Ingredient Encyclopedia

Welcome to the Ingredient Encyclopedia

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

All articles active aha alcohol-free alias allantoin almond aloe-vera alpha-arbutin antioxidant ascorbic-acid avocado azelaic-acid b5 bakuchiol barrier benzoyl-peroxide beta-glucan bha botanical castor castor oil centella ceramides cica cleanser coffee coffee seed oil egcg emollient ferment general gluconolactone glycerin glycolic-acid green-tea humectant hyaluronic-acid hydration ingredient k-beauty keratolytic kojic-acid lactic-acid licorice-root mandelic-acid matrixyl micellar water moisture niacinamide panthenol peptides pha plant oil preservative retinal retinol rice salicylic-acid sensitive skin squalane surfactant toner tranexamic-acid urea uv uv-filter vitamin-a vitamin-b3 vitamin-c witch hazel zinc-pca

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Micellar Water – What It Is, Benefits & How to Use It

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 11, 2025

What is Micellar Water?Micellar Water is a gentle cleansing solution made with tiny surfactant molecules suspended in water (micelles). It removes makeup, dirt, and oil without the need for rinsing.Benefits Removes dirt and makeup gently No rinsing required Suitable for sensitive skin Side Effects May leave residue if not rinsed on oily skin types Not always enough for heavy makeup How to UseSoak a cotton pad with micellar water and swipe over face. Can be used morning or evening as a cleanser or makeup remover.Related IngredientsSee also: Salicylic Acid, Witch Hazel Water Related Guides Witch Hazel vs Micellar Water – Which is Better for Your Skin?

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Polysorbate 80 – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025

Polysorbate 80 – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses Polysorbate 80 is a cleansing/foam-modulating surfactant aiding impurity removal while aiming for comfort. Key Benefits Removes impurities Can be mild depending on formula Common in cleansers Who Should Use It?Most skin types depending on formulation Who Should Avoid It?Very dry/compromised barriers—prefer very mild systems How to Use It in a RoutineUse as rinse-off; follow with moisturiser VerdictUseful when well-formulated and used consistently; pair with moisturiser and daily SPF. 👉 Looking for a compatible product? Try our recommended formula. FAQs Is Polysorbate 80 suitable for sensitive skin?Often yes depending on formula; patch test if unsure. Can I combine Polysorbate 80 with other actives?Build gradually and avoid over-exfoliation/irritation. How long until I see results?Usually weeks of consistent use, alongside daily SPF. Related: Niacinamide · Retinol · Hyaluronic Acid

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Polysorbate 20 – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025

Polysorbate 20 – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses Polysorbate 20 is a cleansing/foam-modulating surfactant aiding impurity removal while aiming for comfort. Key Benefits Removes impurities Can be mild depending on formula Common in cleansers Who Should Use It?Most skin types depending on formulation Who Should Avoid It?Very dry/compromised barriers—prefer very mild systems How to Use It in a RoutineUse as rinse-off; follow with moisturiser VerdictUseful when well-formulated and used consistently; pair with moisturiser and daily SPF. 👉 Looking for a compatible product? Try our recommended formula. FAQs Is Polysorbate 20 suitable for sensitive skin?Often yes depending on formula; patch test if unsure. Can I combine Polysorbate 20 with other actives?Build gradually and avoid over-exfoliation/irritation. How long until I see results?Usually weeks of consistent use, alongside daily SPF. Related: Niacinamide · Retinol · Hyaluronic Acid

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Lauryl Glucoside – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025

Lauryl Glucoside – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses Lauryl Glucoside is a cleansing/foam-modulating surfactant aiding impurity removal while aiming for comfort. Key Benefits Removes impurities Can be mild depending on formula Common in cleansers Who Should Use It?Most skin types depending on formulation Who Should Avoid It?Very dry/compromised barriers—prefer very mild systems How to Use It in a RoutineUse as rinse-off; follow with moisturiser VerdictUseful when well-formulated and used consistently; pair with moisturiser and daily SPF. 👉 Looking for a compatible product? Try our recommended formula. FAQs Is Lauryl Glucoside suitable for sensitive skin?Often yes depending on formula; patch test if unsure. Can I combine Lauryl Glucoside with other actives?Build gradually and avoid over-exfoliation/irritation. How long until I see results?Usually weeks of consistent use, alongside daily SPF. Related: Niacinamide · Retinol · Hyaluronic Acid

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Decyl Glucoside – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025

Decyl Glucoside – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses Decyl Glucoside is a cleansing/foam-modulating surfactant aiding impurity removal while aiming for comfort. Key Benefits Removes impurities Can be mild depending on formula Common in cleansers Who Should Use It?Most skin types depending on formulation Who Should Avoid It?Very dry/compromised barriers—prefer very mild systems How to Use It in a RoutineUse as rinse-off; follow with moisturiser VerdictUseful when well-formulated and used consistently; pair with moisturiser and daily SPF. 👉 Looking for a compatible product? Try our recommended formula. FAQs Is Decyl Glucoside suitable for sensitive skin?Often yes depending on formula; patch test if unsure. Can I combine Decyl Glucoside with other actives?Build gradually and avoid over-exfoliation/irritation. How long until I see results?Usually weeks of consistent use, alongside daily SPF. Related: Niacinamide · Retinol · Hyaluronic Acid

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Coco-Glucoside – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025

Coco-Glucoside – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses Coco-Glucoside is a cleansing/foam-modulating surfactant aiding impurity removal while aiming for comfort. Key Benefits Removes impurities Can be mild depending on formula Common in cleansers Who Should Use It?Most skin types depending on formulation Who Should Avoid It?Very dry/compromised barriers—prefer very mild systems How to Use It in a RoutineUse as rinse-off; follow with moisturiser VerdictUseful when well-formulated and used consistently; pair with moisturiser and daily SPF. 👉 Looking for a compatible product? Try our recommended formula. FAQs Is Coco-Glucoside suitable for sensitive skin?Often yes depending on formula; patch test if unsure. Can I combine Coco-Glucoside with other actives?Build gradually and avoid over-exfoliation/irritation. How long until I see results?Usually weeks of consistent use, alongside daily SPF. Related: Niacinamide · Retinol · Hyaluronic Acid

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a cleansing/foam-modulating surfactant aiding impurity removal while aiming for comfort. Key Benefits Removes impurities Can be mild depending on formula Common in cleansers Who Should Use It?Most skin types depending on formulation Who Should Avoid It?Very dry/compromised barriers—prefer very mild systems How to Use It in a RoutineUse as rinse-off; follow with moisturiser VerdictUseful when well-formulated and used consistently; pair with moisturiser and daily SPF. 👉 Looking for a compatible product? Try our recommended formula. FAQs Is Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate suitable for sensitive skin?Often yes depending on formula; patch test if unsure. Can I combine Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate with other actives?Build gradually and avoid over-exfoliation/irritation. How long until I see results?Usually weeks of consistent use, alongside daily SPF. Related: Niacinamide · Retinol · Hyaluronic Acid

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Cocamidopropyl Betaine – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025

Cocamidopropyl Betaine – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a cleansing/foam-modulating surfactant aiding impurity removal while aiming for comfort. Key Benefits Removes impurities Can be mild depending on formula Common in cleansers Who Should Use It?Most skin types depending on formulation Who Should Avoid It?Very dry/compromised barriers—prefer very mild systems How to Use It in a RoutineUse as rinse-off; follow with moisturiser VerdictUseful when well-formulated and used consistently; pair with moisturiser and daily SPF. 👉 Looking for a compatible product? Try our recommended formula. FAQs Is Cocamidopropyl Betaine suitable for sensitive skin?Often yes depending on formula; patch test if unsure. Can I combine Cocamidopropyl Betaine with other actives?Build gradually and avoid over-exfoliation/irritation. How long until I see results?Usually weeks of consistent use, alongside daily SPF. Related: Niacinamide · Retinol · Hyaluronic Acid

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Hydroxyethylcellulose – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025

Hydroxyethylcellulose – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses Hydroxyethylcellulose is a cleansing/foam-modulating surfactant aiding impurity removal while aiming for comfort. Key Benefits Removes impurities Can be mild depending on formula Common in cleansers Who Should Use It?Most skin types depending on formulation Who Should Avoid It?Very dry/compromised barriers—prefer very mild systems How to Use It in a RoutineUse as rinse-off; follow with moisturiser VerdictUseful when well-formulated and used consistently; pair with moisturiser and daily SPF. 👉 Looking for a compatible product? Try our recommended formula. FAQs Is Hydroxyethylcellulose suitable for sensitive skin?Often yes depending on formula; patch test if unsure. Can I combine Hydroxyethylcellulose with other actives?Build gradually and avoid over-exfoliation/irritation. How long until I see results?Usually weeks of consistent use, alongside daily SPF. Related: Niacinamide · Retinol · Hyaluronic Acid

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Xanthan Gum – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025

Xanthan Gum – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses Xanthan Gum is a cleansing/foam-modulating surfactant aiding impurity removal while aiming for comfort. Key Benefits Removes impurities Can be mild depending on formula Common in cleansers Who Should Use It?Most skin types depending on formulation Who Should Avoid It?Very dry/compromised barriers—prefer very mild systems How to Use It in a RoutineUse as rinse-off; follow with moisturiser VerdictUseful when well-formulated and used consistently; pair with moisturiser and daily SPF. 👉 Looking for a compatible product? Try our recommended formula. FAQs Is Xanthan Gum suitable for sensitive skin?Often yes depending on formula; patch test if unsure. Can I combine Xanthan Gum with other actives?Build gradually and avoid over-exfoliation/irritation. How long until I see results?Usually weeks of consistent use, alongside daily SPF. Related: Niacinamide · Retinol · Hyaluronic Acid

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Carbomer – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025

Carbomer – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses Carbomer is a cleansing/foam-modulating surfactant aiding impurity removal while aiming for comfort. Key Benefits Removes impurities Can be mild depending on formula Common in cleansers Who Should Use It?Most skin types depending on formulation Who Should Avoid It?Very dry/compromised barriers—prefer very mild systems How to Use It in a RoutineUse as rinse-off; follow with moisturiser VerdictUseful when well-formulated and used consistently; pair with moisturiser and daily SPF. 👉 Looking for a compatible product? Try our recommended formula. FAQs Is Carbomer suitable for sensitive skin?Often yes depending on formula; patch test if unsure. Can I combine Carbomer with other actives?Build gradually and avoid over-exfoliation/irritation. How long until I see results?Usually weeks of consistent use, alongside daily SPF. Related: Niacinamide · Retinol · Hyaluronic Acid