Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant Gentle Oat-Based Powder Exfoliant Vegan

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Soothes irritation, accelerates wound healing, promotes skin cell renewal, and provides mild keratolytic exfoliation.

Why It's Used: Gold standard multi-function soothing active – one of the most widely used cosmetic ingredients across all product types for its exceptional tolerability and clinically proven multi-action skin conditioning.

How It Works: Promotes keratinocyte proliferation and fibroblast migration for wound healing. mild keratolytic activity by disrupting corneocyte binding. anti-irritant via direct protein binding and anti-inflammatory cytokine reduction. humectant activity via hydroxyl groups.

Typically Found In: Post-procedure products,sensitive skin formulas,wound care,anti-acne treatments,baby products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – soothing / anti-inflammatory

Secondary Functions: Wound healing,keratolytic,anti-irritant

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – synthetic or comfrey-derived

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Exceptionally well-tolerated; suitable for all skin types including baby and compromised skin.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes – particularly recommended for sensitive skin

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Ceramides,panthenol,allantoin,hyaluronic acid,centella asiatica

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Allantoin's keratinocyte proliferation stimulation occurs via receptor-mediated signaling (possibly machr activation) rather than non-specific irritation-driven proliferation, making it a true wound-healing stimulant rather than a pro-inflammatory proliferative signal.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,araújo et al. allantoin review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Conditions skin, attracts moisture, supports wound healing, and improves microcirculation via no synthesis.

Why It's Used: Multi-functional amino acid for skin hydration, conditioning, and wound healing in peptide and nmf formulations.

How It Works: Guanidinium group binds water (humectant). substrate for nitric oxide synthase (enos) producing nitric oxide that vasodilates capillaries improving skin nutrition. stimulates fibroblast proliferation for wound healing.

Typically Found In: Anti-aging serums,wound healing products,nmf moisturizers,scalp treatments

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – amino acid

Secondary Functions: Wound healing,microcirculation,nmf component

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – plant-derived or synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Fermentation-derived or synthetic. natural skin component.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; endogenous skin molecule.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. natural skin nmf component. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Hyaluronic acid,ceramides,peptides,other amino acids

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid in wound healing where local demand exceeds synthesis capacity. topical arginine provides the nos substrate locally for no-mediated vasodilation and immune cell function in healing tissue.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,witte & barbul arginine wound healing review

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Delivers characteristic cosmetic function — skin conditioning, protection, preservation, or active biological benefit — at recommended use concentration.

Why It's Used: Selected for its functional contribution and formulation compatibility — supported by cosmetic science literature and regulatory safety assessment.

How It Works: Works through the mechanism of its molecular class — physicochemical interaction with the formulation or biological interaction with skin proteins, lipids, or receptors as documented in peer-reviewed literature.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Diglycerin delivers documented functional benefit with an established safety profile within the cosmetic regulatory framework (cosing eu, cir usa).

Last Verified: Cosing database,diglycerin technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides prebiotic microbiome feeding alongside humectant hydration from natural chicory fructan.

Why It's Used: The skin prebiotic — inulin selectively feeds bifidobacterium and lactobacillus beneficial skin bacteria, supporting a healthy skin microbiome that improves barrier function and reduces inflammatory skin conditions.

How It Works: Beta-2,1-fructosidic bonds provide selective fermentation by beneficial bacteria (bifidobacterium, lactobacillus) but not pathogens (s. aureus). prebiotic selectivity supports healthy microbiome composition. multiple hydroxyl groups provide humectant water binding. film-forming property provides hair detangling.

Typically Found In: Prebiotic skin care,microbiome-supporting products,natural conditioners

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – prebiotic polysaccharide

Secondary Functions: Tewl reduction,skin plumping

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from cichorium intybus (chicory) root

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Synthetic or naturally derived. excellent aqueous solubility.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Inulin's prebiotic selectivity on skin microbiome mirrors its well-documented gut prebiotic activity: the beta-2,1-fructosidic bond can only be cleaved by inulinase enzymes present in bifidobacterium and lactobacillus but not in pathogenic bacteria lacking this enzyme. topical application provides selective nutrition that shifts microbiome composition toward beneficial bacteria — the cosmetic application of the same prebiotics science that transformed gut health understanding.

Last Verified: Cosing database,callewaert et al. skin microbiome prebiotic study

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides oil absorption and matting from the fine platelet clay structure.

Why It's Used: Most versatile cosmetic clay – gentle enough for sensitive skin while providing effective oil absorption, matting, and mineral conditioning.

How It Works: 1:1 layered silicate clay platelets absorb oils via capillary action in inter-platelet spaces. very mild ph (6-7). white colour from al-o-si lattice. fine particle size (0.5-4μm) provides gentle exfoliation and smooth texture. negative surface charge provides light skin conditioning.

Typically Found In: Masks,foundations,dry shampoo,mattifying products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – white clay mineral

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–50%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – natural mineral

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Kaolin's oil absorption mechanism involves genuine capillary condensation of oils into the inter-platelet micropores between its layered silicate sheets. the surface area of cosmetic-grade kaolin (10-30 m²/g) provides thousands of square meters of oil-adsorbing surface per gram – explaining its exceptional mattifying efficacy despite its inert mineral composition.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Delivers characteristic cosmetic function at recommended use concentration.

Why It's Used: Selected for functional contribution and formulation compatibility supported by cosmetic science and regulatory safety data.

How It Works: Works through the mechanism of its molecular class — physicochemical or biological interaction with skin proteins, lipids, or receptors as documented in peer-reviewed cosmetic literature.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Maltodextrin has an established safety and efficacy profile within the cosmetic regulatory framework at standard use concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,maltodextrin technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Gently digests dead keratin proteins for enzymatic exfoliation without acid irritation.

Why It's Used: Gentle enzymatic exfoliant for acid-sensitive skin types requiring exfoliation without ph-dependent aha/bha irritation.

How It Works: Cysteine protease specifically cleaves peptide bonds in keratin proteins at neutral ph, dissolving corneocyte protein bridges without requiring acidic ph. activity is ph- and temperature-dependent (optimal ph 6.5, 37°c). also gently solubilizes sebum plugs.

Typically Found In: Enzyme peels,gentle exfoliants,sensitive skin exfoliants,brightening masks

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – enzyme

Secondary Functions: Protein-specific exfoliation,neutral-ph keratolysis

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–10% (active enzyme)

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – from carica papaya latex

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Plant-derived (papaya, pineapple) or fermentation-derived.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 2/5 – low to moderate; potential sensitization with repeated exposure

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Patch test recommended; potential for enzymatic sensitization.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Use with caution – potential sensitization

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Latex allergy cross-reactivity possible. avoid high concentrations on compromised skin.

Works Well With: Ahas (synergistic),hyaluronic acid,ceramides

Avoid Combining With: High concentrations on sensitive or compromised skin

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Papain's specificity for peptide bonds at hydrophobic residues (leu, phe, val) in keratin provides preferential digestion of the abundant hydrophobic corneocyte proteins, causing selective dissolution of corneocyte protein bridges without disrupting the non-protein lipid matrix of the stratum corneum.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,enzyme exfoliant review literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Delivers characteristic cosmetic function at recommended use concentration.

Why It's Used: Selected for functional contribution and formulation compatibility supported by cosmetic science and regulatory safety data.

How It Works: Works through the mechanism of its molecular class — physicochemical or biological interaction with skin proteins, lipids, or receptors as documented in peer-reviewed cosmetic literature.

Typically Found In: Skin care formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Silica has an established safety and efficacy profile within the cosmetic regulatory framework at standard use concentrations.

Last Verified: Cosing database,silica technical literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Attracts and retains moisture providing skin softening and hydration.

Why It's Used: Widely used, cost-effective humectant and formulation ingredient in moisturizers, toothpastes, and personal care.

How It Works: 6 hydroxyl groups provide strong water binding through hydrogen bonding. metabolized slowly by skin as an osmolyte.

Typically Found In: Moisturizers,body lotions,toothpaste,shampoos,many personal care products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – sugar alcohol humectant

Secondary Functions: Formulation solvent,viscosity modifier

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 1%–30%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – plant-derived (corn, apples) or synthetic

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Produced by catalytic hydrogenation of glucose. derived from corn starch or other carbohydrate sources. gras food-approved.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for all skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,glycerin,hyaluronic acid

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Sorbitol's osmolyte function in cells (accumulates in response to osmotic stress) suggests it may provide protection to skin cells under dehydrating environmental conditions, complementing its well-established surface humectant activity.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,ewg skin deep

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Tocopherol neutralizes free radicals that damage skin cells, protects cell membranes from lipid peroxidation, moisturizes, and helps maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Why It's Used: It is used as both a skin-active antioxidant and a formulation stabilizer (preventing oxidation of other ingredients). it has decades of safety and efficacy evidence and works synergistically with vitamin c.

How It Works: As a chain-breaking antioxidant, tocopherol donates hydrogen atoms to interrupt lipid peroxidation chain reactions. it is regenerated by vitamin c (ascorbic acid) in the vitamins c+e antioxidant cycle, creating a more durable antioxidant defense.

Typically Found In: Moisturizers,serums,oils,sunscreens,eye creams,lip balms,antioxidant formulations,haircare products

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant/vitamin e

Secondary Functions: Emollient,formulation stabilizer,barrier support

Application Areas:

Facial Skincare

Body Care

Hair Care

Beard Care

Color Cosmetics (Makeup)

Dietary/Oral Supplements

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–1% (typical: 0.1–0.5% as active; higher as formulation antioxidant)

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes – plant-derived (soybean, sunflower, wheat germ oil) or synthetic

Halal Status: Yes – plant-derived or synthetic

Source Notes: Natural d-alpha-tocopherol is derived from plant oils and is more bioactive. synthetic dl-alpha-tocopherol is less expensive. tocopherol acetate (tocopheryl acetate) is the more stable ester form.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low; rare contact sensitivity reported

Comedogenicity Rating: 2/5 – mildly comedogenic at higher concentrations; formulation-dependent

Sensitivity Concerns: A small percentage of people report contact sensitization to tocopherol, particularly with leave-on products. comedogenicity risk is higher in oil-heavy formulations.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Generally yes; perform patch test if history of vitamin e sensitivity

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Very safe; widely used. ewg hazard score: 2–3 (depending on concentration). no significant systemic concerns from topical use.

Works Well With: Ascorbic acid (vitamin c) – synergistic antioxidant pair,ferulic acid – stabilizes and boosts both c and e,ceramides,spf,retinol

Avoid Combining With: Very high concentrations of benzoyl peroxide may oxidize tocopherol; potential comedogenicity concerns in acne-prone skin when in heavy oil bases

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

The combination of vitamin c, vitamin e, and ferulic acid (the 'ce ferulic' formulation) provides fourfold photoprotection against uv-induced free radical damage – a synergy documented in landmark research by pinnell et al.

Last Verified: Cosing database,cir safety assessment,pinnell et al. (2005) journal of investigative dermatology,efsa panel on food additives

Primary Sources: 2026-03-12