Ingredient Encyclopedia

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Discover what’s inside your skincare — from retinol to aloe vera — with clear guides on benefits, uses, and safety.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Carbomer – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
As we move through 2026, Phytosphingosine has moved from a "hidden support ingredient" to a headline hero for those navigating the "Active Age." Because modern routines are often saturated with high-strength retinoids and exfoliating acids, skin frequently enters a state of "chronic micro-inflammation." Phytosphingosine is unique because it acts as a metabolic signaling molecule. Beyond just sitting on the surface like a wax, it signals to your skin cells to produce more of their own natural ceramides. Emerging data from late 2025 also suggests it plays a role in regulating the skin’s antimicrobial peptides, meaning it doesn’t just fix the barrier—it helps the skin defend itself against external pathogens and environmental stressors more effectively.