What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantBoron Nitride
AbsorbentDimethicone
EmollientOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentSilica
AbrasiveIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientCetearyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLauroyl Lysine
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingRosa Alba Flower Extract
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantIron Oxides
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica, Boron Nitride, Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Silica, Isopropyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lauroyl Lysine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Water, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Sorbitan Oleate, Rosa Alba Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Iron Oxides, CI 77891
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
AbrasiveBoron Nitride
AbsorbentCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentCetearyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPseudozyma Epicola/Olive Fruit Oil Ferment Filtrate
HumectantVitis Vinifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantMica, Silica, Boron Nitride, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 20, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Lauroyl Lysine, Dehydroacetic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Pseudozyma Epicola/Olive Fruit Oil Ferment Filtrate, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Water, Propanediol, Tocopherol, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Boron Nitride is compound consisting of boron and nitrogen. It is used to absorb oil and modify adherence/ slip in products.
This means it is often used in makeup products to help them last longer.
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 or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetearyl Ethylhexanoate is derived from cetearyl alcohol and sorbic acid.
It is an emollient and helps hydrate the skin. Emollients form a barrier on the skin to prevent water from escaping.
Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinIsopropyl Palmitate is a texture enhancer and emollient. It is an ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
Palmitates are emollients. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by creating a barrier that traps moisture in.
When added to cosmetics, Isopropyl Palmitate creates a silky texture and improves spreadability.
Isopropyl Palmitate may not be fungal acne safe. It can worsen acne prone skin.
Learn more about Isopropyl PalmitateThis ingredient comes from a fatty acid (lauric acid) and amino acid (lysine). It is used to add a silky feel to cosmetics.
According to a manufacturer, its fatty acid base leaves a silky feeling on the skin. It also has emollient properties because of this. Emollients help soften skin by preventing water from evaporating.
Lauroyl lysine is barely soluble in water.
Learn more about Lauroyl LysineMagnesium Aluminum Silicate is a type of silica. It comes from naturally occuring minerals such as silicate ores and clay.
Magnesium aluminum silicate is used for enhancing texture and as an absorbent. Due to its large molecular size, it is unable to be absorbed into the skin.
Like other types of silica, this ingredient can be used to thicken a product. As an absorbent, it may be used to absorb extra water or help prevent clumping.
Although āaluminumā in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly. For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic āaluminum overload.ā
Learn more about Magnesium Aluminum SilicateMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate is created from stearic acid.
It is an emollient and thickens the lipid (oil) portion of a product. Due to its emollient properties, it may not be fungal-acne safe.
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Silica, 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 SilicaTocopherol 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 TocopherolWater. 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