What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Talc
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Magnesium/Potassium/Silicon/Fluoride/Hydroxide/Oxide
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Magnesium Myristate
Nylon-12
Silica
AbrasiveBoron Nitride
AbsorbentCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantKaolin
AbrasiveHexyl Laurate
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientDipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantIsostearyl Neopentanoate
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTalc, Dimethicone, Mica, CI 77891, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Magnesium/Potassium/Silicon/Fluoride/Hydroxide/Oxide, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Magnesium Myristate, Nylon-12, Silica, Boron Nitride, CI 77742, Kaolin, Hexyl Laurate, CI 77491, Phenyl Trimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 77007, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, CI 77492, CI 77499
PCA Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Calcium Titanium Borosilicate
AbrasiveNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientHexyl Laurate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningNylon-12
Diglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate
EmollientSorbitan Sesquiisostearate
EmulsifyingMagnesium Myristate
Methylpropanediol
SolventDipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentTocopherol
AntioxidantTin Oxide
AbrasiveCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
AbrasiveOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientDipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate
EmulsifyingOctyldodecanol
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Magnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientMethicone
EmollientKaolin
AbrasiveCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantBoron Nitride
AbsorbentCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingShorea Robusta Seed Butter
EmollientDimethiconol Stearate
EmollientCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCalcium Sodium Borosilicate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPCA Dimethicone, Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77891, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Calcium Titanium Borosilicate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Hexyl Laurate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Nylon-12, Diglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Magnesium Myristate, Methylpropanediol, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Propanediol, Synthetic Wax, Lauroyl Lysine, Maltodextrin, Tocopherol, Tin Oxide, CI 77491, CI 75470, CI 77492, Silica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate, Octyldodecanol, Diisostearyl Malate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Magnesium Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Methicone, Kaolin, CI 77742, CI 19140, CI 77499, CI 73360, CI 77007, Boron Nitride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Shorea Robusta Seed Butter, Dimethiconol Stearate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Ethylhexylglycerin
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aluminum 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 HydroxideBoron 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolThis pigment is called Ultramarine blue lazurite. It gives a saturated blue color, but can be used to create other colors as well.
According to the manufacturer, it is usually made from kaolin, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sulfur, and charcoal.
Ci 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.
This ingredient is used to add a violet color to cosmetics.
It is created by reacting phosphoric acid, ammonium dihydrogen orthophosphate, and manganese dioxide.
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 77891Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
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 DimethiconeThis ingredient is a high molecular weight fatty acid ester. It has skin conditioning properties and is also used as an emollient, texture enhancer, and viscosity emulsifier.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid. It is an emollient, co-emulsifier, and preservative booster.
Its short C8 fatty acid chain makes it behave differently from its longer-chain emollient cousins like Glyceryl Stearate. It feels more lightweight, fast-absorbing, and silky instead of rich and waxy.
As a co-emulsifier, its "head" and "tail" sit at the oil-water interface. But overall, the short C8 tail and not being water soluble means it doesn't really have the muscle to emulsify a formula on its own. That's why you'll often see it paired with a primary emulsifier like Cetearyl Glucoside.
Interestingly, Glyceryl Caprylate acts as a preservative booster. This is because its fatty-acid backbone disrupts microbial lipid membranes. It shows excellent activity against bacteria and yeast but is weaker against mold.
Typical concentrations range from 0.5-1% and this ingredient is generally non-irritating.
Because this ingredient has a C8 fatty acid chain, it is outside the range that the Malassezia yeast metabolizes (making it fungal acne safe).
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateHexyl Laurate isn't fungal acne safe.
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 KaolinWe don't have a description for Magnesium Myristate yet.
Mica 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 MicaNylon-12 is a polymer. It is derived from 12-aminododecanoic acid, an omega-amino fatty acid
According to a manufacturer, it is a talc substitute. Like talc, nylon-12 gives products a satin feel. The manufacturer also claims this ingredients does not block pores and has moderate oil absorption.
This ingredient may not be reef-safe.
Learn more about Nylon-12Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate is an emollient ester that mostly shows up in color cosmetics.
Functionally, it works as a skin-conditioning agent and a viscosity-increasing agent. This just means it helps soften skin while also thickening water-free formulas (like powders).
Despite being a "stearate", it has a lightweight, cushiony, and non-greasy slip.
This ingredient has shown no adverse effects in testing and is deemed safe in cosmetics at current use levels.
Typical concentrations range from 0.7-23%.
Because it is made of C-18 fatty acids (like stearic acid), this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Octyldodecyl Stearoyl StearatePhenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeSilica, 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 TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 Triethoxycaprylylsilane