Dr. Dennis Gross
Vitamin C Lactic Biocellulose Mask
Vitamin C and lactic acid biocellulose sheet mask to brighten, exfoliate, and deeply hydrate in 20 minutes.
Ingredient Snapshot
7 beneficial ingredients detected with no known safety concerns.
1 ingredient to watch — Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) may cause sensitivity in some skin types.
Ingredients (8)
Ascorbic Acid(Vitamin C / L-Ascorbic Acid)
Benefits
- ✓Potent antioxidant that neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
- ✓Inhibits melanin production to brighten skin and fade dark spots
- ✓Stimulates collagen synthesis for firmer skin
- ✓Enhances the effectiveness of sunscreen
Potential concerns
- !Unstable molecule that oxidises quickly — reduces efficacy once formula turns orange/brown
- !High concentrations (>15%) may cause irritation or stinging
- !Can interact with niacinamide forming nicotinic acid (redness) in some formulations
Sources
Vitamin C Derivatives in Cosmetics — FDA Guidance: Ascorbic acid and its derivatives are permitted cosmetic ingredients. Ascorbic acid functions as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent and is used at concentrations typically between 5-20% in brightening formulations.
Lactic Acid(Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA))
Benefits
- ✓Exfoliates by loosening dead skin cell bonds
- ✓Humectant that attracts and retains moisture
- ✓Improves skin texture and tone
- ✓Acts as a pH adjuster in formulations
Potential concerns
- !Increases UV sensitivity — daily sunscreen use is recommended
- !May cause irritation, redness, or stinging at higher concentrations
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Alpha Hydroxy Acids as Used in Cosmetics: The CIR Expert Panel reviewed lactic acid as part of its AHA assessment. It is safe as a pH adjuster and gentle exfoliant. At active exfoliant concentrations, the Panel recommended sun protection advisories due to increased photosensitivity potential.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Lactic Acid: CTPA lists lactic acid as a safe alpha hydroxy acid used as a pH adjuster and skin-conditioning agent. At higher active concentrations, CTPA advises labelling for potential increased sun sensitivity, consistent with EU Cosmetics Regulation requirements for AHA products.
Glycerin(Glycerol)
Benefits
- ✓Humectant preventing cleansing-related dryness
- ✓Keeps skin hydrated post-wash
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
- ✓Powerful humectant holding up to 1000x its weight in water
- ✓Improves skin hydration and plumping
- ✓Biocompatible — naturally found in skin
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.
Allantoin
Benefits
- ✓Soothing agent that calms irritation and supports skin healing
- ✓Mild keratolytic that softens skin and improves texture
- ✓Well tolerated by sensitive skin
Sources
FDA OTC Skin Protectant Active Ingredient — Allantoin: The FDA recognises allantoin as a safe and effective OTC skin protectant active ingredient at concentrations of 0.5–2.0%. It soothes and protects irritated skin and helps relieve minor skin irritation from chapping, chafing, and wind.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Allantoin: CTPA lists allantoin as a safe, soothing skin-conditioning agent with a long history of safe use as a skin protectant. It is well tolerated by sensitive and reactive skin types.
Panthenol(Vitamin B5)
Benefits
- ✓Deeply moisturizes and soothes
- ✓Promotes skin healing
- ✓Gentle for baby skin
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Panthenol as Used in Cosmetics: The CIR Expert Panel found panthenol (provitamin B5) safe as used in cosmetic formulations. It functions as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, improving skin hydration and supporting barrier function, with no significant irritation or sensitisation concerns.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Panthenol: CTPA lists panthenol as a safe humectant and skin-conditioning agent. As provitamin B5, it supports healthy skin cell metabolism. It is well tolerated and considered safe for sensitive skin.
Phenoxyethanol
Benefits
- ✓Broad-spectrum preservative preventing microbial contamination
Potential concerns
- !Potential skin sensitizer in some individuals
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.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Benefits
- ✓Conditions and softens skin
- ✓Boosts preservative efficacy
Sources
CIR Safety Assessment of Ethylhexylglycerin as Used in Cosmetics: The CIR Expert Panel found ethylhexylglycerin safe as used in cosmetics. It functions as a skin-conditioning agent and preservative booster enhancing the efficacy of other preservatives. No significant irritation or sensitisation was identified at cosmetic concentrations.
CTPA Ingredient Library — Ethylhexylglycerin: CTPA lists ethylhexylglycerin as a safe skin-conditioning agent and preservative enhancer. It is used in cosmetics to improve formula feel and boost preservation systems, and is considered non-irritating for most skin types.
Similar products without the harmful ingredients
These products share key beneficial ingredients but avoid the flagged ones above.
Reviews
Sign in to leave a review
Sign in with Google →No reviews yet. Be the first!
