What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Oleate
EmulsifyingAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingMagnesium Sulfate
Silica
AbrasivePolymethylsilsesquioxane
Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSilica Silylate
EmollientHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTranexamic Acid
AstringentHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantLeontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningDipeptide-2
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingPropylene Carbonate
SolventTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phenyl Trimethicone, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Magnesium Sulfate, Silica, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Silica Silylate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Betaine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tranexamic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Adenosine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopherol, Leontopodium Alpinum Callus Culture Extract, Ceramide NP, Glycine Soja Oil, Ceramide Ns, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Oligopeptide-1, Dipeptide-2, Ceramide EOP, Tripeptide-1, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientSilica
AbrasivePolyphenylsilsesquioxane
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Chloride
MaskingAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
SurfactantAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
ChelatingPropylene Carbonate
SolventCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantBHT
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantPropanediol
SolventSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSoluble Collagen
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantAcetyl Heptapeptide-4
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantWater, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, CI 77891, Methyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Silica, Polyphenylsilsesquioxane, Diisostearyl Malate, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Disteardimonium Hectorite, CI 77492, Sodium Chloride, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Trihydroxystearin, Parfum, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Vinyl Dimethicone/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, CI 77491, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Carbonate, CI 77499, BHT, Tocopherol, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Soluble Collagen, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (also known as Argireline) is a synthetic hexapeptide that is often called a "topical Botox alternative".
It works by mimicking how Botox relaxes muscles; it interferes with the signaling process that tells your facial muscles to contract. This can help soften expression lines like forehead wrinkles or crow's feet over time.
The comparison to Botox does have limits because the molecule is water-loving and relatively large.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has a hard time absorbing deeply enough through the skin's outer barrier to actually reach the muscles.
So whether it truly works the way Botox does at a biological level is still up for debate, but early clinical outcomes are fairly encouraging.
A 12 week human study of a multi-ingredient regimen containing this ingredient saw:
While some studies have observed improvements in wrinkle appearance, it is important to note that more consistent results are seen in multi-ingredient formulations (vs just Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 alone).
Some research studies also used higher concentrations (up to 10%) while this ingredient is usually found in concentrations up to 0.005% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8This polymer has film-forming properties and helps leave behind a soft film on the skin with oxygen permeability.
That's why you'll most likely find this in sunscreen formulations.
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl 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 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 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.
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone. It has a high refractive index and adds shine to formulations.
According to the safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, it is safe for use in cosmetics under the current practices and concentrations.
Disteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidThis 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 CarbonateSilica, 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 SilicaTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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