What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningIsoeicosane
EmollientCI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPolyethylene
AbrasiveCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCopernicia Cerifera Wax
C10-18 Triglycerides
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingDiglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingCandelilla Wax Esters
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingMagnesium Myristate
Triethyl Citrate
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone, Silica, Isoamyl Laurate, Synthetic Wax, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isoeicosane, CI 77120, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, CI 77891, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Microcrystalline Wax, Polyethylene, CI 77491, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, C10-18 Triglycerides, Sorbitan Isostearate, Diglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Candelilla Wax Esters, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Magnesium Myristate, Triethyl Citrate, Tocopherol, CI 77492, CI 19140, CI 15850, CI 42090, CI 77499
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientSilica
AbrasivePolyethylene
AbrasiveDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Officinalis Flower Extract
TonicSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPunica Granatum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingLecithin
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingCI 77220
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGlucomannan
Skin ConditioningCI 12085
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45380
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polydecene, Dimethicone, Silica, Polyethylene, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Parfum, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables, Paeonia Officinalis Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Flower Extract, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, CI 77220, Aluminum Hydroxide, Trihydroxystearin, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucomannan, CI 12085, CI 15850, CI 15985, CI 17200, CI 19140, CI 42090, CI 45380, CI 45410, CI 73360, CI 77163, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77742, CI 77891
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ci 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Ci 42090 is a synthetic dye created from petroleum. It is used to give a bright blue color to cosmetics, medicine, and food.
Ci 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is an ester of palmitic acid, a C16 fatty acid that falls within the C11-24 range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Learn more about LecithinPolyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
It is also typically used within product formulations to help bind solid ingredients together and thicken oil-based ingredients. When added to balms and emulsions, it helps increase the melting point temperature.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolEuphorbia Cerifera Wax (aka candelilla wax) is a vegan stand-in for beeswax. It is a plant-derived wax that functions as an astringent, emulsion stabilizer, film-former, and skin conditioner.
On skin, it forms a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture while it enhances product stability, prevents separation, and helps color last longer in makeup.
This ingredient is generally safe for use in cosmetics with one nuance: some grades of candelilla wax can naturally contain benzyl alcohol at concentrations high enough to require declaration under EU labeling rules. This isn't a concern for most people but relevant for those with fragrance sensitivities.
Candelilla wax contains fatty acids (mainly C31) and wax esters that can be used by the Malassezia yeast, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
You might see Euphorbia Cerifera "Cera" instead of "wax". This is because some brands, databases, or labels use it interchangeably; they're the same ingredient.
Learn more about Euphorbia Cerifera Wax