What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cyclohexasiloxane
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Butylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningXylitylglucoside
HumectantAnhydroxylitol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantGlucose
HumectantParfum
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCyclohexasiloxane, Water, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Methyl Trimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Niacinamide, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Xylitol, Tocopherol, Glucose, Parfum, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Isododecane
EmollientAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientParfum
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventDisodium EDTA
Silica
AbrasiveCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantSodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Lysine
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Chloride
Tocopherol
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Tangerina Extract
TonicLactic Acid
BufferingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingWater, CI 77891, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Zinc Oxide, CI 77492, Mica, Aluminum Hydroxide, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 77491, Polysorbate 80, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Disodium EDTA, Silica, CI 77499, Lauroyl Lysine, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, BHT, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Lysine, Magnesium Chloride, Tocopherol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract, Citrus Tangerina Extract, Lactic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid
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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl 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.
Cyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneDisteardimonium 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 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 MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid. It is an emollient, co-emulsifier, and preservative booster.
Its short C8 fatty acid chain makes it behave differently from its longer-chain emollient cousins like Glyceryl Stearate. It feels more lightweight, fast-absorbing, and silky instead of rich and waxy.
As a co-emulsifier, its "head" and "tail" sit at the oil-water interface. But overall, the short C8 tail and not being water soluble means it doesn't really have the muscle to emulsify a formula on its own. That's why you'll often see it paired with a primary emulsifier like Cetearyl Glucoside.
Interestingly, Glyceryl Caprylate acts as a preservative booster. This is because its fatty-acid backbone disrupts microbial lipid membranes. It shows excellent activity against bacteria and yeast but is weaker against mold.
Typical concentrations range from 0.5-1% and this ingredient is generally non-irritating.
Because this ingredient has a C8 fatty acid chain, it is outside the range that the Malassezia yeast metabolizes (making it fungal acne safe).
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateMethyl Trimethicone is a type of silicone. It is a solvent and emulsifier.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Methyl Trimethicone does not get absorbed into the skin.
Learn more about Methyl TrimethiconeParfum 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 ParfumPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolTocopherol 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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