What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSilica
Abrasive
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Kaolin
Abrasive
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Tremella Fuciformis Extract
Humectant
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Galactoarabinan
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Alumina
Abrasive
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Silica, Propanediol, Glycerin, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Kaolin, Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, Squalane, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Gluconolactone, Galactoarabinan, Calcium Gluconate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Alumina, CI 77891, CI 77491
Magnesium Carbonate
AbsorbentIsohexadecane
EmollientC13-15 Alkane
SolventIsododecane
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Synthetic Candelilla Wax
EmollientKaolin
Abrasive
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
Perfuming
Zingiber Officinale Root Oil
Masking
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Behenate
Emollient
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion Stabilising
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Stearoxy Dimethicone
Emollient
Magnesium Carbonate, Isohexadecane, C13-15 Alkane, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Squalane, Synthetic Wax, Synthetic Candelilla Wax, Kaolin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Zingiber Officinale Root Oil, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Glyceryl Behenate, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Microcrystalline Wax, Polyethylene, Stearoxy Dimethicone
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Kaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but itâs technically not; itâs a hydrocarbon, meaning itâs only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term âoil-freeâ isnât regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. Itâs worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about Squalane
