What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Propanediol
Solvent
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingLysolecithin
EmulsifyingChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
PEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Parfum
Masking
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Homarine Hcl
Skin ConditioningAmyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Gossypium Herbaceum Extract
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Methicone
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Propanediol, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Sodium Chloride, Isononyl Isononanoate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Zinc PCA, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Methicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Lysolecithin, Chlorphenesin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone, Parfum, Alcohol Denat., Lauroyl Lysine, Propylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Homarine Hcl, Amyl Cinnamal, Gossypium Herbaceum Extract, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Methicone, Tocopherol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Mica, CI 77007, CI 77288, CI 77742
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid 3%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Talc
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Sodium Chloride
Masking
PEG-18
HumectantPvp
Emulsion StabilisingBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingEthylene Oxide
Vp/Va Copolymer
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Arachidyl Behenate
EmollientMethicone
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Hexyl Laurate
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
Emollient
Ethylene Brassylate
MaskingBehenic Acid
Cleansing
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Iron Oxides
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid 3%, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Talc, Dimethicone, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Sodium Chloride, PEG-18, Pvp, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylene Oxide, Vp/Va Copolymer, Trihydroxystearin, Arachidyl Behenate, Methicone, Silica, Synthetic Wax, Sodium Benzoate, Hexyl Laurate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Ethylene Brassylate, Behenic Acid, Polyethylene, Iron Oxides, Titanium Dioxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is a synthetic powder used as an absorbent, thickener, and anti-caking agent.
As an absorbent, it is great at mattifying skin by soaking up the oil. This is why you'll find it in a range of products from makeup to moisturizers.
This ingredient is considered a modified starch. Starch can also be found naturally in plants.
One study from 1991 found that 5% of this ingredient enhanced titanium dioxide SPF by as much as 40%. The study found 1% titanium dioxide had a 5.6 SPF and adding 5% of aluminum starch octenylsuccinate boosted it to an SPF of 8.1
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 Aluminum Starch OctenylsuccinateCyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeMethicone 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.
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.
Propylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSilica, 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 Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
