Glow Recipe
O2 Niacinamide Eight-Active Serum
Eight-active serum featuring niacinamide, watermelon extract, lactic acid, and salicylic acid for a bright, balanced complexion.
Ingredient Snapshot
7 beneficial ingredients detected with no known safety concerns.
3 ingredients to watch — Lactic Acid / Milk AHA, BHA / Salicylic Acid, Fragrance / Parfum may cause sensitivity in some skin types.
Ingredients (10)
Niacinamide(Vitamin B3)
Benefits
- ✓Visibly reduces enlarged pores over time
- ✓Improves uneven skin tone and fades dark spots
- ✓Strengthens the skin barrier by supporting ceramide synthesis
- ✓Reduces excess sebum production — helpful for oily and acne-prone skin
- ✓Well-tolerated by most skin types including sensitive skin
Potential concerns
- !At very high concentrations (>5%), may cause temporary flushing or redness in sensitive individuals
- !Rarely, may cause mild irritation or breakouts during the first few weeks of use
Sources
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) — FDA Cosmetic Ingredient Review: Niacinamide is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It is a well-established skin-conditioning agent with evidence supporting its role in improving skin texture, tone, and barrier function.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Niacinamide: CTPA lists niacinamide as a safe and effective skin-conditioning agent widely used across cosmetic formulations, with a strong safety profile across concentrations typically used in cosmetics (2–10%).
Glycerin(Glycerol / Glycerin)
Benefits
- ✓Powerful humectant that draws moisture from the environment into the skin
- ✓Improves and maintains skin barrier function
- ✓Non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types
- ✓Accelerates wound healing
Sources
FDA GRAS Database — Glycerin: Glycerin (glycerol) is affirmed as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. As a cosmetic ingredient, it is one of the most widely used and well-tolerated humectants, drawing moisture from the environment to the outer layers of the skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate(Hyaluronic Acid Salt)
Benefits
- ✓Low-molecular-weight hyaluronate penetrates deeper into the dermis
- ✓Holds up to 1000× its weight in water for intense hydration
- ✓Plumps skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines
- ✓Suitable for all skin types including oily and acne-prone
Sources
FDA Briefing on Hyaluronic Acid in Topical Formulations: Sodium hyaluronate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) as a cosmetic ingredient. It functions as an effective humectant and skin-conditioning agent suitable for all skin types.
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract(Watermelon Extract)
Benefits
- ✓Rich in lycopene and amino acids (citrulline)
- ✓Antioxidant and soothing properties
- ✓Lightweight hydration without greasiness
Lactic Acid(Lactic Acid / Milk AHA)
Benefits
- ✓Gentle chemical exfoliation suitable for sensitive skin
- ✓Improves skin hydration and moisture retention
- ✓Brightens uneven skin tone
- ✓Larger molecule than glycolic acid — lower penetration, less irritating
Potential concerns
- !May cause irritation at higher concentrations
- !Increases skin photosensitivity — use with SPF
Salicylic Acid(BHA / Salicylic Acid)
Benefits
- ✓Oil-soluble acid that penetrates and unclogs pores
- ✓Effective treatment for acne, blackheads, and whiteheads
- ✓Anti-inflammatory — reduces redness around blemishes
- ✓Exfoliates inside the pore lining
Potential concerns
- !Can cause dryness, peeling, and irritation with overuse
- !Not recommended during pregnancy at high concentrations
- !May increase photosensitivity
Sources
FDA OTC Monograph — Salicylic Acid Acne Products: Salicylic acid is approved as an OTC active ingredient for acne treatment at 0.5-2% concentrations. It functions as a keratolytic agent, promoting shedding of the outer skin layer and unclogging pores.
Korean MFDS Salicylic Acid Use Standards in Cosmetics: Korean MFDS restricts salicylic acid to a maximum of 0.5% in rinse-off cosmetics and 2% in leave-on products for acne. Products must include a warning to avoid use during pregnancy and to use sun protection.
Allantoin
Benefits
- ✓Soothes and calms irritated or inflamed skin
- ✓Promotes cell regeneration and skin healing
- ✓Provides moisturising and softening effects
- ✓Excellent tolerance — commonly used in sensitive-skin formulations
Ethylhexylglycerin
Benefits
- ✓Preservative booster that enhances the efficacy of other preservatives
- ✓Skin-conditioning agent with moisturising properties
Potential concerns
- !Rarely causes skin irritation in hypersensitive individuals
Phenoxyethanol
Benefits
- ✓Broad-spectrum preservative that protects the product from bacterial and fungal contamination
- ✓Considered one of the safer alternatives to parabens
- ✓Effective at low concentrations (≤1%)
Potential concerns
- !At concentrations above 1%, may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions
- !Some individuals with sensitive skin may react to preservatives in general
Sources
FDA — Phenoxyethanol in Cosmetics: FDA has reviewed phenoxyethanol as a cosmetic preservative and considers it safe at concentrations up to 1.0% in cosmetic products. FDA advises caution in products used around the mouth of infants.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Phenoxyethanol: CTPA confirms phenoxyethanol is a permitted cosmetic preservative under EU Cosmetics Regulation at a maximum concentration of 1.0%, and is considered safe for use in both rinse-off and leave-on products.
Fragrance(Fragrance / Parfum)
Benefits
- ✓Provides pleasant aesthetic scent to the product
Potential concerns
- !One of the most common causes of contact dermatitis and allergic reactions in cosmetics
- !Contains undisclosed mixtures of chemicals; individual components are not listed
- !CTPA recommends avoiding fragranced products on broken, sensitive, or infant skin
- !May cause photosensitisation (especially citrus-derived components)
Ingredients listed in order of concentration (highest first).
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