What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPropanediol
SolventEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
SmoothingDiethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Skin ConditioningCollagen
MoisturisingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Methylpropanediol
SolventStearic Acid
CleansingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingPolyether-1
Biosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantPotassium Laurate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantThiamine Hcl
MaskingPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantParfum
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Titanium Dioxide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Alcohol Denat., Niacinamide, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Collagen, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Oryza Sativa Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Palmitic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Methylpropanediol, Stearic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Cellulose Gum, Adenosine, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Polyether-1, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Tocopherol, Potassium Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Retinyl Palmitate, Biotin, Cyanocobalamin, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Thiamine Hcl, Potassium Hyaluronate, Folic Acid, Pyridoxine, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Parfum, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantIsododecane
EmollientNylon-12
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingTribehenin
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSodium Chloride
MaskingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantAlumina
AbrasiveCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientParfum
MaskingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSilica Dimethicone Silylate
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Simethicone
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Butylene Glycol, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Isododecane, Nylon-12, PEG-10 Dimethicone, CI 77492, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Tribehenin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77491, Alumina, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Glyceryl Caprylate, CI 77499, Silica Dimethicone Silylate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Simethicone, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCi 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.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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 âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ 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 ParfumPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPolymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as âmineralâ by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isnât as strong as zinc oxideâs, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum