What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
Humectant4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor
UV AbsorberCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantNiacinamide
SmoothingLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCyclomethicone
EmollientCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveGlycerin
HumectantOctyldodecanol
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientWater, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Dibutyl Adipate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Mica, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, CI 77492, Cyclomethicone, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Hydroxyacetophenone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77491, CI 77499, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Adenosine, Silica, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Centella Asiatica Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Caprylyl Glycol
Water
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Butylene Glycol
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantSynthetic Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingLentinus Edodes Extract
Skin ConditioningSparassis Crispa Extract
Emulsion StabilisingTrametes Versicolor Extract
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningPinus Pinaster Bark Extract
AntioxidantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingMaltodextrin
Absorbent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingWater, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Methicone, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Synthetic Beeswax, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Lentinus Edodes Extract, Sparassis Crispa Extract, Trametes Versicolor Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Centella Asiatica Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phytosphingosine, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Cyclohexasiloxane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Mica, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Propylene Carbonate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Maltodextrin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Parfum
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
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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractCeramide NP (formerly known as Ceramide 3) is one of the skin's naturally occurring lipids.
Since ceramides are the major lipid components of the skin, they are crucial for maintaining skin barrier and hydration. Ceramide NP most closely mirrors the dominant kind in human skin amongst ceramide subtypes.
This ceramide works by slotting into gaps within the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to limit trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and shield the skin against external irritants.
A study with 312 patients found that using a ceramide-containing routine for 4 weeks reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis by over 61%.
Another clinical study in subjects aged 60 and older found that a ceramide body wash and moisturizer improved skin dryness and itchy skin in 15 days.
Overall, ceramides are considered non-irritating and safety tests have found little to no observable adverse effects from using this ingredient.
Ceramide NP is usually sourced from plants (like soybean or rice bran), or produced synthetically.
Learn more about Ceramide NPThis 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 DimethiconeCi 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 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 HectoriteGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
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.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a 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 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