What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveC10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPolybutene
Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate
EmollientCera Alba
EmollientCI 77220
Cosmetic ColorantPolyethylene
AbrasiveEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPaeonia Officinalis Flower Extract
TonicSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventPunica Granatum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingTrihydroxystearin
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, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Synthetic Wax, C10-30 Cholesterol/Lanosterol Esters, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Polybutene, Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate, Cera Alba, CI 77220, Polyethylene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables, Parfum, Paeonia Officinalis Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Propylene Carbonate, Punica Granatum Flower Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, 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
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingTrimethyl Pentaphenyl Trisiloxane
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientEthylhexyl Olivate
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitan Sesquiisostearate
EmulsifyingBis-Behenyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientHydroxyapatite
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantSqualane
EmollientLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Behenate
EmollientCalcium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningGlucomannan
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantDiisostearyl Malate, Polyethylene, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Trimethyl Pentaphenyl Trisiloxane, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Dimethicone, Mica, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Bis-Behenyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleate, Hydroxyapatite, Tocopherol, Squalane, Lauroyl Lysine, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Behenate, Calcium Stearate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Trihydroxystearin, Glucomannan, Phenoxyethanol, CI 42090, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 15850, CI 77891, CI 19140, CI 15985
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 15985 is a dye made from petroleum. It is synthetically created and approved by the FDA for use in foods and cosmetics.
The color of this dye is orange/yellow.
This ingredient can be found in makeup, sun care, and skincare.
Learn more about CI 15985CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Ci 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 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 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 PalmitateGlucomannan is a fiber created from the Konjac plant. It is an emulsifier and thickener.
The high polysaccharide content makes it great at adjusting the texture of products. (Kind of like starch).
Polysaccharides also help our skin stay hydrated.
This ingredient is water-soluble.
Learn more about GlucomannanHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Polyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
It is also typically used within product formulations to help bind solid ingredients together and thicken oil-based ingredients. When added to balms and emulsions, it helps increase the melting point temperature.
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is a plant-derived emulsifier and pigment-dispersing agent with a non-sticky skin feel.
It helps products glide on smoothly and prevents oil and water from separating in a formula, making it suitable for sunscreen and makeup formulations.
The EU inventory of cosmetics has no use restrictions on this ingredient and it is considered well-tolerated.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is derived from isostearic acid.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateSodium 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 TocopherolTrihydroxystearin is what you get when you fully hydrogenate castor oil into a waxy, fine powder.
It's mostly a behind-the-scenes texture enhancer that's especially good at "thixotropic" thing where the product stays thick but applies nicely.
Because of its structure, it also acts as a mild skin conditioning emollient that helps soften skin while preventing moisture loss.
Safety studies show it to be safe and non-irritation in clinical tests. It's typically used in concentrations up to 5%.
Since its an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it falls into the C11-24 range that Malassezia can potentially feed on. This makes it not fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Trihydroxystearin