What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Diisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Propanediol
Solvent
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Perlite
Absorbent
Triethanolamine
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingSilica
Abrasive
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Bis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Cetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingCaesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Propanediol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Perlite, Triethanolamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Silica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Diglycerin
Humectant
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Polyglycerin-3
Humectant
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitol
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium PCA
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Parfum
Masking
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Stearate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Diglycerin, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Polyglycerin-3, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Sorbitol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, CI 42090
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
A 2019 study has also observed Malassezia growth in the presence of this ingredient, confirming it to be not-fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.
Learn more about Potassium Cetyl PhosphatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
