What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantHomosalate
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientOctyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingIsododecane
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingPolyglyceryl-2 Isostearate
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantLecithin
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate
AntioxidantGlutathione
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantTocopheryl Linoleate
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningWater, Phenyl Trimethicone, CI 77891, Homosalate, Propanediol, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Titanium Dioxide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Niacinamide, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Isododecane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Synthetic Wax, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Sodium Chloride, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, CI 77492, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Parfum, CI 77163, Sodium Metaphosphate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 77491, Lecithin, Adenosine, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isostearic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, CI 77499, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate, Glutathione, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Linoleate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAstaxanthin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Ergothioneine
AntioxidantBetaine
HumectantPropylene Carbonate
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantGlutathione
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeTribehenin
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTricholoma Matsutake Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Butylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Isododecane, Niacinamide, Copper Tripeptide-1, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Astaxanthin, Tocopherol, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77492, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ergothioneine, Betaine, Propylene Carbonate, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 77491, Glutathione, CI 77499, Ethylhexylglycerin, Magnesium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Tribehenin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Pentylene Glycol
Reviews
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 HydroxideButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCaprylyl 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 GlycolCi 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 77891Disteardimonium 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 HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlutathione is a tiny protein-like molecule (a "tripeptide" build from 3 amino acids: glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid) that your body already makes on its own.
Inside your body, it acts as one of the skin's main antioxidants that help fight against free radicals.
In skincare, it's best known as a brightening ingredient that slows down tyrosinase, the key enzyme that makes skin pigment. It also nudges the skin toward making a lighter type of pigment instead of a darker one.
This is why you'll see it in products aimed at dark spots and uneven tone.
A small number of real human trials have found a topical glutathione lotion:
The honest caveat is that the current evidence is still thin (few studies, small groups, short timelines). Glutathione also doesn't absorb into skin very easily so results tend to be modest and fade if you stop using it.
One thing worth clearing up:
The scary side effects you may have heard about come from glutathione injected intravenously, which has real safety concerns. Applying it topically is a completely different thing and has a clean track record.
Most human studies used it around 2% (as Glutathione or Glutathione Disulfide) and a 2% oxidized glutathione lotion and a 2% S-acyl glutathione cream are the concentrations with actual clinical data behind them.
There's no established "ideal" percentage yet but 1-2% is the evidence-backed range.
Allergy-wise, there is very low risk for this ingredient; it was well-tolerated across the topical trials. Only one participant had mild temporary redness that cleared up on its own and another study reported no adverse reactions at all.
One trial had ~10% of users drop out for irritation was using a combination cream that also had 10% azelaic acid so the irritation likely wasn't from the glutathione. There's no notable contact-allergy signal for topical glutathione in the literature but patch-testing before first use is still sensible for those with sensitive skin.
Learn more about GlutathioneIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.
Learn more about IsododecaneNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideTocopherol 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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