PhycoHealth Skincare Ingredient Reference

At PhycoHealth, every formula begins with care — for your skin, your health, and the planet.
We never use harsh or controversial ingredients like parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or microplastics. Instead, we draw on seaweed science, natural botanicals, and skin-identical actives, each chosen for its gentleness and proven function.

Our guiding principle: formulate with kindness. Every ingredient is either naturally derived, Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), or tested through our own peer-reviewed clinical studies. Together, they support your skin barrier and microbiome — while our hero molecule Phyaluronic® delivers powerhouse hydration and protection.

⚖️ Important to note:

  • Every skin type and environment is unique.

  • Most of our products are compatible in sequence.

  • However, when combined with other skincare or medications, there may be contraeffects (reducing benefits) or rare sensitivities.

  • Always patch-test new products and consult a professional if using prescription dermatology products.

🌱 Master Ingredient List 

Ingredient Source Function Contraeffects / Considerations
Phyaluronic® (PhycoTrix / PhycoTide/SXRG84) Cultivated Ulva sp. 84 (SXRG84) Hydration powerhouse; microbiome-friendly; enzyme-resistant sulfated polysaccharide High-pH soaps strip hydration and microbiome, reducing effect. Avoid pairing with strong alcohol-based toners.
Pea Sprout Extract Germinated pea shoots Follicle stimulation, hair vitality Works best long-term; harsh surfactants undo benefits.
Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5) Plant-derived Hydration, soothing, adds shine Well tolerated; may conflict with overly acidic peels.
Argan Oil Argan nut Conditioning, barrier support Heavy for acne-prone skin.
Coconut Oil Coconut Emollient, antimicrobial lipids May clog pores in oily skin.
Jojoba Oil Jojoba seeds Skin-identical wax ester, barrier mimic Very safe; enhances other actives’ absorption.
Olive Squalane Olive oil Lightweight emollient, barrier support Excellent safety; no issues.
Coffee (Coffea arabica) Seed Extract Coffee seeds Circulation boost, antioxidant Mild stimulant; avoid if very sensitive scalp.
Sweet Orange Oil Citrus peel Refreshing scent, mild antimicrobial Can photosensitize—use sunscreen if applied in daytime.
Rosemary Oil/Extract Rosemary leaves Antioxidant, soothing Rare sensitivities possible.
Lavender Oil Lavender flowers Calming scent, mild antimicrobial May irritate eczema-prone skin.
Ylang Ylang Oil Ylang flowers Aromatic, calming Can irritate very sensitive skin.
Lime Oil Citrus peel Refreshing fragrance Strong photosensitizer—avoid sun exposure post-use.
Chamomile Extract Chamomile flowers Calming, anti-inflammatory Gentle and safe.
Aloe Vera Juice Aloe leaves Hydration, prebiotic support Compatible with most actives.
White Tea Extract Tea leaves Antioxidant, protective No issues known.
Kakadu Plum Extract Native fruit Vitamin C, antioxidant May react with retinoids or AHA/BHAs—space applications.
Quandong Extract Native fruit Antioxidant Safe and gentle.
Zinc Oxide Mineral Barrier, UV protection Inert, safe with most products.
Kaolin Clay Natural clay Absorbs oil, purifies Can dry skin if overused.
Quartz Mineral Gentle exfoliant/texturizer Avoid overuse on compromised barriers.
Algin Brown seaweed Binder, soothing No issues known.
Calcium Carbonate (PhycoCal) Oyster shells Mineral, mild buffer Generally inert; avoid with very acidic products.
Glycerin Plant-based Humectant hydration Universally compatible.
Allantoin Comfrey root / synthetic Healing, barrier soothing Very safe.
Niacinamide Vitamin B3 Barrier repair, sebum balance, reduces inflammation May flush if used with strong acids (AHAs/BHAs or high-dose Vitamin C).
Inulin & Yogurtene Balance Chicory root & yogurt-derived Prebiotic for microbiome No contraindications.
Shea Butter Shea nuts Rich emollient Heavy for oily/acneic skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Coconut/MCT oil Lightweight emollient Safe, microbiome-friendly.
Glyceryl Stearate Plant fatty acid Emulsifier No issues.
Cetearyl Alcohol Plant fatty alcohol Emulsifier, texture stabiliser Safe; not drying like ethanol.
Ceteareth-20 Plant fatty alcohol derivative Emulsifier Rare irritation; caution on very sensitive skin.
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate Plant-derived amino acid salt Emulsifier Mild and safe.
Decyl Glucoside Corn-derived Gentle surfactant Very mild, good for sensitive skin.
PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate Plant-derived Emulsifier Generally safe.
Carbomer Plant polymer (synthetic) Gelling agent No issues.
Xanthan Gum Fermented sugar Thickener Safe.
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) Plant oils Antioxidant, barrier support Very safe.
Citric Acid Citrus fruit pH adjuster, mild peel May sting damaged skin.
Preservatives (Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Dehydroacetic Acid) Mixed natural/synthetic Product safety Safe in low doses; layering with many preserved products may increase irritation risk.

🚫 Contraeffects & Key Considerations

  1. High-pH Soaps / Harsh Cleansers

    • Strip skin oils, disrupt microbiome, reduce the benefits of Phyaluronic® and other hydration-supportive ingredients.

  2. Strong Antibacterials / Antimicrobials

    • Kill beneficial skin bacteria—undermining microbiome-friendly actives (e.g., Inulin, Aloe Vera, Phyaluronic®).

  3. Vitamin C + Niacinamide (at high concentrations)

    • Old studies suggested reduced effectiveness when combined; newer data shows mild interaction is fine. But spacing applications (morning vs. evening) is a good practice.

  4. Essential Oils + Sunlight

    • Citrus oils (Orange, Lime) can photosensitize. Always pair with SPF.

  5. Retinoids / Strong AHAs or BHAs

    • Can overwhelm skin when combined with strong hydrators/occlusives. Space them apart to avoid irritation.

  6. Heavy Oils (Shea, Coconut, Argan)

    • Beneficial for dry/mature skin; may feel too occlusive or pore-clogging for oily/acne-prone users.