What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone
EmollientIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDiphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Synthetic Wax
AbrasiveIsoeicosane
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSilica
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Diglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPhytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPropylene Carbonate
SolventPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone, Isoamyl Laurate, Diisostearyl Malate, CI 77891, Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Synthetic Wax, Isoeicosane, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Silica, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Diglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate, Polyethylene, CI 77491, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Propylene Carbonate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CI 45410, CI 42090, CI 77492, CI 77499
Dimethicone
EmollientIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientDiphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polyethylene
AbrasiveIsoeicosane
EmollientEthylhexyl Hydroxystearate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParaffin
Skin ConditioningDiglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone, Isoamyl Laurate, Diisostearyl Malate, Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, CI 77891, Isononyl Isononanoate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polyethylene, Isoeicosane, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Silica, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Microcrystalline Wax, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Paraffin, Diglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate, CI 77492, CI 77491, Sodium Hyaluronate, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Water, Glycerin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, CI 19140, CI 15850, CI 45410, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
CI 45410 is a synthetic red-pigment and dye.
It often goes by both Red 28 or Red 27; manufacturers label both ingredients as CI 45410.
This dye is commonly found in makeup because it imparts a vivid color. Some types of this dye change color based on pH level and interaction with moisture:
Your skin has a natural pH of around 4.5 - 5.5.
According to the FDA, CI 45410 is not permitted for use in eye products.
Red 27 is a flourescein dye and commonly used as a fluorescent tracer in medicine.
Learn more about CI 45410Ci 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 77891This ingredient is an emollient made from glycerin and fatty acids. Due to its structure, it can help add a silky and cushiony feel without being greasy.
Diisostearyl 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.
Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer is a type of silicone.
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate isn't fungal acne safe.
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 a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneIsoamyl Laurate is a plant-derived and biodegradable lightweight emollient that is an Ecocert/COSMOS approved alternative to silicones.
It functions as an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin without leaving a greasy/sticky feel.
You'll find it in a range of products from makeup to sunscreen, and typically at low percentages (~2-5%).
This ingredient is deemed safe at current cosmetic use and non-sensitizing in human studies (it's even approved as a food additive flavoring substance).
Because this ingredient is an easter of lauric acid, it falls in the C11-24 range that Malassezia can feed on, making this ingredient not fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Isoamyl LaurateWe don't have a description for Isoeicosane yet.
Isopropyl 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 LecithinPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamatePolyethylene 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.
Polyglyceryl-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 AcidSilica, 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