What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-4
HumectantHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Caprylyl Dimethicone Ethoxy Glucoside
Emulsifying
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Myristyl Lactate
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Chloride
MaskingBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Cetyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Stearoyl Inulin
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Lysine
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Alcohol, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, PEG-4, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 20, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylyl Dimethicone Ethoxy Glucoside, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Myristyl Lactate, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Silica, Stearoyl Inulin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Lysine, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Isododecane
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Silica
Abrasive
Nylon-12
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Menthyl PCA
HumectantSodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Arginine PCA
HumectantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Parfum
Masking
Isomalt
HumectantSodium Phytate
Phaeodactylum Tricornutum Extract
HumectantAcetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Phytol
Emollient
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Silica, Nylon-12, Phenoxyethanol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polysorbate 20, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Menthyl PCA, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Arginine PCA, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum, Isomalt, Sodium Phytate, Phaeodactylum Tricornutum Extract, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Alcohol, Phytol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Limonene, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
Reviews
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 also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholAluminum 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 HydroxideCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDisteardimonium 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 HectoritePeg-10 Dimethicone is silicone with conditioner and emulsifier properties. It mostly acts as an emollient in skincare and and humectant in haircare.
According to the manufacturer, acidic formulations decrease the stability of this ingredient. It works best in neutral or near neutral formulations.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Silica, 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 SilicaThis ingredient is a preservative with antimicrobial properties. It is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid.
It is especially effective at preventing bacterial and fungal growth in low concentrations.
Tocopheryl 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 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
