What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningDipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingNeopentyl Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientMacadamia Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters Behenate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasiveCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCedrol
EmollientCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Madecassoside
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantRosa Centifolia Flower Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAdansonia Digitata Fruit Extract
EmollientCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCodonopsis Lanceolata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantMelissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCitral
PerfumingPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Ceresin, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Macadamia Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters Behenate, Synthetic Wax, Microcrystalline Wax, Diisostearyl Malate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, CI 77891, CI 19140, CI 45410, Cedrol, CI 15850, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Tocopherol, Water, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Madecassoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycine Soja Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Codonopsis Lanceolata Root Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientBis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPyrus Malus Seed Oil
EmollientSucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Synthetic Wax
AbrasiveSilica Silylate
EmollientEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentHydrogenated Polyisobutene, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Diisostearyl Malate, Microcrystalline Wax, Pyrus Malus Seed Oil, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Synthetic Wax, Silica Silylate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, CI 77891, CI 15985, CI 15850, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, CI 45410, Tocopherol, Water, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Butylene 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 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 45410 is a synthetic red-pigment and dye.
It often goes by both Red 28 or Red 27; manufacturers label both ingredients as CI 45410.
This dye is commonly found in makeup because it imparts a vivid color. Some types of this dye change color based on pH level and interaction with moisture:
Your skin has a natural pH of around 4.5 - 5.5.
According to the FDA, CI 45410 is not permitted for use in eye products.
Red 27 is a flourescein dye and commonly used as a fluorescent tracer in medicine.
Learn more about CI 45410Ci 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 77891Diisostearyl 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.
Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer is an exfoliant.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidMicrocrystalline Wax is derived from petroleum through a de-oiling process, then highly refined and purified before use in cosmetics.
In skincare formulations, it is used to improve texture and create a smooth, even consistency. It also helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating.
Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate is an emollient ester.
As an emollient, it softens and hydrates your skin by locking moisture in. Its large, branched structure gives it a thick, cushiony feel without being greasy. This is why it shows up most often in lip balms, lipsticks, and other stick or balm formulas, where it adds gloss and helps hold waxes and pigments together.
The phytosterol portion is a nice extra. Phytosterols are plant-based lipids that are structurally similar to ones found naturally in skin, so they can help support the skin barrier.
Because this ingredient contains C16, C18, and C22 fatty chains, it may not be Malassezia/fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast potentially feeds on fatty acids in the C11-C24 range. If you're prone to flare-ups, you might want to patch-test or skip this one.
Learn more about Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer DilinoleateThis ingredient is a form of glycerin with emulsifying and emollient properties.
As an emulsifier, this ingredient helps keep products together while adding a thick texture. The manufacturer states this ingredient has emollient properties. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is created by reacting diglycerin and isostearic acid. Due to the isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateSynthetic 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 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