and no essential oils. Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate (the vitamin C derivative) is considered one of the safest forms of vitamin C for pregnancy. That said, skincare during pregnancy is personal — always confirm with your OB-GYN or dermatologist before introducing any new product.
Yes — explicitly. This is one of the rare vitamin C serums that is truly fungal-acne safe. The brand excludes all known Malassezia food sources: fatty acids, fatty esters, most plant oils, polysorbates, and the typical "clean beauty" triggers. The humectant system uses synthetic and biotech ingredients (acetamidoethoxyethanol, betaine, glyceryl glucoside) that do not feed Malassezia yeast. Fungal acne sufferers consistently report it is well-tolerated.
Yes, absolutely. The near-neutral pH (4.0–4.5) means it won't clash with or destabilize other actives. It's specifically formulated to layer with azelaic acid, AHAs, BHA, retinoids (including prescription tretinoin and tazarotene), peptides, niacinamide, and most acne treatments. Two exceptions: benzoyl peroxide and hypochlorous acid both neutralize antioxidants, so use those at opposite times of day (e.g., Tidy Pores AM, BP at night).
It's formulated specifically for sensitive, hormonal, rosacea-prone, eczema-prone, perioral-dermatitis-prone and acne-prone skin — essentially anyone who has never been able to tolerate L-ascorbic acid vitamin C serums. It's also excellent for melanated skin tones dealing with PIH, and for anyone using retinoids who needs a non-irritating AM partner. Resilient, normal and combination skin types tolerate it effortlessly too. Extremely dry skin may need a heavier moisturizer on top.
Immediate (day 1): plumper, more hydrated, slightly glowy skin with zero sting. 1–2 weeks: reduced redness, better makeup wear, smoother texture. 4 weeks: post-acne marks begin to visibly fade. 8–12 weeks: significant PIH fading, more even tone, better skin resilience and fewer hormonal breakouts. 3+ months: cumulative antioxidant protection and real anti-aging benefits. Be consistent and always wear SPF — unprotected UV exposure undoes vitamin C's work.
Right after cleansing, while skin is still damp, before any other serums or treatments. The order is: 1) Gentle cleanser, 2) Tidy Pores (1 pump, pressed into damp skin), 3) Optional targeted treatments (azelaic acid, retinoid, peptides, etc.), 4) Moisturizer, 5) SPF 30+ in the AM. Applying to damp skin maximizes hydration and prevents pilling under makeup or sunscreen.
No — it is non-comedogenic (0/5 rating), non-acnegenic, dermatologist-tested and allergy-tested. The brand is built around being acne-safe, excluding the five categories of ingredients that can contribute to acne breakouts. Reviewers consistently report no new breakouts, no clogged pores, no purging, and no pilling. In fact, many users credit it with clearing their hormonal acne and post-acne marks.
12 months after opening (PAO 12M). The airless pump packaging protects the light- and air-sensitive actives (phloretin, DMC) from degradation. Unlike L-ascorbic acid serums that oxidize and turn brown within weeks, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate is highly stable and maintains its potency throughout the PAO window. Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. A refrigerator is optional but can extend stability.
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate is a next-generation stable derivative that works effectively at low concentrations — unlike L-ascorbic acid, which requires 10–20% to be effective. At 0.1%, APAP delivers the brightening, collagen-protecting and antioxidant benefits without the irritation, sting, or rapid oxidation that limits traditional vitamin C. The formula is reinforced by 11 other antioxidant and brightening actives working synergistically.
Yes. While Tidy Pores is designed for AM use (to protect against daytime oxidative stress and UV-induced lipid peroxidation), you can absolutely layer it in PM for an extra boost of hydration and overnight antioxidant protection. Many reviewers use it twice daily for cumulative benefits and recovery.
Verdict: Tidy Pores is one of the most thoughtfully formulated vitamin C serums on the market for reactive skin. By pairing a stabilized, ultra-gentle vitamin C derivative (APAP) with 11 complementary antioxidants, humectants and calming actives, Authentic Ego has created a rare unicorn — a vitamin C serum that is genuinely fungal-acne safe, rosacea-friendly, pregnancy-safe, and fragrance-free while still delivering visible brightening, PIH fading and hydration. It's not the serum for those chasing high-percentage L-ascorbic acid, but for anyone who has ever been burned (literally) by traditional vitamin C, this is the gold standard. Worth every dollar of the $45 price tag for sensitive, hormonal and acne-prone skin.
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 4 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 2 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 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Acetamidoethoxyethanol
Humectant
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Irritation
Dark Spots
|
|
| 1 |
Glyceryl Glucoside
Skin Conditioning, Humectant
|
|