What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasivePolymethylsilsesquioxane
Jojoba Esters
EmollientEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasiveEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingTribehenin
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPropylene Carbonate
SolventSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientAlumina
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingTin Oxide
AbrasiveSilica
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingCI 12085
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45380
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantDicaprylyl Carbonate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Diisostearyl Malate, Synthetic Wax, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Jojoba Esters, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Tribehenin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylene Carbonate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Dimethicone, Alumina, Parfum, Tin Oxide, Silica, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Citric Acid, CI 12085, CI 15850, CI 15985, CI 17200, CI 19140, CI 42090, CI 45380, CI 45410, CI 73360, CI 75470, CI 77163, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77742, CI 77891, Mica
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPolyphenylsilsesquioxane
Propylene Carbonate
SolventSilica
AbrasiveButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantRosa Damascena Flower Wax
MaskingRosa Centifolia Flower Wax
Skin ConditioningCymbidium Grandiflorum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Occidentalis Seed Oil
EmollientNelumbo Nucifera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Synthetic Wax, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyphenylsilsesquioxane, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Rosa Damascena Flower Wax, Rosa Centifolia Flower Wax, Cymbidium Grandiflorum Flower Extract, Rubus Occidentalis Seed Oil, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Extract, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Tocopherol, CI 77891, Iron Oxides, CI 42090, CI 15850, CI 73360, CI 17200, CI 19140, CI 15985
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCi 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850Ci 15985 is a dye made from petroleum. It is synthetically created and approved by the FDA for use in foods and cosmetics.
The color of this dye is orange/yellow.
This ingredient can be found in makeup, sun care, and skincare.
Learn more about CI 15985CI 17200 is a synthetic, water-soluble, reddish-pink dye. It is used purely as a cosmetic colorant.
In the US, the FDA permits this ingredient in cosmetics but it is not approved for use around the eyes while the EU allows this to be used in all cosmetic products.
The FDA requires batch-to-batch certification for this ingredient that is held to a pretty rigorous standard. That means the CI 17200 in your cosmetics has been tested and approved before it ever reaches you.
Contact allergy to cosmetic-grade dyes used at low concentrations are uncommon but has been documented before.
This ingredient also goes by the name D&C RED NO. 33.
CI 17200 has a comedogenic rating of 1 and an irritancy rating of 2 on a scale of 0-5. This is based on peer-reviewed research from the man who invented the comedogenic scale.
A 1 on the comedogenic scale is about as low as it gets without being a flat zero, and makes sense for CI 17200.
It's a water-soluble dye used at very small concentrations (typically 0.001-0.1%), so it dissolves into the water phase of a formula rather than sitting on your skin the way an oil or wax would.
The irritancy rating of 2 reflects that, like most synthetic dyes, there's a small possibility of mild irritation ( particularly for people with existing dye sensitivities).
For the vast majority of people, it's a non-issue at typical use levels.
It's also worth keeping in mind that comedogenic and irritancy ratings are tested on individual ingredients, not finished formulas. The final product's formulation, concentration, and other ingredients all play a role in how something actually behaves on your skin.
Just so you know, the FDA ban on Red Dye No. 3 refers to CI 45430, not this ingredient. CI 45430 and CI 17200 are different chemical compounds with distinct safety and regulatory histories.
It's also worth noting that Red No. 3 (CI 45430) was already banned from cosmetics back in 1990, so the 2025 action just extended the ban to food and oral drugs. CI 17200 was never part of any of this.
Learn more about CI 17200CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Ci 42090 is a synthetic dye created from petroleum. It is used to give a bright blue color to cosmetics, medicine, and food.
Ci 73360 is a synthetic red-pink dye.
It is soluble in water and remains chemically stable across a range of pH levels typically used in cosmetics. This helps manufacturers maintain uniform color throughout a product’s shelf life.
Because this ingredient is a regulated cosmetic colorant, its purity, manufacturing standards, and allowed uses are defined by cosmetic regulations in major markets.
Learn more about CI 73360Ci 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 77891Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeThis 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 SilicaStearalkonium Hectorite is a clay-derived ingredient used to thicken a product and help create a gel-like texture.
Synthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.
It may also be used as an abrasive ingredient to exfoliate the skin.
Synthetic Wax may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTocopherol (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 Acetate