What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientMethylpropanediol
SolventDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingIsododecane
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientParfum
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasiveCalendula Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthellum Indicum Extract
Skin ConditioningHibiscus Mutabilis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientMagnolia Sieboldii Extract
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantEDTA
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Methylpropanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Silica, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Isododecane, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Parfum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Alumina, Calendula Officinalis Extract, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Hibiscus Mutabilis Flower Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Magnolia Sieboldii Extract, Propolis Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, EDTA, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCetyl Dimethicone
EmollientDiglycerin
HumectantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAcrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Magnesium Sulfate
Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingStearic Acid
CleansingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAlumina
AbrasivePolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientLecithin
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningResveratrol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientBetaine
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantSodium PCA
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPoly(Tripeptide-6)
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Diisostearyl Malate, Octyldodecanol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Methyl Trimethicone, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Diglycerin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer, Lauroyl Lysine, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Alumina, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Resveratrol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Betaine, Trehalose, Sodium PCA, 1,2-Hexanediol, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Poly(Tripeptide-6), Phenoxyethanol, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, 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.
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
Alumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is a white powder used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.
As an absorbent, alumina can give a mattifying effect. It is used in mineral sunscreens to help coat nano-sized filters, such as titanium dioxide. By increasing the size of the UV filters, these ingredients stay on the skin for a longer time. By coating small sized ingredients, alumina helps thicken a product.
Alumina may be used as an abrasive, or exfoliant.
Alumina is naturally occurring in the mineral corundum. Certain varieties of corundum create rubies and sapphires. Corundum is also the crystalline form of alumina.
Learn more about AluminaButylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together.
It's pretty effective because one end of the molecule loves oil and the other one loves water.
Besides holding formulas together, it also leaves a silky and lightweight feel on skin without the greasiness. A manufacturer also claims it can help with the controlled release of active ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel found this ingredient to not be sensitizing in concentrations up to 15% in human maximazation testing and dimethicone-based compounds were not comedogenic.
It has a high molecular weight well above 1,000 g/mol which means it limits meaningful skin penetration.
A 2019 study specifically tested this ingredient and found no observable Malassezia growth in its presence.
Learn more about Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeCi 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 77891Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.
Learn more about IsododecaneThis ingredient is an synthetic emollient, emulsifier, and used as a surface treatment for pigment particles (like iron oxides or titanium dioxide).
The “triisostearate” part of this ingredient is an ester derived from isostearic acid, a long-chain fatty acid.
It "wraps" these ingredients in a form of slippery jacket so they disperse more evenly in oils, glide better on skin, and stick longer without smudging.
Human repeat insult patch tests on foundations containing this ingredient found no sensitization concerns.
Since isostearic acid is a C18 fatty acid, it falls within the carbon chain length that Malassezia can potentially metabolize. This is why this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Isopropyl Titanium TriisostearatePolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate is a plant-derived, PEG-free emulsifier.
It's made by hooking isostearic acid onto a chain of glycerin units to give it a water-loving "head" and oil-loving "tail". This allows it to keep the oil and water mixed in a formula.
The highest reported concentration is about 24% in eye makeup but most suppliers recommend a level below 10%.
It has a clean track record for safety and found to be non-irritating.
Because it is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, Malassezia can potentially metabolize it (it sits in the C11-24 range that Malassezia likes). Therefore, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-4 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 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water