What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Isododecane
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingTriacontanyl Pvp
HumectantTitanium/Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantAluminum PCA
AstringentCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIsododecane, Silica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Microcrystalline Wax, Triacontanyl Pvp, Titanium/Titanium Dioxide, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Aluminum PCA, CI 77163, Iron Oxides, CI 77891
Silica
AbrasiveIsododecane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Quaternium-18 Bentonite
Aluminum PCA
AstringentVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Cetyl Dimethicone
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientTitanium/Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSqualane
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientHexadecene
SolventSilica, Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Quaternium-18 Bentonite, Aluminum PCA, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Cetyl Dimethicone, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Titanium/Titanium Dioxide, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone, Hexadecene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
We don't have a description for Aluminum PCA yet.
Caprylyl 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinIsododecane 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 IsododecanePhenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!).
It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome.
On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive.
Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10).
You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU.
Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages.
Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon.
Learn more about PhenoxyethanolSilica, 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 SilicaTitanium/Titanium Dioxide is a composite of titanium and titanium dioxide.
Titanium itself is the 9th most common element in the Earth's crust. Titanium dioxide is formed when oxygen is introduced and can be found in ores, dust, sand, and soil.
Pure titanium dioxide is a white powder that is used in many products for color purposes.
With modern production, nano-scale or fine-grade titanium dioxide can be easily produced for cosmetics. In sunscreen, titanium dioxide absorbs UV light.
Tocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
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.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateThis 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 Trimethylsiloxysilicate