What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingOctyldodecanol
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientSilica
AbrasivePolyethylene
AbrasiveC10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters
EmulsifyingTrimethylolpropane Triisostearate
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Officinalis Flower Extract
TonicSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPunica Granatum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingCI 77220
Cosmetic ColorantTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPropyl Gallate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGlucomannan
Skin ConditioningCI 12085
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45380
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Octyldodecanol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Isononyl Isononanoate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Silica, Polyethylene, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Parfum, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables, Paeonia Officinalis Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Flower Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, CI 77220, Trihydroxystearin, Tocopherol, Propyl Gallate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucomannan, CI 12085, CI 15850, CI 15985, CI 17200, CI 19140, CI 42090, CI 45380, CI 45410, CI 73360, CI 77163, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77742, CI 77891
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientC15-19 Alkane
SolventSilica
AbrasiveHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCera Alba
EmollientTrimethylolpropane Triisostearate
EmollientC10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Wax
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingBrassica Campestris Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingSerica Powder
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPropylene Carbonate
SolventCamelina Sativa Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningAcmella Oleracea Extract
Skin ProtectingPropyl Gallate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, C15-19 Alkane, Silica, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cera Alba, Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Oryza Sativa Bran Wax, Parfum, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Serica Powder, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Propylene Carbonate, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Trihydroxystearin, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Propyl Gallate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 15850, CI 42090
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters isn't fungal acne safe.
Ci 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850Ci 42090 is a synthetic dye created from petroleum. It is used to give a bright blue color to cosmetics, medicine, and food.
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 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 77891Ethylhexyl 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 PalmitateHydrogenated Polydecene is a synthetic emollient. It forms a non-occlusive film on the skin's surface to provide a silky feel without being greasy.
In vivo studies in volunteers with atopic and dry skin showed no irritation or intolerance. The volunteers also saw a positive effect in dryness, scaling, and roughness after 28 days of use.
Concentrations up to 100% in guinea pig tests found it to be non-sensitizing and completely safe for use in cosmetics.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolydeceneParfum 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 “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” 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 ParfumThis ingredient is a form of glycerin with emulsifying and emollient properties.
As an emulsifier, this ingredient helps keep products together while adding a thick texture. The manufacturer states this ingredient has emollient properties. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is created by reacting diglycerin and isostearic acid. Due to the isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearatePropyl Gallate is a synthetic antioxidant. It works by protecting the oils, fats, and fragrance compounds in a formula from going rancid through oxidation, helping the product stay stable and effective for longer.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel recommends keeping Propyl Gallate at or below 0.1% due to potential sensitization at higher levels, and most formulas stay within that limit.
We flag Propyl Gallate as both a general irritant and a lip irritant because direct skin contact can trigger redness or allergic contact dermatitis. The more sensitive skin on and around the lips is prone to reacting.
Learn more about Propyl GallateSilica, 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 SilicaSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopherol 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 TocopherolThis ingredient comes from Hydroxystearic Acid, a fatty acid, and glycerin. It is used to thicken oils.
Due to its fatty acid content, it is a natural emollient.
Creating trihydroxystearin involves using a chemical reaction between hydrogen and castor oil.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about TrihydroxystearinThis ingredient comes from trimethylolpropane and isostearic acid. It has emollient and skin conditioning properties.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient provides a non-tacky, light, glossy feeling on the skin.
Due to its isotearic acid base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate