What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone
EmollientIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientDiphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Synthetic Wax
AbrasiveDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientIsoeicosane
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Polyethylene
AbrasiveDiglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate
EmollientCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPhytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Sorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Hydroxystearate
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCandelilla Wax Esters
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPropylene Carbonate
SolventTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone, Isoamyl Laurate, Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Synthetic Wax, Diisostearyl Malate, CI 77891, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Isoeicosane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Silica, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Polyethylene, Diglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate, CI 15985, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, CI 77491, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 77492, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Candelilla Wax Esters, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Propylene Carbonate, Tocopherol, CI 15850, CI 77499
Dimethicone
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingKaolin
AbrasiveVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientTricalcium Phosphate
AbrasiveDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Tribehenin
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPropylene Carbonate
SolventPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeIsostearic Acid
CleansingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone, Isododecane, Silica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Kaolin, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Diisostearyl Malate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Tricalcium Phosphate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Tribehenin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sorbitan Isostearate, Propylene Carbonate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Isopropyl Myristate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Isostearic Acid, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 77891, CI 17200, CI 15850
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 is a synthetic emollient that works as a lanolin substitute.
This ingredient is a great vegan option for those avoiding animal-derived ingredients.
It mostly stays on the surface of skin where it helps hydrate due to its large molecular size and low water solubility.
Due to it being derived from fatty acids, this ingredient may not be Malassezia or fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2Ci 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 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 77891Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
Dimethicone 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 PalmitateIsopropyl Myristate is an ester made by combining isopropyl alcohol with myristic acid.
It is primarily an emollient and penetration enhancer that gives products a lightweight, silky feel without the heaviness of oils.
This ingredient is generally considered non-toxic, non-irritating, and has low absorption potential.
You might have heard that this ingredient clogs pores. This reputation comes from the older rabbit ear studies which are more sensitive than human skin to clogging.
Dermatologist Dr. Zoe Draelos has also confirmed in a peer-reviewed paper that products containing comedogenic ingredients are not necessarily comedogenic themselves.
A small subset of people (~2%) may experience contact sensitivity so patch testing is a reasonable idea if you have reactive skin.
Since this ingredient is an ester of myristic acid (a C14 fatty acid), it falls within the carbon chain range that is known to feed Malassezia. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Isopropyl MyristateIsostearic Acid is a fatty acid and a structural cousin of stearic acid. It is an emulsifier.
The branched structure of this ingredient enhances fluidity and gives it a lighter, less greasy feel compared to other fatty acids. It helps improve texture and consistency because it prevents oil and water phases from separating.
This ingredient is sourced from plant-based oils like soybean or rapeseed.
Clinical studies found no signs of irritation from this ingredient.
Since Isostearic Acid is an 18-carbon fatty acid, it is in the range that Malassezia can feed on. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
You might have seen sources that this ingredient is comedogenic. The original comedogenic testing on rabbit ear actually tested the ester, Isopropyl Isostearate and not Isostearic acid itself. There has been no comedogenic testing done on this ingredient, but it may be worth patch testing if you have acne-prone skin.
Learn more about Isostearic AcidLecithin 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 LecithinPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is a plant-derived emulsifier and pigment-dispersing agent with a non-sticky skin feel.
It helps products glide on smoothly and prevents oil and water from separating in a formula, making it suitable for sunscreen and makeup formulations.
The EU inventory of cosmetics has no use restrictions on this ingredient and it is considered well-tolerated.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is derived from isostearic acid.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearatePolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate is a plant-derived emulsifier made by combining glycerin and ricinoleic acid.
It works well for giving buttery lip balms and low-viscosity water-in-oil emulsions a non-greasy and pleasant skin feel.
Typical concentrations range from 0.1-3%.
This ingredient is mild and non-irritating in nature.
Because it is derived from ricinoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Ricinoleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 PolyricinoleatePolyhydroxystearic Acid is a vegetable-derived soft wax made from castor oil. It's an emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and film former.
You'll likely see it in sunscreens because it helps disperse pigments and UV-reflecting minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide evenly.
Depending on the concentration, it can drastically change the texture of a product from pasty solid (like lipstick) to sprayable liquid.
The CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has concluded this ingredient to be safe in cosmetics. The highest reported use concentration is 14.2% in lipsticks.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidThis ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonateSilica, 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 SilicaSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, it keeps the water and oil ingredients from separating. This keeps formulas stable and smooth.
In a 24 hour occlusive patch test on 56 subjects, 10% sorbitan isostearate was completely non-irritating. Most formulas use less than 10%.
Because it's a fatty acid ester, it may not be fungal acne safe since the Malassezia yeast can utilize it as a nutrient source.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis ingredient is used in makeup and skincare to thicken formulas, reduce shine, and give skin a silky-smooth feel.
Itβs a white silicone powder that sits in fine lines and pores to blur their appearance though its effectiveness depends on the particle size.
You'll typically find this ingredient in amounts between 0.1-20%.
Learn more about Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer