What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Talc
Abrasive
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
Abrasive
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Polyisobutene
Magnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
Emollient
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Tridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 47005
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantTin Oxide
Abrasive
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Polyethylene Terephthalate
Ceresin
Emulsion StabilisingParaffinum Liquidum
Emollient
Synthetic Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Petrolatum
Emollient
CI 77000
Cosmetic ColorantTalc, Mica, Silica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyisobutene, Magnesium Stearate, Dimethicone, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 15985, CI 19140, CI 47005, Iron Oxides, CI 15850, CI 77891, CI 45410, CI 77007, Tin Oxide, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Ceresin, Paraffinum Liquidum, Synthetic Beeswax, Petrolatum, CI 77000
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Polyisobutene
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCopper PCA
HumectantBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
CI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantUmber
AbsorbentSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Silica
Abrasive
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Zinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantBoron Nitride
Absorbent
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyisobutene, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, Iron Oxides, CI 16035, CI 19140, Copper PCA, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, CI 77742, Umber, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Zinc Stearate, Boron Nitride, Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is lipid-based synthetic skin-conditioning agent derived from adipic acid and a mixture of fatty acids. It is often called a lanolin substitute.
As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate the skin. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Due to its fatty acid base, it may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2This 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 TriglycerideCI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Ci 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 77891Ethylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.
It is a film-forming agent and helps bind ingredients together.
Polyisobutene is not absorbed by the skin.
Learn more about PolyisobuteneSilica, 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 FluorphlogopiteTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis ingredient is a combination of red, black, and yellow iron oxide pigments. This combination of colors is usually found in foundation, because it results in a "skin" color.
The EU typically uses CI numbers for colorants when applicable, such as CI 77489. In the US, iron oxides are regulated as color additives and "iron oxides" is the most commonly used name in US cosmetic practice.
A 2021 paper looked at skincare formulations containing iron oxides and found that they reduced transmission of blue light when measured optically. In simple terms, the pigment particles helped block or scatter part of the visible light spectrum in lab testing and the authors suggest this could translate into better protection against blue-light-related skin effects.
There is also clinical and experimental research showing that tinted products containing iron oxides can reduce visible light-induced pigmentation:
Please note, whether a product reduces visible or blue light depends on things like:
In the EU's CosIng database, iron oxides are only listed as a colorant. CosIng groups ingredients by their main cosmetic role, such as colorant, preservative, or UV filter.
Though studies say iron oxides can "attenuate blue light", they're describing an optical property and not an officially recognized cosmetic function.
So CosIng isn’t contradicting the research. It’s just classifying iron oxides by what they officially are: pigments that add color.
Learn more about Iron Oxides
