AMUSE Dew Balm Versus AMUSE Fondue Balm
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Squalane
EmollientTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveOctyldodecanol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Decaisostearate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTrimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientDimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientPyrus Malus Seed Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSoluble Collagen
HumectantBoron Nitride
AbsorbentDiglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingSucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantTocopherol
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantSqualane, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Diisostearyl Malate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Synthetic Wax, Octyldodecanol, Polyglyceryl-10 Decaisostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyethylene, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Pyrus Malus Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Soluble Collagen, Boron Nitride, Diglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Water, Glycerin, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Parfum, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 15850, CI 77491, CI 17200
Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientParaffin
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMenthone Glycerin Acetal
RefreshingCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasiveCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantPropylene Carbonate
SolventCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantBis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Paraffin, Octyldodecanol, Microcrystalline Wax, Sorbitan Isostearate, Synthetic Wax, Titanium Dioxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Menthone Glycerin Acetal, CI 45410, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, CI 19140, CI 15985, Propylene Carbonate, CI 15850, Parfum, Water, Panthenol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CI 77499, CI 42090, Butylene Glycol, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
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 15850Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer is an exfoliant.
Hydrogenated 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 PolyisobuteneHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPentaerythrityl 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 HydroxyhydrocinnamatePolyglyceryl-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 TriisostearateSorbitan 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 IsostearateSynthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
This ingredient has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Synthetic Waxes are straight/branched-chain hydrocarbons with no ester bond or fatty acids. That means there is nothing for the Malassezia yeast to feed on.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxWater. 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