What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveSodium Chloride
MaskingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantBetaine
HumectantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantNiacinamide
SmoothingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantAroma
Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, CI 77891, Cyclohexasiloxane, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77492, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, CI 77491, Betaine, CI 77499, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopherol, Niacinamide, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Aroma
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCyclomethicone
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientHexyl Laurate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantIsodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientAmorphophallus Konjac Root Extract
HumectantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPolymethyl Methacrylate
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
SmoothingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingRose Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningFreesia Refracta Extract
Skin ConditioningNarcissus Pseudo-Narcissus Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningIris Versicolor Extract
EmollientLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingCalcium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantLauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientZein
Skin ConditioningZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDisodium EDTA
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hexyl Laurate, Butylene Glycol, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Amorphophallus Konjac Root Extract, Methyl Trimethicone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Polymethyl Methacrylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Silica, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Rose Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus Flower Extract, Iris Versicolor Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Sorbitan Olivate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Ozokerite, Calcium Stearate, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Glycerin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Trihydroxystearin, Triethanolamine, Adenosine, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Zein, Zea Mays Starch, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Disodium EDTA, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
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 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 TriglycerideCi 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.
Ethylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateGlycerin (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 GlycerinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePeg-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.
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 SilicaChances 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 ChlorideTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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