Our Ingredients

There are many tools out there to help you look up skincare ingredients, but we wanted to create this page just focusing on the ingredients that BAK uses. We hope to help you understand what the different ingredients are good for, and also explain where the ingredients are derived from.BAK Skincare range ingredients

 Free from unwanted chemicals

At BAK Skincare, we are committed to providing you with the very best in natural skincare solutions. All of our products have been awarded the A-rating from Denmark’s Consumer council THINK Chemicals, meaning they’re free from perfume, known plant allergens, hormone-disrupting chemicals, chemicals that harm the environment, or plant extracts or chemicals known to cause allergies.



Oil vs. water-based products

Probiotics can only stay alive and dormant in fully oil-based solutions. Water makes the dormant probiotics “wake up”, and we don’t want that to happen until you apply the products to your skin. Water-based formulations are also required by law to contain preservatives, which are of course designed to kill bacteria. This is why only our postbiotic formulations are water-based (the bacteria are already dead in postbiotics).


Natural, for better and for worse

Using a blend of natural oils and avoiding unnecessary chemicals in our formulations comes with a trade off: sometimes the different melting points of the ingredients can cause the mixture to separate if it undergoes big temperature changes. We understand you’re not used to this from conventional water-based creams—but it’s the price you pay when you don’t want to use emulsifiers. Just shake it or stir it to mix it back up, and it’s good to go.

BAK Ingredients_petri dishes

Read more about our ingredients

The order of ingredients in an INCI list is determined by the proportion of the ingredients, ranked from highest to lowest. Ingredients that make up 1% or less of the formulation can be listed in any order.

Take a closer look at our powerhouse list of ingredients. Each of our ingredients bring unique benefits to the table, and we'll highlight which skin types they suit best and which BAK products they can be found in.

  • Acrylates C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer that acts as a thickening and stabilizing agent in skincare products.

     

    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Provides a gel-like consistency to skincare products, making them easier to apply and improving their texture.

     

    Found in: Clarifying Face Gel for Acne-prone Skin


  • Water serves as the base for many skincare products. It is essential for dilution, texture, and the overall consistency of formulations.


    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Provides a hydrating base for skincare products, aiding in their application and absorption.


    Found in: Clarifying Face Gel for Acne-Prone Skin, Moisturizing Face Cream for Balanced Skin, Postbiotic Body Cream

  • Betaine is a natural amino acid derivative often derived from sugar beets. It helps maintain skin hydration and moisture balance.


    Suitable for: Atopic skin, dry skin


    Benefits: Soothes and hydrates the skin, making it ideal for atopic skin and dryness.


    Found in: Postbiotic Body Cream

  • Rapeseed oil is a rich source of fatty acids and vitamin E. It's known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties.


    Suitable for: Redness-prone skin, Atopic skin, Sensitive skin


    Benefits: Provides hydration and helps soothe irritated or sensitive skin.


    Found in: Oil for Redness, Serum for Atopic Skin, Moisturizing Face Cream for Balanced Skin

  • Shea butter is a natural fat derived from the shea tree nuts. It's renowned for its intense moisturizing and soothing properties.


    Suitable for: Sensitive and dry skin


    Benefits: Nourishes, softens, and hydrates the skin while reducing inflammation and redness.


    Found in: Serum for Atopic Skin, Moisturizing Face Cream for Balanced Skin, Postbiotic Body Cream, Healthy Aging Moisture Boost, Serum for Atopic Skin, Serum for Intimate Care

  • Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a fractionated coconut oil. It is a lightweight and non-greasy oil.


    Suitable for: Acne-prone skin, Intimate care


    Benefits: Provides lightweight moisture without clogging pores, making it suitable for acne-prone skin and intimate area.


    Found in: Serum for acne-prone skin, Serum for Intimate Care

  • Caprylyl glycol functions as a booster for preservatives in water-based skincare products.


    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: The more harsh chemicals are removed from water-based skincare products, the more important it is to use the right preservatives to prevent growth of harmful microbes or the product going off. Carylyl glycol enchances the effect of other preservatives, so that the overall amount of preservatives in the product can be reduced.


    Found in: Postbiotic Body Cream, Clarifying Face Gel for Acne-prone Skin

  • Carbomer is a synthetic polymer commonly used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in skincare products.

     

    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Provides a gel-like consistency to skincare products, making them easier to apply and improving their texture.

     

    Found in: Moisturizing Face Cream for Balanced Skin, Clarifying Face Gel for Acne-prone Skin


  • Beeswax is a natural wax produced by honeybees. It is commonly used in skincare for its emollient and protective properties and barrier function.


    Suitable for: Dry skin


    Benefits: Forms a protective barrier, locking in moisture and preventing moisture loss in dry skin.


    Found in: Serum for Dry Skin

  • Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol derived from natural sources like coconut. It acts as an emollient and thickening agent in skincare products.


    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Provides a creamy texture and helps stabilize formulations, making them more spreadable.


    Found in: Postbiotic Body Cream, Moisturizing Face Cream for Balanced Skin, Serum for Intimate Care

  • Cetearyl ethylhexanoate is an ester derived from cetearyl alcohol and ethylhexanoic acid. It functions as an emollient.


    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Enhances the smoothness and spreadability of skincare products, leaving the skin feeling soft.


    Found in: Postbiotic Body Cream

  • Citric acid is a weak organic acid derived from citrus fruits. It is often used in skincare to adjust the pH of formulations.


    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Helps maintain the pH balance of skincare products, ensuring they are gentle on the skin.


    Found in: Moisturizing Face Cream for Balanced Skin

  • Carnauba wax is a natural wax obtained from the leaves of the carnauba palm. It is commonly used in cosmetics and skincare for its emollient and thickening properties.


    Suitable for: Dry, sensitive skin


    Benefits: Provides a creamy texture and contributes to the smoothness of intimate care products. It can help create a protective barrier.


    Found in: Serum for Intimate Care

  • Feruloyl Soy Glycerides is an ingredient derived from soybean oil and is rich in ferulic acid, an antioxidant.


    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It can help maintain the skin's overall health and appearance.


    Found in: Healthy Aging Antioxidant Oil

  • Glycerin is a humectant that attracts and retains moisture. It is widely used in skincare for its hydrating properties.


    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Hydrates and moisturizes the skin, leaving it soft and supple.


    Found in: Moisturizing Face Cream for Balanced Skin, Clarifying Face Gel for Acne-Prone Skin

  • Glyceryl laurate is a natural emollient and skin-conditioning agent that contributes to the texture and overall formulation of skincare products.

     

    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Enhances the smoothness and spreadability of skincare formulations.

     

    Found in: Postbiotic Body Cream

  • Glyceryl stearate citrate is an emulsifier and emollient that helps stabilize and improve the texture of skincare products.

     

    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Ensures even distribution of ingredients and contributes to the overall formulation and spreadability of skincare products.

     

    Found in: Postbiotic Body Cream

  • Sunflower seed oil is rich in vitamins and fatty acids. It has emollient and antioxidant properties.


    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Provides hydration, antioxidant protection, and helps maintain skin's natural barrier.


    Found in: Prebiotic Cleanser, Postbiotic Body Cream, Oil for Redness, Oil for Acne-prone Skin, Healthy Aging Antioxidant Oil, Healthy Aging Moisture Boost, Serum for Acne-prone Skin, Serum for Atopic Skin, Serum for Intimate Care

  • Hydrogenated ethylhexyl olivate is a derivative of olive oil. It's a lightweight oil that doesn't clog pores.


    Suitable for: Acne-prone skin


    Benefits: Provides moisture without causing breakouts, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.


    Found in: Oil for Acne-prone Skin, Serum for Acne-prone Skin,

  • Hydrogenated vegetable oil is a plant-derived fat that acts as an emollient.


    Suitable for: Dry skin


    Benefits: Helps lock in moisture and maintain skin hydration.


    Found in: Healthy Aging Moisture Boost

  • Inulin is a prebiotic derived from plants. It supports the skin's natural microbiome by feeding the microbes.


    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Nourishes and promotes a healthy balance of beneficial skin bacteria.


    Found in: Prebiotic Cleanser

  • Isostearyl isostearate is an ester derived from fatty acids and is used as an emollient.


    Suitable for: Oily or Acne-prone skin


    Benefits: Provides a lightweight, non-greasy texture to skincare products.


    Found in: Clarifying Face Gel for Acne-prone Skin

  • Lactiplantibacillus ferment lysate indicates a postbiotic, which is an inanimate (not living) probiotic-derived ingredient that can help support the skin's natural microbiome. BAKs ferment lysate contains the intact cells of the dead microorganisms as well as the metabolites they created whilst they were alive. Different ferment lysates have different properties and metabolites.


    Suitable for: All skin types.


    Benefits: Supports a healthy skin microbiome, promoting overall skin health. Different ferment lysates have different properties and metabolites. BAK's LB356R Ferment Lysate improves hydration, and inhibits the bacteria C. acnes, which can cause pimples.


    Found in: Postbiotic Body Cream, Clarifying Face Gel for Acne-prone Skin, Moisturizing Face Cream for Balanced Skin

    Read more

  • Lactobacillus is a large group of (genus) of lactic acid bacteria, whereof some are probiotic, and known for their potential to support a healthy skin microbiome. At BAK we use specific strains that are especially suitable for use in skincare because of their uniquely beneficial properties. BAK uses several targeted strains of Lactobacillus in our products, and the selection depends on the intended use of the product.


    Suitable for: All skin types.


    Benefits: Helps balance the skin's microbiome, supporting a healthier and more resilient complexion. Lactobacillus may contribute to improved skin barrier function, making it valuable for various skincare concerns, including acne-prone, atopic, and dry skin.


    Found in: Serum for Atopic Skin, Healthy Aging Moisture Boost, Serum for Intimate Care, Serum for Acne-prone Skin, Serum for Dry Skin, Oil for Redness, Day Care Oil

    Read more

  • Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a probiotic that originates from lactic acid bacteria and is known for its potential to support a healthy skin microbiome. It belongs to the Lactobacillus genus.


    Suitable for: All skin types.


    Benefits: Helps balance the skin's microbiome, supporting a healthier and more resilient complexion. Lactobacillus may contribute to improved skin barrier function, making it valuable for various skincare concerns, including acne-prone, atopic, and dry skin.


    Found in: Serum for Atopic Skin, Healthy Aging Moisture Boost, Serum for Intimate Care, Serum for Acne-prone Skin, Serum for Dry Skin, Oil for Redness, Day Care Oil

    Read more

  • Lauroyl lysine is an amino acid derivative that functions as a skin-conditioning agent, improving the texture of skincare products.

     

    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Enhances the feel and spreadability of skincare formulations.

     

    Found in: Clarifying Face Gel for Acne-prone Skin


  • MIPA-cocoyl sarcosinate is a surfactant often used in skincare products for its cleansing and foaming properties.

     

    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Helps cleanse the skin by removing dirt and impurities, creating a gentle lather in cleansers.

     

    Found in: Prebiotic Cleanser


  • Myristyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol used in skincare products as an emollient and thickening agent.


    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Myristyl Alcohol helps provide a creamy texture and enhances the smoothness of skincare products. It can contribute to improving the products' structure.


    Found in: Serum for Intimate Care

  • Pediococcus is a probiotic strain that can be used in skincare products to support a healthy intimate microbiome.

     

    Suitable for: Intimate area


    Benefits: Helps balance the intimate microbiome, promoting overall health and better resistance to pathogenic bacteria and imbalances.

     

    Found in: Serum for Intimate Care


    Read more

  • Pentylene glycol is a synthetic humectant used to increase the moisture content of skincare products.


    Suitable for: All skin types.


    Benefits: Helps hydrate and soften the skin.


    Found in: Postbiotic Body Cream

  • Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms in water-based skincare products.


    Suitable for: All skin types.


    Benefits: Extends the shelf life of skincare products, ensuring their safety and efficacy.


    Found in: Moisturizing Face Cream for Balanced Skin, Clarifying Face Gel for Acne-prone Skin, Postbiotic Body Cream

  • Phytosterols are plant-derived compounds similar to cholesterol. They have emollient properties and can help soothe the skin.

     

    Suitable for: Acne-prone skin


    Benefits: Supports skin barrier function, reduces inflammation, and contributes to overall skin health.

     

    Found in: Oil for acne-prone skin


  • Polyglyceryl-3 caprate is an emulsifier that helps combine oil and water-based ingredients in skincare formulations.


    Suitable for: All skin types.


    Benefits: Helps to remove dirt from the skin, and is used as a mild alternative to soap.


    Found in: Prebiotic Cleanser

  • Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate is an emulsifier that helps to combine oil and water'based ingredients in skincare products.


    Suitable for: All skin types.


    Benefits: Enhances the overall formulation and spreadability of skincare products.


    Found in: Prebiotic Cleanser

  • Polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate is an emulsifier that assists in creating stable emulsions in skincare products.


    Suitable for: All skin types.


    Benefits: Ensures the even distribution of oil and water-based ingredients in formulations.


    Found in: Prebiotic Cleanser, Postbiotic Body Cream

  • Sweet almond oil is rich in vitamins and fatty acids, making it a nourishing and moisturizing oil.


    Suitable for: All skin types.


    Benefits: Provides hydration and supports skin barrier function.


    Found in: Prebiotic Cleanser, Healthy Aging Moisture Boost, Serum for Dry Skin

  • Rhus succedanae fruit cera is a wax derived from the fruit of the Japanese wax tree.


    Suitable for: Dry Skin, Intimate Care


    Benefits: Helps create a protective barrier.


    Found in: Serum for Intimate Care

  • Rhus verniciflua peel cera is a wax obtained from the peel of the Japanese lacquer tree.


    Suitable for: Sensitive Skin


    Benefits: Enhances the texture and structure of skincare products.


    Found in: Serum for Intimate Care

  • Castor seed oil is a natural oil derived from castor beans. It is often used in skincare for its emollient and anti-inflammatory properties.

     

    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Has anti-inflammatory propterties and provides lightweight moisture without clogging pores, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.

     

    Found in: Oil for acne-prone skin


  • Jojoba oil closely resembles the skin's natural sebum. It is a versatile and lightweight oil.


    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Balances oil production, moisturizes, and provides antioxidant protection.


    Found in: Oil for Redness, Oil for acne-prone skin, Healthy Aging Antioxidant Oil, Healthy Aging Moisture Boost, Serum for Acne-prone Skin, Serum for Atopic Skin, Moisturizing Face Cream for Balanced Skin, Serum for Dry Skin, Serum for Intimate Care

  • Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye, is used in skincare to adjust the pH of formulations.

     

    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Helps maintain the pH balance of skincare products, ensuring they are gentle on the skin.

     

    Found in: Clarifying Face Gel for Acne-prone Skin, Moisturizing Face Cream for Balanced Skin


  • Squalane is a derivative of squalene, a natural component of human sebum. It is a lightweight and non-comedogenic oil.


    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Hydrates and softens the skin without clogging pores.


    Found in: Postbiotic Body Cream, 

  • Stearyl stearate is an ester of stearyl alcohol and stearic acid. It functions as a thickening agent and emollient.


    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Provides a creamy texture and improves the spreadability of skincare products.


    Found in: Serum for Intimate Care

  • Tocopherol is vitamin E, known for its antioxidant properties.


    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Protects the skin from free radicals, supports skin health, and extends the shelf life of skincare products.


    Found in: Postbiotic Body Cream, Prebiotic Cleanser, Day Care Oil, Oil for Redness, Oil for acne-prone skin, Healthy Aging Antioxidant Oil, Healthy Aging Moisture Boost, Serum for Acne-prone Skin, Serum for Atopic Skin, Serum for Dry Skin, Serum for Intimate Care

  • Xanthan gum is a natural polysaccharide often used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in skincare products.


    Suitable for: All skin types


    Benefits: Enhances the texture and consistency of skincare products, ensuring they are easy to apply and provide even coverage.


    Found in: Postbiotic Body Cream