What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Chloride
MaskingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasiveAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Parfum
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSimethicone
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Methicone
EmollientBoron Nitride
AbsorbentMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Tin Oxide
AbrasiveWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Caprylyl Methicone, Butylene Glycol, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, CI 77492, Mica, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Alumina, Aluminum Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, CI 77491, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, CI 77499, Simethicone, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Methicone, Boron Nitride, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Tin Oxide
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingOrbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
SmoothingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Chloride
MaskingMica
Cosmetic ColorantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingHexyl Laurate
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCetyl Dimethicone
EmollientMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Synthetic Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAlumina
AbrasiveCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Stearic Acid
CleansingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, CI 77492, Sodium Chloride, Mica, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caprylyl Methicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Silica, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hexyl Laurate, Microcrystalline Wax, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Cetyl Dimethicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Synthetic Beeswax, CI 77491, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Alumina, CI 77499, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Stearic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Carbonate, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Adenosine, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hyaluronic Acid, Tocopherol
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.
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 preservatives
Alumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.
As an absorbent, alumina can give a mattifying effect. It is used in mineral sunscreens to help coat nano-sized filters, such as titanium dioxide. By increasing the size of the UV filters, these ingredients stay on the skin for a longer time. By coating small sized ingredients, alumina helps thicken a product.
Alumina may be used as an abrasive, or exfoliant.
Alumina is naturally occurring in the mineral corundum. Certain varieties of corundum create rubies and sapphires. Corundum is also the crystalline form of alumina.
Learn more about AluminaAluminum 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 and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCaprylyl Methicone is a type of silicone.
It helps soften and soothe the skin by creating a thin film on top. This film helps trap moisture, keeping your skin hydrated.
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.
Cyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneCyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxaneThis ingredient is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
This ingredient is a type of elastomer.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTADisteardimonium 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 HectoriteThis ingredient comes as a powder made up of small, porous, microbeads. It is used to add a silky feel to products and also helps absorb oil.
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaParfum 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 “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” 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 ParfumChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum