What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveOctyldodecanol
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Polyethylene
AbrasiveTriisostearyl Citrate
EmollientTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientTriisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientCera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientPolymethyl Methacrylate
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientParfum
MaskingIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientEthyl Vanillin
MaskingPEG-8
HumectantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingPropylene Carbonate
SolventCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polydecene, Synthetic Wax, Octyldodecanol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Polyethylene, Triisostearyl Citrate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Triisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate, Cera Microcristallina, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Parfum, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Ethyl Vanillin, PEG-8, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Tocopherol, Isopropyl Myristate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Propylene Carbonate, CI 77891, CI 15850, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 19140, CI 42090
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingBis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientSqualane
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCellulose
AbsorbentDimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Butter
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Jojoba Oil
AbrasiveEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
AstringentParfum
MaskingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantCalcium Sodium Borosilicate
Citric Acid
BufferingMagnesium Silicate
AbsorbentSilica
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientBenzyl Cinnamate
PerfumingTin Oxide
AbrasiveBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantMalpighia Punicifolia Fruit Extract
AntioxidantMalpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlucomannan
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45380
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cellulose, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate, Simmondsia Chinensis Butter, Hydrogenated Jojoba Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Parfum, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Glycol, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Citric Acid, Magnesium Silicate, Silica, Tocopherol, Trihydroxystearin, Benzyl Benzoate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Benzyl Cinnamate, Tin Oxide, Benzyl Alcohol, Limonene, Sodium Hyaluronate, Malpighia Punicifolia Fruit Extract, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glucomannan, Mica, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891, CI 15985, CI 19140, CI 45410, CI 45380, CI 15850, CI 42090
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 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 ButterCi 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 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Ci 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 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 77891Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidParfum 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 ParfumPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateTocopherol 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