What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantPetrolatum
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingCitrus Paradisi Peel Oil
MaskingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingMonarda Didyma Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningFreesia Refracta Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Talc
AbrasiveBHT
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Limonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Petrolatum, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Beeswax, Centella Asiatica Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Trehalose, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Chloride, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Talc, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantIsododecane
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingMethylpropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
SmoothingButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningRaspberry Seed Oil/Tocopheryl Succinate Aminopropanediol Esters
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningGynostemma Pentaphyllum Leaf/Stem Extract
AntioxidantPlukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
EmollientSchinus Terebinthifolia Seed Extract
AstringentSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Dimethicone
EmollientHexyl Laurate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingStearic Acid
CleansingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventAdenosine
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasiveAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Extensin
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingRetinol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Beta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, CI 77891, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Isododecane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sodium Chloride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil/Tocopheryl Succinate Aminopropanediol Esters, Sodium Hyaluronate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Leaf/Stem Extract, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Schinus Terebinthifolia Seed Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ozokerite, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Hexyl Laurate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Beeswax, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Propylene Carbonate, Adenosine, Alumina, Ascorbic Acid, Hydrolyzed Extensin, Ceramide NP, Linoleic Acid, Retinol, Tocopherol, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Beta-Glucan, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Limonene, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, Citronellol, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Beeswax is natural wax produced by honey bees to build their honeycomb.
Because it forms a protective layer on your skin, it can help lock in moisture and reduce water loss. It is also widely used as a thickener and emulsifier in lip balms and lotions. Research suggests beeswax containing moisturizers can support skin barrier integrity.
In comedogenic testing, Beeswax scored a 0-2, which is on the low end. Whether or not a product clogs your pores really comes down to the formula as a whole (not any single ingredient on its own).
Cera Alba is the white, bleached form of this ingredient.
Just so you know, beeswax is not vegan since it is animal-derived. It cannot be removed with water, but can be taken off with an oil cleanser.
People with a known Propolis allergy also report to have reactions from beeswax.
Learn more about BeeswaxButylene 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 GlycolCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideThis ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together.
It's pretty effective because one end of the molecule loves oil and the other one loves water.
Besides holding formulas together, it also leaves a silky and lightweight feel on skin without the greasiness. A manufacturer also claims it can help with the controlled release of active ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel found this ingredient to not be sensitizing in concentrations up to 15% in human maximazation testing and dimethicone-based compounds were not comedogenic.
It has a high molecular weight well above 1,000 g/mol which means it limits meaningful skin penetration.
A 2019 study specifically tested this ingredient and found no observable Malassezia growth in its presence.
Learn more about Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeCi 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 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Cyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneCyclopentasiloxane, 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. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeDisodium 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 EDTAEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolChances 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.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium 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 HyaluronateTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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