What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTricalcium Phosphate
Abrasive
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Diglycerin
Humectant
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Stearyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Magnesium Sulfate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Propylene Carbonate
SolventCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantOctadecene
SolventAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
CI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
Antioxidant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Water, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Tricalcium Phosphate, Diisostearyl Malate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Diglycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Propylene Carbonate, CI 73360, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, CI 77891, CI 77491, Octadecene, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, CI 77499, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Parfum, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sorbitan Olivate, CI 15985, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 17200, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 42090, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Water
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone
Sorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Ethylcellulose
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Acrylates Copolymer
Polyacrylate-13
Polyisobutene
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Triethanolamine
BufferingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Prunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingLilium Speciosum Flower Oil
Masking
Osmanthus Fragrans Flower Extract
MaskingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 16255
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Octyldodecanol, Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Sorbitan Stearate, Ethylcellulose, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Acrylates Copolymer, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Triethanolamine, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Lilium Speciosum Flower Oil, Osmanthus Fragrans Flower Extract, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 16255, CI 19140, CI 42090, CI 77891, CI 17200
Reviews
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
CI 17200 is a synthetic, water-soluble, reddish-pink dye. It is used purely as a cosmetic colorant.
In the US, the FDA permits this ingredient in cosmetics but it is not approved for use around the eyes while the EU allows this to be used in all cosmetic products.
The FDA requires batch-to-batch certification for this ingredient that is held to a pretty rigorous standard. That means the CI 17200 in your cosmetics has been tested and approved before it ever reaches you.
Contact allergy to cosmetic-grade dyes used at low concentrations are uncommon but has been documented before.
This ingredient also goes by the name D&C RED NO. 33.
CI 17200 has a comedogenic rating of 1 and an irritancy rating of 2 on a scale of 0-5. This is based on peer-reviewed research from the man who invented the comedogenic scale.
A 1 on the comedogenic scale is about as low as it gets without being a flat zero, and makes sense for CI 17200.
It's a water-soluble dye used at very small concentrations (typically 0.001-0.1%), so it dissolves into the water phase of a formula rather than sitting on your skin the way an oil or wax would.
The irritancy rating of 2 reflects that, like most synthetic dyes, there's a small possibility of mild irritation ( particularly for people with existing dye sensitivities).
For the vast majority of people, it's a non-issue at typical use levels.
It's also worth keeping in mind that comedogenic and irritancy ratings are tested on individual ingredients, not finished formulas. The final product's formulation, concentration, and other ingredients all play a role in how something actually behaves on your skin.
Just so you know, the FDA ban on Red Dye No. 3 refers to CI 45430, not this ingredient. CI 45430 and CI 17200 are different chemical compounds with distinct safety and regulatory histories.
It's also worth noting that Red No. 3 (CI 45430) was already banned from cosmetics back in 1990, so the 2025 action just extended the ban to food and oral drugs. CI 17200 was never part of any of this.
Learn more about CI 17200Ci 42090 is a synthetic dye created from petroleum. It is used to give a bright blue color to cosmetics, medicine, and food.
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 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 77891Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateTocopherol 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
