What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientTriisostearyl Citrate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate
Emollient
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Glycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Lauryl PCA
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polysilicone-11
Water
Skin ConditioningTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45380
Cosmetic ColorantCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45370
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polyisobutene, Triisostearyl Citrate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Dipentaerythrityl Tri-Polyhydroxystearate, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Ceramide Ns, Squalane, Lactobacillus Ferment, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Lauryl PCA, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Water, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Mica, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 45410, CI 17200, CI 77891, CI 77742, CI 19140, CI 45380, CI 73360, CI 75470, CI 77163, CI 15850, CI 45370, CI 42090, CI 15985
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPolybutene
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Squalane
Emollient
Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Oil
Emollient
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
CI 45380
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polydecene, Polybutene, Octyldodecanol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Squalane, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Oil, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sorbitan Oleate, CI 45380, CI 15850, CI 17200, CI 77491, CI 15985, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 19140, Iron Oxides, CI 42090
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ci 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850Ci 15985 is a dye made from petroleum. It is synthetically created and approved by the FDA for use in foods and cosmetics.
The color of this dye is orange/yellow.
This ingredient can be found in makeup, sun care, and skincare.
Learn more about CI 15985CI 17200 is a synthetic, water-soluble, reddish-pink dye. It is used purely as a cosmetic colorant.
In the US, the FDA permits this ingredient in cosmetics but it is not approved for use around the eyes while the EU allows this to be used in all cosmetic products.
The FDA requires batch-to-batch certification for this ingredient that is held to a pretty rigorous standard. That means the CI 17200 in your cosmetics has been tested and approved before it ever reaches you.
Contact allergy to cosmetic-grade dyes used at low concentrations are uncommon but has been documented before.
This ingredient also goes by the name D&C RED NO. 33.
CI 17200 has a comedogenic rating of 1 and an irritancy rating of 2 on a scale of 0-5. This is based on peer-reviewed research from the man who invented the comedogenic scale.
A 1 on the comedogenic scale is about as low as it gets without being a flat zero, and makes sense for CI 17200.
It's a water-soluble dye used at very small concentrations (typically 0.001-0.1%), so it dissolves into the water phase of a formula rather than sitting on your skin the way an oil or wax would.
The irritancy rating of 2 reflects that, like most synthetic dyes, there's a small possibility of mild irritation ( particularly for people with existing dye sensitivities).
For the vast majority of people, it's a non-issue at typical use levels.
It's also worth keeping in mind that comedogenic and irritancy ratings are tested on individual ingredients, not finished formulas. The final product's formulation, concentration, and other ingredients all play a role in how something actually behaves on your skin.
Just so you know, the FDA ban on Red Dye No. 3 refers to CI 45430, not this ingredient. CI 45430 and CI 17200 are different chemical compounds with distinct safety and regulatory histories.
It's also worth noting that Red No. 3 (CI 45430) was already banned from cosmetics back in 1990, so the 2025 action just extended the ban to food and oral drugs. CI 17200 was never part of any of this.
Learn more about CI 17200CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Ci 42090 is a synthetic dye created from petroleum. It is used to give a bright blue color to cosmetics, medicine, and food.
Ci 45380 is a synthetic dye that comes from coal or tar sources. Due to this, it is often used in small quantities.
A common name for this dye is Red 22. Red 22 imparts a warm reddish color.
Similar to Red 27, this dye changes color based on pH and moisture levels.
This dye is colorless when dry but turns pink between pH levels 0.0 to ~3.0.
Learn more about CI 45380Ci 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 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 77891Hydrogenated Polydecene is a synthetic emollient. It forms a non-occlusive film on the skin's surface to provide a silky feel without being greasy.
In vivo studies in volunteers with atopic and dry skin showed no irritation or intolerance. The volunteers also saw a positive effect in dryness, scaling, and roughness after 28 days of use.
Concentrations up to 100% in guinea pig tests found it to be non-sensitizing and completely safe for use in cosmetics.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolydeceneHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobutenePentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamatePentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate is an emollient that helps make your skin smooth and hydrated. It specializes in creating a non-oily and "wet" feeling on skin.
This ingredient comes from isostearic acid, a saturated fatty acid. It is a synthetic ingredient.
Squalane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum).
It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores.
This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces.
Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer.
Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.
No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration).
Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types.
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Though squalane is often called an oil, it’s technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen. True oils are triglycerides and made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 1 from the original 1972 study that tested raw ingredients under occlusion on rabbit ears. This system is not standardized or peer-reviewed, and using the raw ingredients is very different from how diluted cosmetic formulations are used on human skin.
A comedogenic rating of 1 means it is "unlikely to clog pores" according to the original rating system.
The overall formula of a product matters more than the individual ingredients on whether or not it will cause clogged pores.
Learn more about SqualaneTocopheryl 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 Acetate
