Ultra Sensitive Soothing Care For Dry Skin
Ultra Sensitive Soothing Care For Dry Skin
Product Description
A clinically developed, fragrance-free day and night cream by Eucerin formulated for dry, hypersensitive skin. Powered by SymSitive® — a patented neurosensory active — it delivers immediate relief from stinging, burning, and itching while progressively rebuilding skin tolerance. With only 15 carefully selected ingredients, this minimalist German pharmacy formula is designed for those whose skin reacts to almost everything.
✨ Texture & Feel
Instant Sensitivity Relief
SymSitive® (4-T-Butylcyclohexanol) intercepts neuro-sensory signals at the cellular level, reducing stinging by up to 78% and burning by up to 80% within just 3 minutes of application.
Progressive Tolerance Building
With consistent use, the formula helps rebuild the skin barrier and raises the sensitivity threshold so skin becomes less reactive over time — not just masked.
Deep Dry Skin Hydration
A triple hydration system — Glycerin (humectant), Shea Butter (occlusive), and Panthenol 2.7–4% (barrier-repairing) — locks in moisture and soothes tight, parched skin.
Anti-Contamination Packaging
The sealed airless pump dispenser prevents oxidation and microbial contamination — a critical feature for reactive, hypersensitive skin prone to infections and flare-ups.
Minimalist 15-Ingredient Formula
Every ingredient earns its place. No fillers, fragrances, parabens, or unnecessary additives — reducing the risk of ingredient-triggered reactions on ultra-reactive skin.
Day & Night Versatility
Can be used as a morning moisturizer under SPF or as a nourishing night cream. Eucerin recommends applying to the face, neck, and décolleté for comprehensive sensitive-skin care.
🛡️ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical UV filters. All 15 ingredients are considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Always confirm with your healthcare provider.
Contains Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter and Cetyl Palmitate — both fatty acid esters and lipids known to feed Malassezia yeast. Not recommended for fungal acne-prone skin.
Shea Butter rates 0–2 and Cetyl Palmitate rates 2 on the comedogenic scale. The formula is generally considered non-comedogenic but those with very pore-prone skin should patch test.
No known common allergens, no fragrance, no preservatives in the traditional sense. SkinSAFE rates this product at 100% — free from the top allergen-triggering ingredients.
The gentle, calming formula with Panthenol and SymSitive® is well-tolerated by eczema-prone and rosacea-affected skin. Eucerin clinically tested this on hypersensitive skin types.
Generally compatible with Vitamin C and niacinamide. When using AHAs/BHAs or retinol, apply this cream after actives have absorbed, or use it on alternate days to prevent barrier disruption.
🔬 Ingredient Breakdown
💧 Water (Aqua) ~60–70% Base
The primary vehicle for all active and functional ingredients. Purified water ensures formula stability and supports the even distribution of humectants and actives into the skin's upper layers.
- Function: Solvent, emulsion base, carrier for water-soluble actives
- Safety: Comedogenic rating 0, universally safe for all skin types
💎 Glycerin ~5–10% Proven
One of the most researched and effective humectants in skincare. Glycerin draws moisture from the air into the epidermis and strengthens the skin barrier by interacting with aquaporin channels. Particularly beneficial for dry skin lacking natural moisture factors (NMF).
- Mechanism: Hygroscopic humectant — binds up to 10x its weight in water
- Clinical evidence: Multiple double-blind studies confirm glycerin improves skin hydration, elasticity, and barrier function
- Comedogenic rating: 0
🌿 Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter ~5–8% Proven
Derived from the seeds of the African Shea tree, Shea Butter is a rich occlusive emollient packed with fatty acids (oleic, stearic, linoleic) plus vitamins A, E, and F. It creates a protective film that dramatically slows transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and actively soothes inflammation.
- Antioxidants: Quercetin, epigallocatechin gallate, vitamins A & E — protect from oxidative stress
- Anti-inflammatory: Triterpene alcohols inhibit inflammatory pathways
- SPF contribution: Natural SPF 3–4 (not a sunscreen replacement)
🕯️ Cetyl Palmitate ~3–5% Proven
A white, waxy ester derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. Functions as an emollient and texture agent giving the cream its characteristic rich, nourishing feel without greasiness. Mimics the skin's natural wax esters to reinforce the lipid barrier.
- Function: Emollient wax, skin-feel enhancer, formula thickener
- Comedogenic rating: 2 (low-moderate)
🛢️ Methyl Palmitate ~2–4% Proven
A palmitic acid ester used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. Works alongside Cetyl Palmitate to create the cream's smooth, spreadable texture while softening and nourishing dry skin. Part of Eucerin's special "wax complex" mentioned in product documentation.
- Function: Emollient, skin conditioning, texture agent
- Origin: Esterification of palmitic acid — natural fatty acid derivative
🌟 Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) ~2.7–4% Proven
One of the most clinically well-validated skin care actives. Panthenol converts to pantothenic acid in the skin, stimulating cellular proliferation and accelerating barrier repair. It provides simultaneous humectant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing benefits — making it invaluable for hypersensitive skin.
- Concentration: ~2.7–4% (WIMJ analysis) — an effective therapeutic concentration
- Barrier repair: Stimulates keratinocyte proliferation, accelerates epidermal recovery
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces redness, stinging, and irritation at the cellular level
- Comedogenic rating: 0 — suitable for all skin types
🫒 Vegetable Oil (Olus Oil) ~1–3% Promising
A refined blend of plant-sourced oils (often sunflower or rapeseed-based) used as an emollient. Provides a light, non-greasy skin-softening effect and contributes to the cream's spreadability. Labeled as "Vegetable Oil" or "Olus Oil" on different regional formulations.
- Function: Emollient, skin conditioning, texture enhancer
- Benefit: Adds nourishment without heavy occlusive feel
🌱 Pentylene Glycol ~1–3% Proven
A plant-derived (typically from corn/sugar beet) multifunctional ingredient that simultaneously acts as a humectant, skin-feel enhancer, antimicrobial preservative booster, and emulsion stabilizer. Considered a greener alternative to propylene glycol — ECOCERT and COSMOS approved.
- Function: Humectant, emulsion stabilizer, mild preservative booster
- Origin: Natural/bio-based — derived from plants
- Safety: Excellent tolerability, rated safe by dermatological standards
🔩 Sodium Polyacrylate ~0.5–1% Proven
A synthetic polymer with extraordinary water-binding capacity. Used as a thickener and emulsion stabilizer that gives the cream its smooth, stable texture. Also functions as a secondary humectant, helping retain moisture on the skin surface.
- Function: Thickener, emulsion stabilizer, water-binding agent
- Safety: Non-irritating, non-comedogenic, widely used in sensitive skin formulations
🧬 Arginine HCl ~0.5–1% Proven
An amino acid naturally present in the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). Functions as both a humectant and pH buffer. When used alongside AHAs, Arginine can reduce their irritating potential — making it a smart inclusion in a formula designed for reactive skin.
- Function: Humectant, NMF component, pH buffer, irritation reducer
- Skin-identical: Naturally present in healthy skin — excellent tolerability
⚡ 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol (SymSitive®) ~0.3–0.5% Proven
The star active ingredient — the reason this cream exists. SymSitive® is a patented molecule developed by Symrise (Germany) that works as a neurosensory modulator. It intercepts and blocks the pain/irritation signals from TRPV1 receptors (the same receptors responsible for capsaicin-induced heat) before they reach the nerve endings — providing genuine, cellular-level relief.
- Mechanism: TRPV1 receptor antagonist — reduces neurogenic inflammation at its source
- Clinical results: Reduces stinging by up to 78% and burning sensation by up to 80% within just 3 minutes
- Comparative study: Shown to outperform acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester in sensitivity reduction trials
- Scent note: Has a very faint musk/patchouli-like odor — but at this low concentration it is undetectable in use
🍃 Pantolactone ~0.1–0.3% Promising
A synthetically created lactone that functions as a humectant. Draws moisture to the skin surface and contributes to the overall hydration system of the formula. Also exhibits mild antimicrobial properties that support the preservative system.
- Function: Humectant, mild antimicrobial, formula stabilizer
- Structure: Cyclic ester derived from pantolactone chemistry
🧪 Caprylyl Glycol ~0.3–0.5% Proven
A multitasking ingredient that functions simultaneously as an emollient, humectant, and broad-spectrum antimicrobial preservative booster. It significantly enhances the effectiveness of other preservation systems and contributes a silky, smooth skin feel. One of the most commonly used modern preservative alternatives.
- Function: Emollient, humectant, preservative booster, skin-feel enhancer
- Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria and fungi at low concentrations
- Safety: Excellent tolerability in sensitive skin formulations
15 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cetyl Palmitate, Methyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Vegetable Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Arginine Hcl, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Pantolactone, Sodium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol
🔄 Where It Fits in Your Routine
Apply as the last moisturizing step before SPF in the morning. At night, use as your final step after serums. For visibly red or reactive areas, apply a slightly thicker layer and allow 60 seconds to absorb before the next step.
📝 How to Use
Cleanse Thoroughly
Start with a gentle, soap-free cleanser suited to sensitive or dry skin (such as Eucerin's own DermatoCLEAN or a micellar water). Pat dry with a clean towel — do not rub.
Apply Optional Hydrating Layers
If using a toner or serum, apply them first and wait until fully absorbed (about 60 seconds). Keep actives gentle — this cream is best paired with non-irritating serums like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide.
Dispense & Warm in Hands
Pump a pea-to-almond-sized amount (roughly 1–2 pumps) onto your fingertips. Gently warm the cream between your palms for a few seconds for smoother application.
Apply with Gentle Massage
Using upward circular motions, apply to the face, neck, and décolleté. For visibly sensitive or reactive areas (redness patches, stinging zones), use a slightly more generous amount and press gently without rubbing.
Allow to Absorb (Morning)
In the morning, wait ~60 seconds for the cream to fully absorb before applying sunscreen. The formula is fast-absorbing but pausing ensures optimal layering without pilling.
👤 Who Is It For?
✅ Perfect for you if:
- You have dry, hypersensitive skin that reacts to most products
- Your skin stings, burns, or itches without visible redness
- You've had allergic reactions to fragranced or preservative-heavy creams
- You're dealing with a compromised or disrupted skin barrier
- You want a minimalist formula with proven, clinically tested actives
- You're managing eczema-prone, rosacea-adjacent, or reactive skin
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe moisturizer
- You want a single moisturizer that works for both AM and PM
❌ Consider alternatives if:
- You have oily or acne-prone skin (formula is rich, designed for dry skin)
- You have confirmed fungal acne / Malassezia folliculitis
- You need SPF protection — this contains no sun filters
- You're looking for anti-aging actives (retinol, peptides, AHAs)
- You prefer lighter, gel-cream or water-gel textures
- You have sensitivity to shea butter or palm-derived fatty acids
- Your budget is tight — the 50 mL tube can feel small for daily use
🎯 Skin Type Compatibility
Formulated specifically for dry, hypersensitive skin. Rich emollients, occlusives, and humectants work synergistically to relieve tightness, flaking, and discomfort.
The core use case for this product. SymSitive® directly targets the neurosensory root cause of sensitivity — providing both immediate and long-term relief for reactive skin.
Works well for normal skin that occasionally experiences sensitivity or dryness. The rich texture may feel slightly heavy in warm weather — use a smaller amount in summer.
For combination skin with dry/sensitive patches this can work well on dry areas. Eucerin makes a separate version formulated for Normal to Combination hypersensitive skin.
Too rich for oily skin — may feel heavy and contribute to congestion. Shea butter and Cetyl Palmitate are not recommended for oily or fungal acne-prone skin types.
📈 Results Timeline
Immediate Sensitivity Relief
SymSitive® begins intercepting neuro-sensory signals almost immediately upon application. Stinging, burning, and itching sensations are measurably reduced within the first few minutes of use.
80% reduction in burning sensation (clinical data)Lasting Skin Comfort & Hydration
With the first application, skin feels notably softer, less tight, and more comfortable. The combination of Glycerin, Panthenol, and Shea Butter provides sustained all-day or overnight hydration.
~85% of users notice comfort improvement after first useReduced Reactivity to Daily Stressors
Regular use begins strengthening the skin barrier. Skin becomes gradually less reactive to environmental triggers such as wind, temperature changes, and water. Tightness and flakiness significantly diminish.
~70% of users notice reduced environmental sensitivityProgressive Tolerance Threshold Improvement
Continued use rebuilds the compromised skin barrier and raises the sensitivity threshold. Skin is noticeably more resilient and less prone to sudden reactivity episodes. Dryness and tight skin feeling become rare.
~65% report improved overall skin tolerance at 4 weeks⭐ Ratings by Platform
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Praised
- Genuinely soothes reactive, stinging, burning skin
- Fragrance-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free formula
- Minimalist 15-ingredient list reduces reaction risk
- Effective at clinically meaningful Panthenol concentration (~3%)
- Suitable for both morning and evening use
- Anti-contamination pump packaging is hygienic
- Works during pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Absorbs quickly without excessive greasiness
- Dermatologist-tested on hypersensitive skin
- Trusted German pharmacy dermo-cosmetics brand
❌ Criticized
- 50 mL is small — frequent users go through it quickly
- Price-per-mL feels high compared to drugstore alternatives
- Not suitable for fungal acne-prone skin (contains Shea Butter)
- Too rich for oily or combination skin types
- Can pill under heavy makeup if applied too generously
- Contains no SPF — requires a separate sunscreen in the morning
- No anti-aging or brightening actives for multi-benefit seekers
- Shea Butter may cause milia in some skin types
💰 Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Similar fragrance-free, minimal-ingredient sensitive skin cream with Niacinamide and Ceramides for barrier support. Slightly richer roster of barrier actives; lacks SymSitive® neurosensory technology. Available in larger sizes. Good alternative if you want ceramide-reinforced barrier repair.
An affordable fragrance-free, non-comedogenic cream with Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, and Niacinamide for barrier repair. No proprietary soothing active like SymSitive®, but excellent value for dry, sensitive skin. Available in large jars — great cost-per-use. Not ideal for fungal acne.
French pharmacy brand Avène's ultra-soothing recovery cream features Avène Thermal Spring Water and Sucrose Octaacetate for calming reactive skin. Higher price but beloved by post-procedure and eczema-prone skin. Fewer ingredients than Eucerin but uses a different soothing approach without SymSitive®.
🔄 Comparison with Competitors
Eucerin Ultra Sensitive Soothing Care (Dry Skin) — Featured
~$20–28La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Cream
~$18–22Bioderma Sensibio Rich Cream
~$22–30📦 Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening. Look for the open-jar symbol on packaging with "12M" indicated.
Store below 25°C (77°F) in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze.
Airless pump dispenser with anti-contamination technology — prevents microbial ingress and oxidation. No fingers in the product, reducing contamination risk for hypersensitive skin.
Yes — the 50 mL tube is under the 100 mL TSA/EU liquid limit and is carry-on approved for air travel.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — this product is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The formula contains no retinoids (retinol, retinaldehyde, tretinoin), no salicylic acid, no hydroquinone, and no chemical UV filters, which are the primary ingredients of concern during pregnancy. All 15 ingredients — including Glycerin, Panthenol, Shea Butter, and SymSitive® — are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and nursing. As always, consult your OB/GYN or midwife before introducing new skincare products during pregnancy for personalized advice.
No — this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter and Cetyl Palmitate, both of which are fatty acid-rich lipids that can feed Malassezia yeast on the skin. If you are prone to Malassezia folliculitis (fungal acne), this product may exacerbate your condition. We recommend looking for alternatives formulated specifically to be Malassezia-safe, such as products based on squalane, glycerin, and fatty acid-free emollients. You can verify fungal acne safety of any product at dedicated ingredient-checking tools online.
Generally yes, but with care. This cream is designed as a calming moisturizer and works well after applying actives. When using retinol or AHA/BHA: apply your active first, wait for full absorption (5–10 minutes), then layer this cream on top to buffer and soothe the skin. This "sandwiching" technique (also called the "moisturizer sandwich") is especially recommended for beginners using retinol. With Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) serums, apply the serum first and let it absorb, then follow with this cream. The formula's Arginine HCl can help neutralize some AHA-induced irritation. Avoid mixing actives and this cream in the same palm — apply sequentially.
This product is specifically formulated for dry to very dry, hypersensitive skin. It is ideal for skin that experiences stinging, burning, itching, or tightness — especially without visible redness. It is also well-suited for eczema-adjacent, rosacea-adjacent, or post-procedure skin that needs gentle, barrier-supportive care. It is NOT recommended for oily, combination-oily, or acne-prone skin — the rich texture and Shea Butter content make it too heavy. Eucerin has a separate version (Normal to Combination Skin) for those skin types. If you have dry patches but an otherwise normal-combination profile, try that version first.
Results vary by concern. For immediate stinging and burning relief: SymSitive® begins working within 3 minutes of first application — clinical data shows up to 78% reduction in stinging and 80% reduction in burning sensations that quickly. For hydration and skin comfort: most users notice softer, less tight skin within the first 24–48 hours. For progressive barrier improvement and reduced overall reactivity: regular daily use over 4–6 weeks is needed to measurably rebuild the skin barrier and raise the sensitivity threshold. Consistent daily application — morning and/or evening — is key to getting the full progressive benefit of this formula.
This product is a moisturizer/cream and goes as your final skincare step before sunscreen (morning) or as the last step of your nighttime routine. The order: Cleanser → Toner/Essence (optional) → Serum (optional) → Eucerin Ultra Sensitive Cream → Sunscreen (AM only). For maximum absorption, apply to slightly damp skin after your serum has fully absorbed. Use 1–2 pumps, massage gently in upward circular motions across the face, neck, and décolleté. Do not apply sunscreen immediately on top — wait ~60 seconds for the cream to absorb first to prevent pilling.
The comedogenic rating of this formula is approximately 2/5 (low to moderate). The main contributing ingredients are Shea Butter (comedogenic rating 0–2 depending on source) and Cetyl Palmitate (rating 2). For most people with normal-to-dry skin, this will not clog pores. However, if you have large pores, oily zones, or are historically prone to milia (small white bumps caused by product buildup), there is a low-level risk. This formula is primarily designed for dry, hypersensitive skin — those with oily, pore-prone skin should choose lighter, non-comedogenic alternatives. Always patch test on the jaw or inner wrist before full-face use.
Once opened, Eucerin Ultra Sensitive Soothing Care Dry Skin is best used within 12 months (PAO: 12M — look for the open jar symbol on the packaging). The anti-contamination airless pump dispenser significantly extends the product's stability by preventing air and microbe exposure with each use — so the 12-month window is more conservative than with traditional jar packaging. Store below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and humidity. If the cream changes color, smell, or texture before 12 months, discontinue use. For daily use (AM and PM), a 50 mL tube lasts approximately 2–3 months.
Verdict: Eucerin Ultra Sensitive Soothing Care for Dry Skin is one of the most scientifically credible options available for genuinely hypersensitive, dry skin. The inclusion of SymSitive® — a patented neurosensory active with strong clinical backing — sets it apart from generic "sensitive skin" creams that merely omit irritants. Paired with a therapeutic concentration of Panthenol (~3%), skin-identical Glycerin, and nourishing Shea Butter, the formula delivers on every promise: immediate stinging relief, lasting comfort, and progressive barrier rebuilding. The minimalist 15-ingredient list is a testament to Eucerin's dermo-cosmetics philosophy. The primary drawbacks are the small 50 mL size, the price point, and the unsuitability for oily or fungal acne-prone skin. If your skin stings, burns, or reacts to most products — this is a worthy investment backed by real science.
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 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 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
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Palmitate
Fragrance, Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Methyl Palmitate
Emollient, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
|
|