What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantBis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMagnesium Sulfate
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
EmollientTalc
AbrasiveNylon-12
Dimethicone
EmollientLimonene
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingParfum
MaskingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantLitchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Alcohol Denat., Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Sulfate, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Talc, Nylon-12, Dimethicone, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Parfum, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Butylene Glycol, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract, BHT, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hexyl Cinnamal, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77163
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningTalc
AbrasiveBoron Nitride
AbsorbentSilica
AbrasiveEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone
EmollientMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantGlycoproteins
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentCaviar Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantButyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasiveSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthyl Linoleate
EmollientEthyl Oleate
EmollientEthyl Stearate
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientEthyl Palmitate
EmollientBHT
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Lauroyl Lysine, Talc, Boron Nitride, Silica, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Magnesium Stearate, Glycoproteins, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Caviar Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Alumina, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Water, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethyl Linoleate, Ethyl Oleate, Ethyl Stearate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Ethyl Palmitate, BHT, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Citronellol, Geraniol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77163, Mica, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Salicylate is a solvent and fragrance additive. It is an ester of benzyl alcohol and salicylic acid. This ingredient can be naturally found in some plants and plant extracts.
In fragrances, Benzyl Salicylate may be a solvent or a fragrance component. In synthetic musk scents, it is used as a solvent. For floral fragrances such as lilac and jasmine, it is used as a fragrance component. The natural scent of Benzyl Salicylate is described as "lightly-sweet, slightly balsamic".
While Benzyl Salicylate has been associated with contact dermatitis and allergies, emerging studies show it may not be caused by this ingredient alone.
However, this ingredient is often used with fragrances and other components that may cause allergies. It is still listed as a known allergen in the EU. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Another study from 2021 shows Benzyl Salicylate may have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Benzyl SalicylateBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTThis synthetic powder is used to add a pearly/white color in cosmetics.
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 77891Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolParfum 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeSodium 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 HyaluronateTalc is a clay mineral. It helps absorb moisture and improve the texture of products. Like other types of clay, Talc can have a slight exfoliating effect on skin. Talc can be added to increase the volume of products.
Some Baby powders are made by combining talc with corn starch. The word "talc" comes from Latin and originates from Arabic. Talc is a mineral commonly found throughout the world.
If you have any concerns about using talc, we recommend checking out the FDA's official page.
Learn more about TalcWater. 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 Water