What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polybutene
Octyldodecanol
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientTricaprylin
PerfumingCera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Sorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Silica
AbrasiveEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAroma
Parfum
MaskingOctyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables
Skin ConditioningTribehenin
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantMica
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Nicotinate
SoothingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantVanillyl Butyl Ether
MaskingCapsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientZingiber Officinale Root Oil
MaskingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantLactic Acid
BufferingCalcium Sodium Borosilicate
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningTin Oxide
AbrasiveBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialLimonene
PerfumingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPolybutene, Octyldodecanol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Tricaprylin, Cera Microcristallina, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyethylene, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Sorbitan Oleate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Silica, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylyl Glycol, Aroma, Parfum, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables, Tribehenin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Mica, Methyl Nicotinate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vanillyl Butyl Ether, Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja Oil, Zingiber Officinale Root Oil, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Lactic Acid, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tin Oxide, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 15850, CI 77891
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientTrioctyldodecyl Citrate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingLanolin Oil
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingOctyldodecanol
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveCera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantSqualane
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientChamomilla Recutita Flower Oil
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningAcrylates Copolymer
Linoleic Acid
CleansingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Calcium Sodium Borosilicate
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Polyethylene Terephthalate
CI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantAlumina
AbrasiveVanillin
MaskingMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77400
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantRicinus Communis Seed Oil, Diisostearyl Malate, Trioctyldodecyl Citrate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lanolin Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Ozokerite, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Polyethylene, Cera Microcristallina, Parfum, Tocopherol, Squalane, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cholesterol, Ceramide NP, Acrylates Copolymer, Linoleic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polyethylene Terephthalate, CI 77120, Alumina, Vanillin, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 42090, CI 75470, CI 77400, CI 15850, CI 45410, CI 73360, CI 17200, CI 19140, CI 15985
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is lipid-based synthetic skin-conditioning agent derived from adipic acid and a mixture of fatty acids. It is often called a lanolin substitute.
As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate the skin. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Due to its fatty acid base, it may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2This ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate is made up of calcium, aluminum, and silicates. It is a glass-like material. In cosmetics, it comes in the form of flakes or microspheres.
Calcium aluminum borosilicate is a bulking agent, meaning it helps thicken a product.
This ingredient is created by slowly mixing several minerals, including kaolin clay.
Although “aluminum” in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly. For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic “aluminum overload.”
Learn more about Calcium Aluminum BorosilicateCalcium Sodium Borosilicate is a bulking agent. It is considered a borosilicate glass; it is composed of powder or flakes of calcium and sodium borosilicates.
This ingredient is used to add volume, shine, and color to products. You'll most likely find this ingredient in makeup products.
According to in-vivo and ex-vivo studies done by a manufacturer, this ingredient works well with UV filters:
Learn more about Calcium Sodium BorosilicateThis ingredient is a petroleum-derived wax used to thicken formulas, improve texture, and help lock in moisture.
Like other forms of wax, it forms an occlusive layer on the skin to reduce water loss.
While it can be beneficial for very dry or compromised skin, Cera Microcristallina may not be fungal acne safe; waxes and certain hydrocarbons may contribute to Malassezia growth for those prone to fungal acne.
As with many heavy occlusive ingredients, it may feel too rich for oily or acne-prone skin types. Individual tolerance can vary.
Learn more about Cera MicrocristallinaCi 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850Ci 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 77891Mica 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 MicaOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Parfum 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 ParfumPolyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
It is also typically used within product formulations to help bind solid ingredients together and thicken oil-based ingredients. When added to balms and emulsions, it helps increase the melting point temperature.
Silica, 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 SilicaSynthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteTocopherol 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 Tocopherol