Ingredient Glossary

Caldera's Standard for Ingredient Transparency

This glossary outlines key active and functional ingredients used across our formulations. Each entry includes:

INCI name (per EU Regulation No. 1223/2009)
Primary cosmetic function
Origin (plant-based / synthetic / biotech)
Usage concentration (typical range)
Safety and regulatory notes
Benefits for your skin

Understanding the ingredients in your skincare routine is crucial for achieving optimal results and making informed choices for your skin's health.

A

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Soothing agent, humectant

Origin: Organic plant extract
Usage: 5–20%
Benefits: Certified organic. Supports hydration and post-treatment recovery. Excellent for sensitive skin and helps maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Allantoin
Skin protectant, keratolytic

Origin: Biotech-derived
Usage: 0.2–0.5%
Benefits: Listed as OTC skin protectant (EU + FDA). Excellent for sensitive or compromised skin.

B

Bakuchiol
Retinol alternative, anti-aging

Origin: Plant-based (Psoralea corylifolia)
Usage: 0.5–1%
Benefits: Clinically backed retinol alternative. Supports collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin firmness and reducing signs of aging. Requires formulation stability support.

Betaine
Osmoprotectant, moisturizer

Origin: Sugar beet fermentation
Usage: 1–5%
Benefits: Excellent for barrier repair and hydration balance.

C

Centella Asiatica Extract
Wound healing, anti-inflammatory

Origin: CO2 or water extract
Usage: 0.5–2%
Benefits: High in asiaticoside. Calms irritated skin. Effective in treating eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Coco-Glucoside
Non-ionic surfactant

Origin: Coconut + glucose
Usage: 3–10%
Benefits: Ultra-mild. Baby care-safe. Biodegradable.

D

D-Panthenol (Provitamin B5)
Moisturizer, skin barrier support

Origin: Biotech
Usage: 1–5%
Benefits: Supports barrier and hydration, especially after acid use. Reduces irritation and redness, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

E

Ectoin
Anti-pollution, stress protection

Origin: Fermented from extremophile bacteria
Usage: 0.5–2%
Benefits: Shields skin from oxidative and environmental stress. Helps protect against sun damage, contributing to overall skin health.

G

Glycerin (Vegetable origin)
Humectant, stabilizer

Origin: Plant-based
Usage: 2–10%
Benefits: EU-compliant. Supports hydration and preservation.

Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

Origin: Water or ethanol extracted
Usage: 0.1–3%
Benefits: Rich in EGCG. Supports calming and firming. Acts as a protective antioxidant, helping to combat free radical damage.

H

Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)
Hydrator, plumper

Origin: Fermentation-derived
Usage: 0.01–1%
Benefits: Multi-weight complex preferred. Improves skin texture by enhancing hydration and plumping the skin.

J

Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis)
Emollient, lipid balancer

Origin: Cold-pressed
Usage: 3–10%
Benefits: Mimics sebum. Excellent for oily or acne-prone skin. Supports collagen production, which is essential for maintaining skin elasticity and overall appearance.

L

Lactic Acid
AHA exfoliant, brightener

Origin: Plant fermentation
Usage: 1–10%
Benefits: Requires pH balancing. Brightens and renews. Promotes cell turnover, leading to improved skin texture and reduced signs of aging.

N

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Barrier booster, tone corrector

Origin: Synthetic
Usage: 2–10%
Benefits: Well-tolerated. Pair with zinc for acne-prone skin. Minimizes pores, strengthens the skin barrier, and reduces inflammation.

R

Rosa Canina Fruit Oil (Rosehip)
Emollient, antioxidant

Origin: Cold-pressed
Usage: 3–8%
Benefits: Supports scar repair and tone. Sensitive to oxidation. Effective in treating dark spots and improving skin tone.

S

Squalane (Plant-based)
Emollient, lipid restorer

Origin: Sugarcane or olive
Usage: 1–10%
Benefits: Non-comedogenic. Silky skin feel. Mimics the skin's natural oils, enhancing hydration and improving the skin's appearance.

Shea Butter (Butyrospermum Parkii)
Occlusive, nourishing