Esqa Minimalist Blurring Serum Skin Tint SPF 35 Versus Dazzle Me Acne Armor Cover & Correct Skin Tint
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Butylene Glycol
HumectantLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningC30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientBoron Nitride
AbsorbentCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeKaolin
AbrasiveTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Methylpropanediol
SolventAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningLauric Acid
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLauryl Alcohol Diphosphonic Acid
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Butylene Glycol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Boron Nitride, Caprylyl Methicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Kaolin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Methylpropanediol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Lauric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lauryl Alcohol Diphosphonic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Tocopherol, Allantoin, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberHomosalate
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingMica
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientBentonite
AbsorbentMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Chloride
MaskingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Parfum
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingDextrin
AbsorbentAmylopectin
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantSodium Lactate
BufferingSucrose
HumectantUrea
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingMalic Acid
BufferingGlycolic Acid
BufferingSilica
AbrasiveMagnesium Silicate
AbsorbentZinc PCA
HumectantSqualane
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Isododecane, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Homosalate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Mica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Bentonite, Magnesium Stearate, Sodium Chloride, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Salicylic Acid, Dextrin, Amylopectin, Xanthan Gum, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Sodium Lactate, Sucrose, Urea, Sodium Citrate, Malic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Silica, Magnesium Silicate, Zinc PCA, Squalane, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, 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.
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinCi 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.
Cyclopentasiloxane, 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 DimethiconeDimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propylene 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 HyaluronateTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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