What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingUndecane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 PCA
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Propylene Glycol
HumectantSilica
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingTridecane
PerfumingMagnesium Sulfate
Sodium Chloride
MaskingTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
AntioxidantGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingButylene Glycol
HumectantStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingTocopherol
AntioxidantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Undecane, Polyglyceryl-3 PCA, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Propylene Glycol, Silica, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Tridecane, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Butylene Glycol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Carbonate, Pentylene Glycol, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, CI 77007, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891, Mica
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantC15-19 Alkane
SolventCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantUndecane
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTridecane
PerfumingParfum
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantFructose
HumectantStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Escin
TonicCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPropylene Carbonate
SolventAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantAesculus Hippocastanum Extract
AntioxidantPapain
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingMica
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Lactate
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMusa Sapientum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMarrubium Vulgare Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantCoco-Glucoside
CleansingAlgin
MaskingDipsacus Sylvestris Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantFurcellaria Lumbricalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingArbutus Unedo Fruit Extract
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, C15-19 Alkane, CI 77891, CI 77492, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Undecane, Pentylene Glycol, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Squalane, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, CI 77491, Tridecane, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Silica, CI 77499, Fructose, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tromethamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Escin, Carbomer, Propylene Carbonate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxyacetophenone, Aesculus Hippocastanum Extract, Papain, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Mica, Sodium Lactate, Xanthan Gum, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Sodium Citrate, Caramel, Coco-Glucoside, Algin, Dipsacus Sylvestris Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract, Citric Acid, Arbutus Unedo Fruit Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Maris Sal, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, CI 14700
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. 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. Be sure to 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.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl 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 or alcohol, 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.
Ci 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 77891Glycerin (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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateThis 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 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 ChlorideStearalkonium Hectorite is a clay-derived ingredient used to thicken a product and help create a gel-like texture.
Tocopherol (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 AcetateTridecane is a lightweight emollient and fragrancing ingredient. It is a paraffin and often called a silicone alternative.
According to official INCI guidelines, this ingredient is used to give a light odor to raw materials. It is often used as a starter ingredient to create parfum.
This ingredient can be derived from palm oil, or coconut oil. It is also naturally found in certain species of organisms.
According to the NOAA, this ingredient can cause skin sensitivity with prolonged use. However, this warning is taken from the Coast Guard and no studies have been done on this in relation to cosmetics.
Tridecane is not water soluble.
Learn more about TridecaneUndecane is an emollient and helps create a lightweight base for products.
Is is not soluble in water and naturally occurring in some species.
Water. 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