What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide 4.23%
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTrimethyl Pentaphenyl Trisiloxane
EmollientAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Dimethicone
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCellulose
AbsorbentCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingParfum
MaskingPropylene Carbonate
SolventChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialVp/Va Copolymer
Alumina
AbrasiveStearic Acid
CleansingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantTropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningHexadecene
SolventHydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract
Skin Protecting1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Titanium Dioxide 4.23%, Water, Alcohol, Methyl Trimethicone, Isododecane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Trimethyl Pentaphenyl Trisiloxane, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Cellulose, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Parfum, Propylene Carbonate, Chlorphenesin, Vp/Va Copolymer, Alumina, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Tromethamine, Tocopherol, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Hexadecene, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891
Reviews
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
This 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 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 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 DimethiconeGlycerin (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 GlycerinParfum 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 âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ 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 ParfumPotassium 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 CarbonateTocopherol (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 skinâs 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 TocopherolTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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