What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantStearic Acid
CleansingAlumina
AbrasiveCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone
EmollientVinyldimethicone
Isododecane
EmollientAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
CI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingGlycine
BufferingSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantAlanine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Arginine
MaskingGlyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientParfum
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantRosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Flower Extract
MoisturisingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Serrulata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCI 77220
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Titanium Dioxide, Stearic Acid, Alumina, CI 77891, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Zinc Oxide, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Niacinamide, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Vinyldimethicone, Isododecane, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, CI 77163, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, CI 77492, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phosphatidylcholine, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Alanine, Lysine, Proline, Threonine, Arginine, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, CI 77491, CI 77499, Adenosine, Mica, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Prunus Persica Flower Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, CI 77220
Water
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingMethyl Hydrogenated Rosinate
PerfumingNiacinamide
SmoothingTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientOctyldodecanol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDipentaerythrityl Hexaisostearate
AbrasiveHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCollagen Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingMagnesium Sulfate
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
CleansingAlumina
AbrasiveIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Trimethoxycaprylylsilane
SmoothingPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Methyl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Niacinamide, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Isododecane, Octyldodecanol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipentaerythrityl Hexaisostearate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen Extract, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Stearic Acid, Alumina, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Trimethoxycaprylylsilane, Phytosterols, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hydroxycitronellal, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Reviews
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAlumina (aka aluminum oxide) is an inorganic mineral powder refined from bauxite that works as a quiet workhorse in a formula.
It shows up often as an abrasive, absorbent, anticaking, bulking, and viscosity-controlling agent.
One of its most common jobs is acting as a pigment carrier and dispersant.
Alumina platelets are often blended with inorganic sunscreens like Titanium Dioxide (or with colorants) and then coated with a silicone such as Triethoxycaprylylsilane so the pigment spreads evenly and smoothly.
In makeup, it can also double as a light-diffusing powder or oil absorber to keep formulas from looking greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded alumina to be safe in present practices of use and concentration.
They note it's a stable, oxidized compound and scientific research has failed to establish links to health issues.
Concentrations vary depending on the product:
Learn more about AluminaAluminum 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 HydroxideThis ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together.
It's pretty effective because one end of the molecule loves oil and the other one loves water.
Besides holding formulas together, it also leaves a silky and lightweight feel on skin without the greasiness. A manufacturer also claims it can help with the controlled release of active ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel found this ingredient to not be sensitizing in concentrations up to 15% in human maximazation testing and dimethicone-based compounds were not comedogenic.
It has a high molecular weight well above 1,000 g/mol which means it limits meaningful skin penetration.
A 2019 study specifically tested this ingredient and found no observable Malassezia growth in its presence.
Learn more about Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeCi 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.
Ci 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 77891Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) is a lightweight silicone that mostly acts as an emollient and solvent in cosmetics. Its the reason your products feel silky, fast-spreading, and non-greasy.
Since D5 is volatile, it does its thing and then evaporates off the skin quickly.
The safety profile of this ingredient is reassuring; the US CIR Expert Panel concluded D5 is safe as used in cosmetics and Health Canada concluded that D5 is not harmful to human health or the environment as currently used in cosmetics
There's a study that people mention about D5 in a rat study showing tumors. This study is related to long-term inhalation of high D5 levels.
Regulatory bodies have judged this study to be not applicable in topical skincare since skin absorption of D5 is very low and we're not really inhaling huge amounts of D5.
The only restriction for this ingredient is environmental. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) restricted D5 in wash-off cosmetics at or above 0.1% due to their persistence in water.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone. It has a high refractive index and adds shine to formulations.
According to the safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, it is safe for use in cosmetics under the current practices and concentrations.
Ethylhexyl Salicylate (also called Octisalate or Octyl Salicylate) is an oil-soluble organic UV filter that's been used in sunscreen since the 1950's.
It absorbs UVB light in the 280-320 nm range with a peak absorbance around 306 nm.
You'll often see it paired with other UV filters to boost overall SPF because octisalate is a fairly week filter on its own.
The reason you'll see it so often is because it can help solubilize and stabilize the trickier filters like oxybenzone and avobenzone.
Unlike these filters, octisalate has pretty good photostability and doesn't create skin-damaging free radicals when exposed to sunlight.
The fatty-alcohol part of the molecule also gives it a light, emollient feel so it doubles as a nice texture enhancer.
Usage levels vary around the world:
Safety-wise, this ingredient has a pretty reassuring track record. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) found very low skin penetration in human skin tests and negative results for irritation, phototoxicity, and photoallergy.
The real-world allergy risk is pretty low too; a 2012 European study of 1,031 people recorded only 2 reactions to it (a rate of 0.19%).
You might have seen scary headlines about sunscreen getting into your blood.
In 2019, the FDA found that several chemical filters can absorb through the skin and show up in the bloodstream at small but measurable levels.
Here's the important part: these tiny levels are just a cutoff the FDA uses to decide which ingredients need more testing and doesn't mean anything harmful was found.
The researchers were clear that the results are no reason to stop wearing sunscreen.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidIsododecane 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 āsulfateā in the name, it isnāt a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesnāt 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 NiacinamideParfum 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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 ParfumStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidWater. 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