What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingMica
Cosmetic Colorant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingOctyldodecanol
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingAluminum Dimyristate
Emulsion StabilisingIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Tocopherol
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dipropylene Glycol, CI 77492, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Methyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Niacinamide, Mica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Dibutyl Adipate, Glycerin, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Octyldodecanol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Aluminum Dimyristate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Parfum, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Homosalate
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientMentha Aquatica Extract
Tonic1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantStearic Acid
CleansingPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Skin ConditioningPolymethyl Methacrylate
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Tromethamine
BufferingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningMethyl Hydrogenated Rosinate
PerfumingC30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantHedera Helix Extract
AntimicrobialCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPyridoxine
Skin ConditioningThiamine Hcl
MaskingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantBioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCarnitine
CleansingFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningNiacin
SmoothingRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Water, CI 77891, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Homosalate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Mentha Aquatica Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Alumina, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stearic Acid, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Tromethamine, CI 77492, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Disteardimonium Hectorite, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Panthenol, Methyl Hydrogenated Rosinate, C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane, CI 77491, Polysorbate 80, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, CI 77499, Hedera Helix Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Pyridoxine, Thiamine Hcl, Ascorbic Acid, Bioflavonoids, Biotin, Carnitine, Folic Acid, Niacin, Riboflavin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyglutamic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Glutathione
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
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAluminum 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 77891Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone 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 HectoriteGlycerin (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 GlycerinMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfateNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePeg-10 Dimethicone is silicone with conditioner and emulsifier properties. It mostly acts as an emollient in skincare and and humectant in haircare.
According to the manufacturer, acidic formulations decrease the stability of this ingredient. It works best in neutral or near neutral formulations.
Tocopherol 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 TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
VP/Hexadecene Copolymer is a synthetic film-forming agent. It has both water and oil loving properties, allowing it to create a flexible, even film on the skin.
This ingredient helps enhance texture, smoothness, and wear resistance in makeup products while reducing tackiness.
Water. 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