| Cetostearyl Alcohol | Emulsifier/Stiffening Agent | ⚠️ Yes — Stearyl Alcohol | A mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols (fatty alcohols, not drinking alcohol). Used to thicken and stabilize creams and ointments. Can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. |
| Medium-chain Triglycerides | Solvent/Vehicle | ⚠️ Yes — Coconut | Fatty acid esters derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. Used as a solvent and vehicle in oral and topical formulations. May be relevant for individuals with coconut sensitivity. |
| Propylene Glycol? | Solvent/Humectant | ?Uncertain — Propylene Glycol | An organic compound used as a solvent and humectant. Can cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. |
| Sesame Oil | Vehicle/Solvent | ⚠️ Yes — Sesame | A seed oil used as a vehicle in some injectable medications and topical formulations. Sesame is a recognized major food allergen (FASTER Act, 2023) — patients with sesame allergy should verify all formulations. |
| 1,2,6-hexanetriol? | Humectant/Plasticizer | No | A synthetic triol used as a humectant and plasticizer in topical and transdermal formulations. |
| Butylated Hydroxytoluene? | Antioxidant | No | BHT. A synthetic antioxidant used to prevent oxidative degradation of fats and oils in pharmaceutical products. Rare contact sensitivity reported. |
| Butylene Glycol | Humectant/Solvent | No | A synthetic glycol used as a humectant and solvent in topical formulations. Helps products spread smoothly on skin. |
| Glycerin | Humectant/Solvent | No | A sugar alcohol that attracts moisture. Used as a humectant, solvent, and sweetener in many oral and topical medications. Generally well tolerated. |
| Glyceryl Monostearate | Emulsifier | No | An emulsifier that helps oil and water mix in creams and ointments. Derived from glycerin and stearic acid. |
| Hamamelis Virginiana Top Water | Skin Conditioner | No | Witch hazel distillate, a plant-derived astringent used in topical formulations to soothe and tone the skin. |
| Methyl Salicylate? | Flavoring/Counterirritant | No | Oil of wintergreen. Used as a flavoring agent and topical counterirritant (creates a warming sensation). Can cause sensitivity in aspirin-intolerant individuals. |
| Monosodium Glutamate Hydrate? | Stabilizer/Buffer | No | MSG in hydrated form. Used as a stabilizer and buffering agent in some pharmaceutical formulations. May cause reactions in individuals with MSG sensitivity. |
| Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate | Emulsifier | No | A polyglycerol ester used as a non-ionic emulsifier in topical formulations. |
| Sodium Stearyl Fumarate | Lubricant | No | A tablet lubricant used as an alternative to magnesium stearate. Vegetable-derived. |
| Stearic Acid | Lubricant | No | A fatty acid used as a lubricant in tablet manufacturing. |
| Xanthan Gum | Thickener/Stabilizer | No | A polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, used to thicken and stabilize liquid and semi-solid formulations. Derived from corn sugar fermentation — may be relevant for corn-sensitive individuals. |