What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Isododecane
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Silylate
Ptfe
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Tristearate
EmulsifyingPolyisobutene
Kaolin
AbrasiveSilica Silylate
EmollientTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningDiisopropyl Adipate
EmollientCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Quaternium-90 Bentonite
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingHectorite
AbsorbentCholesterol
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventMethicone
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingMagnesium Salicylate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77289
Cosmetic ColorantCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77510
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantIsododecane, Water, Trisiloxane, Dimethicone Silylate, Ptfe, Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Tristearate, Polyisobutene, Kaolin, Silica Silylate, Trihydroxystearin, Diisopropyl Adipate, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Microcrystalline Wax, Hectorite, Cholesterol, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Carbonate, Methicone, Hexylene Glycol, Magnesium Salicylate, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Iron Oxides, CI 77891, CI 77742, CI 77288, CI 77289, CI 75470, CI 77510, CI 77163, CI 77007
Isododecane
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningPtfe
Dimethicone Silylate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasiveSorbitan Tristearate
EmulsifyingPolyisobutene
Silica Silylate
EmollientTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningDiisopropyl Adipate
EmollientCopernicia Cerifera Cera
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPantethine
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialQuaternium-90 Bentonite
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientMethicone
EmollientHectorite
AbsorbentMagnesium Salicylate
PreservativePropylene Carbonate
SolventHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPolyethylene Terephthalate
Nylon-6
Nylon-66
Silica
AbrasivePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77266
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77510
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77289
Cosmetic ColorantCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantIsododecane, Water, Ptfe, Dimethicone Silylate, Sorbitan Olivate, Trisiloxane, Kaolin, Sorbitan Tristearate, Polyisobutene, Silica Silylate, Trihydroxystearin, Diisopropyl Adipate, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Microcrystalline Wax, Pantethine, Panthenol, Cholesterol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Caprylyl Glycol, Methicone, Hectorite, Magnesium Salicylate, Propylene Carbonate, Hexylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Nylon-6, Nylon-66, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891, CI 77266, CI 77510, CI 77742, CI 19140, CI 77288, CI 77289, CI 75470, CI 77163, CI 77007, CI 42090
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCholesterol is a lipid that is naturally found in human skin and is one of the three key components of your skin barrier. In skincare, it is an emollient and barrier-repairing ingredient.
It works by fitting directly into the lipid layers of skin to help restore structure and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
This is a great ingredient for dry, compromised, or aging skin; our skin starts to produce less cholesterol with age.
Research shows cholesterol works best in combination with ceramides and fatty acids, the other two major components in your skin barrier.
Cholesterol is also a well-establish penetration enhancer and can help other actives absorb more effectively.
Cosmetic-grade cholesterol is usually derived from lanolin but plant and synthetic options also exist. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about their source of cholesterol.
Learn more about CholesterolCi 75470 is a bright-red pigment. It is AKA carmine.
Carmine is derived from insects such as the cochineal beetle. This ingredient has been used as a natural dye for over 2000 years.
This pigment is called Ultramarine blue lazurite. It gives a saturated blue color, but can be used to create other colors as well.
According to the manufacturer, it is usually made from kaolin, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sulfur, and charcoal.
This synthetic powder is used to add a pearly/white color in cosmetics.
Ci 77288 is used to add green pigment to products.
We don't have a description for CI 77289 yet.
This ingredient is used to impart a blue color. It is not water-soluble.
It goes by two different names:
1. Ferric Ferrocyanide: a synthetic dark blue pigment
2. Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide: a synthetic blue pigment, also called Prussian blue
In the EU, both of these colors must be labeled as 'CI 77510'.
Learn more about CI 77510This ingredient is used to add a violet color to cosmetics.
It is created by reacting phosphoric acid, ammonium dihydrogen orthophosphate, and manganese dioxide.
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 77891Diisopropyl Adipate comes from isopropyl alcohol and Adipic Acid.
It is a solvent and emollient. As a solvent, it is used to help other ingredients dissolve into the solution. It is also often used to soften hard ingredients.
Emollients help hydrate the skin by creating a thin barrier. This thin barrier prevents moisture from escaping.
Learn more about Diisopropyl AdipateDimethicone Silylate is a type of silicone.
We don't have a description for Hectorite yet.
Hexylene Glycol is a multitasker ingredient that works as a solvent, humectant, emulsifier, viscosity reducer, and preservative booster.
It is able to dissolve both water and oil-soluble ingredients to stabilize tricky actives and make products spread more easily.
As a humectant, it pulls water into the skin. But it's a pretty minor moisturizing ingredient compared to other humectants, like glycerin.
Interestingly, it can act as a mild penetration enhancer. One in vitro study on human skin found a 12% concentration upped the absorption of mometasone furoate (a medicinal ingredient used to treat inflammatory skin conditions) up to 7%.
This ingredient is typically used at levels of 0.1-10% depending on the role it's playing.
A patch test study on eczema patients didn't find a significant increase in irritation versus the control group, but the potential for irritation rises at higher concentrations.
Learn more about Hexylene GlycolIsododecane 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 IsododecaneKaolin 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 KaolinMagnesium Salicylate is a preservative.
Methicone is a type of silicone and is a simpler form of dimethicone.
Silicones are used to enhance the texture of products and have emollient properties. Methicone is used to give products a silky texture and improves spreadability.
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 MicaMicrocrystalline Wax is derived from petroleum through a de-oiling process, then highly refined and purified before use in cosmetics.
In skincare formulations, it is used to improve texture and create a smooth, even consistency. It also helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating.
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.
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 PolyisobuteneThis ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonatePTFE is a form of PFAS, or "Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances". This ingredient has been used in commercial applications since the 1940's.
In cosmetics, PTFE is most commonly used as bulking agents, to improve consistency, or to improve texture.
PFAS compounds are currently under scrutiny due to possible health risks. This is mostly due to one type of PFAS: PFOA.
PFOA is no longer used in cosmetics and is highly restricted in many countries.
Today, PFAS are used widely in the medical field. They often play an important role in medical equipment such as catheters and medical implants.
In 2018, the Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety found PTFE to be safe for use in cosmetics and personal care productions.
This ingredient is commonly found in mascara (up to 13%) and hair bleach (up to 2.4%). Studies show this ingredient does not cause skin or eye irritation.
The EU allows PTFE to be used in cosmetics without restrictions.
All federal agencies do state further research about PFAS in cosmetics is needed.
Whether you choose to use this ingredient is a personal choice. We recommend adding this ingredient to your liked or disliked list so you can be notified anytime a product contains this ingredient.
Learn more about PtfeWe don't have a description for Quaternium-90 Bentonite yet.
Silica Silylate is a siloxane polymer, meaning it is made up of silicon and oxygen atoms. It is not soluble in water.
This ingredient is a white powder with oil-absorbing, emollient, and anticaking properties.
Sorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateWe don't have a description for Sorbitan Tristearate yet.
Trihydroxystearin is what you get when you fully hydrogenate castor oil into a waxy, fine powder.
It's mostly a behind-the-scenes texture enhancer that's especially good at "thixotropic" thing where the product stays thick but applies nicely.
Because of its structure, it also acts as a mild skin conditioning emollient that helps soften skin while preventing moisture loss.
Safety studies show it to be safe and non-irritation in clinical tests. It's typically used in concentrations up to 5%.
Since its an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it falls into the C11-24 range that Malassezia can potentially feed on. This makes it not fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about TrihydroxystearinTrisiloxane is a type of silicone.
Water. 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