What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterSilica
AbrasiveMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientPolymethyl Methacrylate
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantBacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Octyldodecanol
EmollientChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialDecyl Glucoside
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPropanediol
SolventAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentEchium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningGarcinia Mangostana Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Beeswax, CI 77492, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Silica, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77491, Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Rye Flour Ferment, Lactobacillus/Soymilk Ferment Filtrate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Octyldodecanol, Chlorphenesin, Decyl Glucoside, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, CI 77499, Propanediol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Maltodextrin, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Collagen
Water
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-11
Dimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantOctocrylene
UV AbsorberCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientBisabolol
AntioxidantBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningNylon-12
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativePEG-100 Stearate
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingOctyldodecyl PCA
EmollientDecyl Glucoside
CleansingMenthyl PCA
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLaureth-12
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingEscin
TonicCI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantPolygonum Fagopyrum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Carbonate
BufferingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientRuscus Aculeatus Root Extract
AstringentStearoyl Glutamic Acid
CleansingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingAmmonium Glycyrrhizate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCaprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingSodium Citrate
BufferingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingBHT
AntioxidantMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientTriethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPropylene Carbonate
SolventCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Polysilicone-11, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Octocrylene, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Bisabolol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Nylon-12, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-100 Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Octyldodecyl PCA, Decyl Glucoside, Menthyl PCA, Caprylyl Glycol, Isohexadecane, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, Laureth-12, Polysorbate 80, Escin, CI 77120, Polygonum Fagopyrum Seed Extract, Sodium Carbonate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, Stearoyl Glutamic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Propylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Isopropyl Myristate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Sodium Citrate, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, BHT, Mentha Piperita Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Trihydroxystearin, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Propylene Carbonate, CI 77492, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77499, CI 19140
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 GlycolChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinCi 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 77891Decyl Glucoside is a plant-derived surfactant and emulsion stabilizer. It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.
Like all surfactants, it works by lowering the surface tension between water and oil. This makes it so that dirt, sebum, and makeup can be lifted off your skin and rinsed away. It also produces a dense and creamy foam.
Because it has a neutral charge, it is compatible with a wide range of ingredients and stays stable across a broad pH range/water hardiness conditions.
Patch testing has shown it to have the lowest irritation potential among common cleansing surfactants (like SLS).
Typical use levels range from 5-20% in rinse-off cleansers.
One thing worth knowing: The American Contact Dermatitis Society named the parent family, alkyl glucosides, "Allergen of the Year" in 2017. The prevalence of allergy is pretty low but be sure to patch test if you've reacted to "gentle" or sulfate-free cleansers before.
This ingredient is fungal acne safe because the fatty alcohol portion of this ingredient is below the C11-24 chain length that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Decyl GlucosideDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateGlycerin (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 GlycerinIsononyl Isononanoate is a synthetic skin-conditioner and texture enhancer. It is created from nonanoic acid, a fatty acid found in cocoa and lavender oil.
As an emollient, Isononyl Isononanoate helps keep your skin soft and smooth. This is because emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Isononyl Isononanoate helps give products a velvet feel and improves spreadability.
Learn more about Isononyl IsononanoateMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M) is a hybrid and broad-spectrum UV ingredient. It is both a UV absorber and filter.
UV absorbers are an agent that absorbs UV rays. They protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy. UV filters physically reduce the amount of UV rays from reaching your skin.
Tinosorb M covers a range of 280-400 nm and is photostable. This ingredient is neither oil or water soluble.
Tinosorb M is not available in the US. However, it is available in the EU and Asia.
It's sister, Tinosorb S, is set to be approved in the US by late 2025 (fingers crossed!).
Learn more about Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl TetramethylbutylphenolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium 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 SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolPropylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum