What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIsododecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningStearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantStearic Acid
CleansingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientParfum
MaskingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Propylene Carbonate
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveDisodium EDTA
Hydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantDimethiconol
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Citrate
BufferingAlgin
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingAcacia Senegal Gum
MaskingJania Rubens Extract
Skin ConditioningCichorium Intybus Leaf Extract
MaskingFurcellaria Lumbricalis Extract
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningGlucomannan
Skin ConditioningWater, Dimethicone, CI 77891, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Trimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Stearoxymethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Silica, CI 77492, Stearic Acid, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Parfum, Disteardimonium Hectorite, CI 77491, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 77499, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Dimethiconol, Dipropylene Glycol, Trihydroxystearin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Citrate, Algin, Sodium Benzoate, Acacia Senegal Gum, Jania Rubens Extract, Cichorium Intybus Leaf Extract, Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Lapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Maris Sal, Glucomannan
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingBis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantCera Alba
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Sodium Chloride
MaskingParfum
MaskingPPG-3 Myristyl Ether
EmollientPEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPropylene Carbonate
SolventPropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventTocopherol
AntioxidantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingMethylpropanediol
SolventPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientOphiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialAlgin
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingGalactoarabinan
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientGlyceryl Polyacrylate
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Stearate, Cera Alba, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, PPG-3 Myristyl Ether, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Dimethicone, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Chlorphenesin, Propylene Carbonate, Propylene Glycol, Propanediol, Tocopherol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol, Benzyl Salicylate, Methylpropanediol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Benzyl Benzoate, Algin, Limonene, Galactoarabinan, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, BHT, Biosaccharide Gum-1, CI 19140, CI 42090, CI 77007, CI 77163, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Algin is brown algae. Algae is an informal term for a group of aquatic organisms that can photosynthesize. It is estimated there are at least 30,000 types of Algae.
Algae contains antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
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 HydroxideCi 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 DimethiconeDisteardimonium 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 HectoriteEthylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateEthylhexylglycerin 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 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 “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 GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
This 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 CarbonateSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateChances 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 ChlorideSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopherol 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 TocopherolWater. 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