What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingTribehenin
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Nylon-12
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Hydrated Silica
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrogen Dimethicone
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEctoin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Aminomethyl Propanol, Tribehenin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Nylon-12, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Aluminum Hydroxide, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hydrated Silica, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Squalane, Pentylene Glycol, Ectoin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientNylon-12
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantUndecane
EmollientPerlite
AbsorbentPropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientTridecane
PerfumingCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientAdipic Acid/Diglycol Crosspolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingTetrasodium EDTA
Dehydroxanthan Gum
Emulsion StabilisingTropolone
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAlbatrellus Confluens Extract
HumectantAlbizia Julibrissin Bark Extract
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Isohexadecane, Nylon-12, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Glycerin, Undecane, Perlite, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Isononyl Isononanoate, Tridecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Adipic Acid/Diglycol Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Parfum, Tetrasodium EDTA, Dehydroxanthan Gum, Tropolone, Tocopherol, Albatrellus Confluens Extract, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
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 HydroxideThis ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together. It's so effective because one end of the molecule loves oil and the other one loves water.
Besides holding formulas together, it also leaves a silky and lightweight feel on skin without the greasiness. A manufacturer also claims it can help with the controlled release of active ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel found this ingredient to not be sensitizing in concentrations up to 15% in human maximazation testing and dimethicone-based compounds were not comedogenic.
It has a high molecular weight well above 1,000 g/mol which means it limits meaningful skin penetration.
A 2019 study specifically tested this ingredient and found no observable Malassezia growth in its presence.
Learn more about Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeCyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxaneDisteardimonium 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 HectoriteNylon-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-12Parfum 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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 ParfumTocopherol 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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