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
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Dimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningHydrated Silica
AbrasiveSilica
AbrasiveDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventBHT
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCyclotetrasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCholesterol
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Caprylyl Methicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Butylene Glycol, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrated Silica, Silica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Propylene Carbonate, BHT, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Centella Asiatica Extract, Cholesterol, 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.
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 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.
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 HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
Learn more about IsododecanePEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Pentylene 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 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.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as âmineralâ by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isnât as strong as zinc oxideâs, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTocopheryl 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 AcetateTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water