What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantC15-19 Alkane
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantSqualane
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Polysorbate 80
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Steareth-20
CleansingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingCI 77266
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, C15-19 Alkane, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Silica, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 60, C14-22 Alcohols, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 80, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Steareth-20, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sorbitan Oleate, CI 77266, Tocopherol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC15-19 Alkane
SolventC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveDextrin Palmitate
EmulsifyingSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlyceryl Linoleate
EmollientPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantGlyceryl Linolenate
EmollientPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
HumectantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantTripeptide-10 Citrulline
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentMagnesium Sulfate
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingDisodium EDTA
Propylene Carbonate
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Lysine
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientMagnesium Chloride
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientTriethanolamine
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantWater, CI 77891, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C15-19 Alkane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Beeswax, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Silica, Dextrin Palmitate, Saccharide Isomerate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Trehalose, Glyceryl Linolenate, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, Tocopherol, Tripeptide-1, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Oryza Sativa Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Dimethicone, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Carbonate, Caprylyl Glycol, Decylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Lysine, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Magnesium Chloride, Carbomer, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77491, Mica
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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 GlycolC15-19 alkane is a mixture of alkanes. Alkanes are hydrocarbons with carbon atoms held together by single bonds.
It is a synthetically created solvent and emollient often used to replace silicones or mineral oil. As an emollient, C15-19 Alkane helps soften and soothe the skin. Emollients create a barrier to trap moisture inside.
You'll often see this ingredient used with mineral UV filters such as titanium dioxidide and zinc oxide. It helps these UV filter ingredients be more spreadable.
This ingredient is biodegradable. According to a manufacturer, it is also known as Hydrogenated Polyfarnesene.
Learn more about C15-19 AlkaneCaprylyl 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 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 77891Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, 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 SilicaSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum