What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientDiethylhexyl Carbonate
EmollientIsoeicosane
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Synthetic Wax
AbrasivePolyethylene
AbrasiveEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientSucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate
EmollientPolybutene
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Diglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate
EmollientDipentaerythrityl Tetrahydroxystearate/Tetraisostearate
Skin ConditioningVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Dicalcium Phosphate
AbrasiveCandelilla Wax Esters
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientPaeonia Suffruticosa Seed Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantIsononyl Isononanoate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Silica, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Isoeicosane, Octyldodecanol, Lauroyl Lysine, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Polybutene, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate, Dipentaerythrityl Tetrahydroxystearate/Tetraisostearate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Dicalcium Phosphate, Candelilla Wax Esters, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Paeonia Suffruticosa Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Tocopherol, CI 15985, CI 16035, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77491, CI 15850
Tridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPhenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveMica
Cosmetic ColorantRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientDiglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientDicalcium Phosphate
AbrasivePhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningGardenia Taitensis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientLecithin
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polysilicone-11
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasivePentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningCollagen
MoisturisingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantIron Oxides
CI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantTridecyl Trimellitate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Wax, Mica, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Polyethylene, Diisostearyl Malate, Diglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate, Dimethicone, Dicalcium Phosphate, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polysilicone-11, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopherol, Water, Collagen, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycerin, Iron Oxides, CI 15850, CI 77891, CI 19140
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCi 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 15850This ingredient is a mineral salt of calcium and phosphate. It is mainly used as a mild abrasive and sometimes used to add opacity to a formula.
This ingredient is an emollient made from glycerin and fatty acids. Due to its structure, it can help add a silky and cushiony feel without being greasy.
Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateGlyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid. It is an emollient, co-emulsifier, and preservative booster.
Its short C8 fatty acid chain makes it behave differently from its longer-chain emollient cousins like Glyceryl Stearate. It feels more lightweight, fast-absorbing, and silky instead of rich and waxy.
As a co-emulsifier, its "head" and "tail" sit at the oil-water interface. But overall, the short C8 tail and not being water soluble means it doesn't really have the muscle to emulsify a formula on its own. That's why you'll often see it paired with a primary emulsifier like Cetearyl Glucoside.
Interestingly, Glyceryl Caprylate acts as a preservative booster. This is because its fatty-acid backbone disrupts microbial lipid membranes. It shows excellent activity against bacteria and yeast but is weaker against mold.
Typical concentrations range from 0.5-1% and this ingredient is generally non-irritating.
Because this ingredient has a C8 fatty acid chain, it is outside the range that the Malassezia yeast metabolizes (making it fungal acne safe).
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateHydrogenated Vegetable Oil is created by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil in order to give it more stability. This process also raises the melting point of vegetable oil. In cosmetics, it is an emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
The term "Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil" is an umbrella term and can refer to a variety of vegetable oils and blends of: sunflower oil, soybean oil, olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and more.
Due to the differences in vegetables, the benefits may vary.
Learn more about Hydrogenated Vegetable OilIsopropyl Myristate is an emollient, thickening agent, and texture enhancer. It is created from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.
It is used to help other ingredients be better absorbed. It is also an emollient and may help soften and hydrate the skin.
The comedogenic rating of this ingredient depends on the concentration. Lower amounts results in a lower rating.
Isopropyl Myristate may not be fungal acne safe. It can potentially worsen acne prone skin.
Learn more about Isopropyl MyristateIsostearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Its structure makes it a great surfactant.
Surfactants help decrease the surface tension between two liquids. This property also makes it an effective emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent waters and oils from separating in a product.
Isostearic Acid is created from oleic acid.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Isostearic AcidLecithin 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 LecithinPolyethylene 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.
This ingredient is an emulsifier. It is created from Polyglycerin-3 and Ricinoleic Acid.
As an emulsifier, it prevents waters and oils from separating. According to a manufacturer this ingredient is fully biodegradable.
This ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis due to its Ricinoleic Acid base. Ricinoleic Acid is a fatty acid derived from castor oil.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 PolyricinoleatePolyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidJojoba oil is one of the most well-studied plant-derived ingredients in cosmetics. It is an emollient with a special structure.
Because it is made up of 97-98% wax esters, it closely mirrors the linear monoesters found in human sebum. This makes it skin compatible, non-greasy, and lightweight.
Unlike other plant oils, jojoba wax doesn't easily penetrate skin. It mostly works in the uppermost layers as an emollient. This just means it forms a light barrier on the skin to help retain moisture.
Formulations with jojoba esters up to 90% reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and increased barrier recovery by 81% (outperforming bisabolol at 47%).
Besides barrier support, the science also suggests jojoba to have anti-inflammatory effects and potential applications for skin infections, aging, and wound healing.
Fun fact: Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilSynthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
It has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTocopherol 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 TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 Triethoxycaprylylsilane