What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Silica
AbrasiveAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientCI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientParfum
MaskingStearic Acid
CleansingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Magnesium Myristate
Amylopectin
Pvp
Emulsion StabilisingActinidia Polygama Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane, Water, CI 77891, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Squalane, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Isododecane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, CI 77492, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Silica, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Potassium Sorbate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, CI 77491, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, CI 77120, Dimethicone, Parfum, Stearic Acid, CI 77499, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Magnesium Myristate, Amylopectin, Pvp, Actinidia Polygama Fruit Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantIsododecane
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientTalc
AbrasiveAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantNylon-12
Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Magnesium Sulfate
Alumina
AbrasiveSilica
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Oleate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingDiisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPropylene Carbonate
SolventPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Niacinamide
SmoothingSargassum Pacificum Thallus Extract
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Extensin
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingHydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Water, Glycerin, Isododecane, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Talc, Alcohol Denat., Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Nylon-12, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Alumina, Silica, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate, Sodium Benzoate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Propylene Carbonate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Niacinamide, Sargassum Pacificum Thallus Extract, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Extensin, Glycine Soja Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
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
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
The "denat" part just means "denatured"; common denaturants include Denatonium Benzoate, t-butyl alcohol, and Diethyl Phthalate. This step makes the alcohol undrinkable (and lets brand skip taxes related to beverage alcohol).
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue to constrict pores and dry out your skin.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is this ingredient will probably not affect your skin much if it is near the end of an ingredients list.
One thing to note:
People with ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) deficiency may experience skin irritation from continued alcohol use. About 8% of the world's population have this deficiency.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has determined denatured alcohols to be safe for use in concentrations between 0.05% and 12% (depending on which denaturant is used).
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Look for formulas that contain glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol if you want to offset any drying effect.
This ingredient will trip away your skin's natural oils/lipids that help it lock in moisture. This can worsen dryness, trigger eczema flare-ups, and aggravate rosacea.
Be sure to patch test any product with this ingredient if you have dry or sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea.
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.Butylene 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 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. 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 DimethiconeIsododecane 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.
The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.
Learn more about IsododecaneMagnesium 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 NiacinamidePolymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxanePotassium 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 SorbateSilica, 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 SilicaTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 ingredient is used in makeup and skincare to thicken formulas, reduce shine, and give skin a silky-smooth feel.
It’s a white silicone powder that sits in fine lines and pores to blur their appearance though its effectiveness depends on the particle size.
You'll typically find this ingredient in amounts between 0.1-20%.
Learn more about Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane CrosspolymerWater. 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