What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantIsododecane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingDimethicone
EmollientPolymethyl Methacrylate
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Sodium Chloride
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingMica
Cosmetic ColorantPropanediol
SolventPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningDisiloxane
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer
Propylene Carbonate
SolventPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSilica
AbrasiveBetula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingArtemisia Vulgaris Oil
PerfumingDisodium EDTA
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAdansonia Digitata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningEquisetum Arvense Extract
AstringentOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
PerfumingVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentFructan
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Titanium Dioxide, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Isododecane, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium Chloride, CI 77492, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Synthetic Beeswax, Mica, Propanediol, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Stearic Acid, Panthenol, Disiloxane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Benzoate, CI 77491, Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer, Propylene Carbonate, Potassium Sorbate, Silica, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Artemisia Vulgaris Oil, Disodium EDTA, CI 77499, Adenosine, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Fructan, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Oleate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingMagnesium Sulfate
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingC13-15 Alkane
SolventStearic Acid
CleansingSilica
AbrasiveC30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disodium EDTA
Allantoin
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Zinc Oxide, CI 77891, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Isohexadecane, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isododecane, Dipropylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Caprylyl Methicone, Niacinamide, Magnesium Sulfate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, C13-15 Alkane, Stearic Acid, Silica, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 77492, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, CI 77491, Adenosine, CI 77499, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Trehalose, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Centella Asiatica Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid
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
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 AdenosineAluminum 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 HydroxideButylene 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 GlycolButyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.
According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateCi 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.
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 DimethiconeDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTADisteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteEthylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateIsododecane 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 IsododecaneNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolThis ingredient is an emulsifier. It is created from Polyglycerin-3 and Ricinoleic Acid.
As an emulsifier, it prevents waters and oils from separating. According to a manufacturer this ingredient is fully biodegradable.
This ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis due to its Ricinoleic Acid base. Ricinoleic Acid is a fatty acid derived from castor oil.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 PolyricinoleateThis ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier and is sometimes known by its trade name, Isolan GPS. It helps create stable emulsions by bridging oil and water phases without adding a greasy feel.
Common usage levels sit between 2-5% for this ingredient.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a vegetable-derived soft wax made from castor oil. It's an emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and film former.
You'll likely see it in sunscreens because it helps disperse pigments and UV-reflecting minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide evenly.
Depending on the concentration, it can drastically change the texture of a product from pasty solid (like lipstick) to sprayable liquid.
The CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has concluded this ingredient to be safe in cosmetics. The highest reported use concentration is 14.2% in lipsticks.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidSilica, 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 SilicaStearic 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 AcidTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 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 TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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