What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Alcohol
AntimicrobialCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientC9-11 Isoparaffin
SolventC10-13 Isoparaffin
SolventEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentTea-Dextrin Octenylsuccinate
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Tocopherol
AntioxidantMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingMagnesium Sulfate
Tridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPropylene Carbonate
SolventSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantAloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin ConditioningSaussurea Involucrata Extract
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientWater, CI 77891, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, C9-11 Isoparaffin, C10-13 Isoparaffin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, CI 77492, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isopropyl Myristate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Tea-Dextrin Octenylsuccinate, Propylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Tocopherol, Magnesium Stearate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Ceramide AP, Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Phenoxyethanol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, CI 77491, Propylene Carbonate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, CI 77499, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Niacinamide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Caprylyl Glycol
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingBis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantCera Alba
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Sodium Chloride
MaskingParfum
MaskingPPG-3 Myristyl Ether
EmollientPEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPropylene Carbonate
SolventPropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventTocopherol
AntioxidantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingMethylpropanediol
SolventPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientOphiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialAlgin
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingGalactoarabinan
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientGlyceryl Polyacrylate
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Magnesium Stearate, Cera Alba, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, PPG-3 Myristyl Ether, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Dimethicone, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Chlorphenesin, Propylene Carbonate, Propylene Glycol, Propanediol, Tocopherol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol, Benzyl Salicylate, Methylpropanediol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Benzyl Benzoate, Algin, Limonene, Galactoarabinan, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Ethylhexylglycerin, BHT, Biosaccharide Gum-1, CI 19140, CI 42090, CI 77007, CI 77163, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 77891Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisteardimonium 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 PalmitateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinMagnesium Stearate is a salt that is 2 parts stearic acid and 1 part magnesium.
It is a white powder that can be used to add bulk and color to products by binding to oil ingredients.
Magnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t 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 SulfatePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
This ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonatePropylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSodium 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 TocopherolWater. 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