What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveSilica
AbrasiveDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
AstringentVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polyethylene
AbrasiveAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientIrvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientLecithin
EmollientSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingLaureth-4
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Octyldodecanol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Synthetic Wax, Silica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polyethylene, Aluminum Hydroxide, Irvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter, Parfum, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Lecithin, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Laureth-4, Tocopherol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 15985, CI 19140, CI 15850, CI 45410, CI 42090
Dimethicone
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialOctyldodecanol
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveMica
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
AstringentPolysilicone-11
Squalane
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPolyphenylsilsesquioxane
Punica Granatum Sterols
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientSqualene
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientParfum
MaskingCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingMedicago Sativa Extract
TonicStevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract
MaskingCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Synthetic Wax, Mica, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Polysilicone-11, Squalane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyphenylsilsesquioxane, Punica Granatum Sterols, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Squalene, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Medicago Sativa Extract, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract, CI 45410, CI 15850
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ci 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 45410Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeThis ingredient is a silicone elastomer that works as a texture enhancer, adds a silky slip, and also helps absorb excess oil.
Because it's a large macromolecule that's insoluble in water and chemically inert, it's not expected to penetrate or be absorbed into skin.
Human patch tests with a facial lotion containing 1% of this ingredient found no sensitization.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerEuphorbia Cerifera Cera is AKA as Candelilla wax. It is a natural emollient and helps give products a thick consistency.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia safe.
This wax comes from a shrub native to Mexico. Since it is a plant derived wax, it is considered vegan.
Learn more about Euphorbia Cerifera CeraOctyldodecanol 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 ParfumSilica, 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 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 Wax