What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Talc
AbrasiveMica
Cosmetic ColorantSilicon
AbrasiveNylon-12
Silica
AbrasiveMagnesium Myristate
Boron Nitride
AbsorbentCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantHexyl Laurate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientDipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIsostearyl Neopentanoate
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Kaolin
AbrasiveUltramarines
CI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantTin Oxide
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantTalc, Mica, Silicon, Nylon-12, Silica, Magnesium Myristate, Boron Nitride, CI 77891, Hexyl Laurate, Dimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499, Caprylyl Glycol, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Kaolin, Ultramarines, CI 77742, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate, Magnesium Stearate, Tin Oxide, Tocopherol
Talc
AbrasiveDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Nylon-12
Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCalcium Titanium Borosilicate
AbrasiveMagnesium Myristate
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethyl Methacrylate
Calcium Sodium Borosilicate
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTin Oxide
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantCetearyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantUltramarines
Water
Skin ConditioningLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientKaolin
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientIsocetyl Myristate
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantSqualane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveZinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantStearic Acid
CleansingCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantPolyethylene
AbrasiveCI 77510
Cosmetic ColorantTalc, Diisostearyl Malate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Nylon-12, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate, CI 77491, Calcium Titanium Borosilicate, Magnesium Myristate, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Magnesium Stearate, CI 77499, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tin Oxide, Tocopherol, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, CI 15850, Ultramarines, Water, Lauroyl Lysine, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Kaolin, Dimethicone, Isocetyl Myristate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hydrogenated Lecithin, CI 77492, Squalane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Silica, Zinc Stearate, Stearic Acid, CI 77742, Polyethylene, CI 77510
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate is made up of calcium, aluminum, and silicates. It is a glass-like material. In cosmetics, it comes in the form of flakes or microspheres.
Calcium aluminum borosilicate is a bulking agent, meaning it helps thicken a product.
This ingredient is created by slowly mixing several minerals, including kaolin clay.
Although “aluminum” in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly. For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic “aluminum overload.”
Learn more about Calcium Aluminum BorosilicateThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl 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.
This ingredient is used to add a violet color to cosmetics.
It is created by reacting phosphoric acid, ammonium dihydrogen orthophosphate, and manganese dioxide.
Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid. It is an emollient, co-emulsifier, and preservative booster.
Its short C8 fatty acid chain makes it behave differently from its longer-chain emollient cousins like Glyceryl Stearate. It feels more lightweight, fast-absorbing, and silky instead of rich and waxy.
As a co-emulsifier, its "head" and "tail" sit at the oil-water interface. But overall, the short C8 tail and not being water soluble means it doesn't really have the muscle to emulsify a formula on its own. That's why you'll often see it paired with a primary emulsifier like Cetearyl Glucoside.
Interestingly, Glyceryl Caprylate acts as a preservative booster. This is because its fatty-acid backbone disrupts microbial lipid membranes. It shows excellent activity against bacteria and yeast but is weaker against mold.
Typical concentrations range from 0.5-1% and this ingredient is generally non-irritating.
Because this ingredient has a C8 fatty acid chain, it is outside the range that the Malassezia yeast metabolizes (making it fungal acne safe).
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateHydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Kaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinWe don't have a description for Magnesium Myristate yet.
Magnesium Stearate is a salt that is 2 parts stearic acid and 1 part magnesium.
It is a white powder that can be used to add bulk and color to products by binding to oil ingredients.
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaNylon-12 is a polymer. It is derived from 12-aminododecanoic acid, an omega-amino fatty acid
According to a manufacturer, it is a talc substitute. Like talc, nylon-12 gives products a satin feel. The manufacturer also claims this ingredients does not block pores and has moderate oil absorption.
This ingredient may not be reef-safe.
Learn more about Nylon-12Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate is created from stearic acid.
It is an emollient and thickens the lipid (oil) portion of a product. Due to its emollient properties, it may not be fungal-acne safe.
This ingredient is also known as PMMA. It is a polymer microsphere, composed of tiny, perfectly spherical particles formed from repeating units.
In cosmetics, PMMA is mainly used to give a soft or blurring effect. The transparent particles are able to scatter light and help reduce the appearance of fine-lines and imperfections.
PMMA is also able to enhance the texture of products by add a smooth feel.
Learn more about Polymethyl MethacrylateSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSynthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteTalc 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 TalcTin Oxide is an inorganic oxide used to add opacity and volume to a product. In nature, it is already found in mineral form. The main ore of tin is an opaque and shiny mineral called casseterite.
Tin Oxide helps remove translucency in a product, or make it more opaque. Besides adding opacity, tin oxide is used for bulking to add volume.
Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneUltramarines are a group of synthetic pigments. They can be either blue, green, pink, red, or violet.
Mineral sources are often used to create ultramarines. The FDA regulates this ingredient due to it potentially containing (trace) amounts of heavy metals.