What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientC13-15 Alkane
SolventStearic Acid
CleansingBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingHexyl Laurate
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Benzoate
MaskingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingQuaternium-90 Bentonite
Propylene Carbonate
SolventCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeParfum
MaskingPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingDisiloxane
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, CI 77891, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, CI 77492, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Silica, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, C13-15 Alkane, Stearic Acid, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Propanediol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hexyl Laurate, CI 77491, Sodium Benzoate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Beeswax, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Propylene Carbonate, CI 77499, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Persea Gratissima Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Disiloxane, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Propolis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC15-19 Alkane
SolventC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveDextrin Palmitate
EmulsifyingSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlyceryl Linoleate
EmollientPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantGlyceryl Linolenate
EmollientPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
HumectantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantTripeptide-10 Citrulline
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentMagnesium Sulfate
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingDisodium EDTA
Propylene Carbonate
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Lauroyl Glutamate
SurfactantLysine
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientMagnesium Chloride
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientTriethanolamine
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantWater, CI 77891, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C15-19 Alkane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Beeswax, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Silica, Dextrin Palmitate, Saccharide Isomerate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Trehalose, Glyceryl Linolenate, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, Tocopherol, Tripeptide-1, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Oryza Sativa Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Dimethicone, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Carbonate, Caprylyl Glycol, Decylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Lysine, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Magnesium Chloride, Carbomer, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77491, Mica
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Beeswax is natural wax produced by honey bees to build their honeycomb.
Because it forms a protective layer on your skin, it can help lock in moisture and reduce water loss. It is also widely used as a thickener and emulsifier in lip balms and lotions. Research suggests beeswax containing moisturizers can support skin barrier integrity.
In comedogenic testing, Beeswax scored a 0-2, which is on the low end. Whether or not a product clogs your pores really comes down to the formula as a whole (not any single ingredient on its own).
Cera Alba is the white, bleached form of this ingredient.
Just so you know, beeswax is not vegan since it is animal-derived. It cannot be removed with water, but can be taken off with an oil cleanser.
People with a known Propolis allergy also report to have reactions from beeswax.
Learn more about BeeswaxButylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together.
It's pretty 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.
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 77891Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinParfum 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 ParfumPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate is a plant-derived, PEG-free emulsifier.
It's made by hooking isostearic acid onto a chain of glycerin units to give it a water-loving "head" and oil-loving "tail". This allows it to keep the oil and water mixed in a formula.
The highest reported concentration is about 24% in eye makeup but most suppliers recommend a level below 10%.
It has a clean track record for safety and found to be non-irritating.
Because it is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, Malassezia can potentially metabolize it (it sits in the C11-24 range that Malassezia likes). Therefore, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearatePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateThis ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonateSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopherol 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