What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Petrolatum
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Tridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Fragaria Ananassa Fruit Juice
Skin ConditioningRubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract
AstringentPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Squalane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Aroma
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Sucralose
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantZingiber Officinale Root Extract
Masking
Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
BHT
Antioxidant
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientMagnesium Hydroxide
AbsorbentStearic Acid
Cleansing
Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Trideceth-9
EmulsifyingPetrolatum, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Microcrystalline Wax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Synthetic Wax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Fragaria Ananassa Fruit Juice, Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Squalane, Glycerin, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aroma, Bisabolol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sucralose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Tin Oxide, CI 19140, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Echium Plantagineum Seed Oil, CI 77491, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, BHT, Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Trideceth-9
Tridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientCera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientJojoba Esters
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Petrolatum
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Mangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Stevia Rebaudiana Extract
Aroma
Tridecyl Trimellitate, Cera Microcristallina, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Jojoba Esters, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Beeswax, Petrolatum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Silica, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract, Aroma
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aroma refers to an ingredient, or mixture of ingredients, that impart or mask a flavor.
The name is slightly confusing. This is because INCI associates aroma with flavor instead of smell.
Here is the official definition from the The International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook:
“Aroma is a term for ingredient labeling used to identify that a product contains a material or combination of materials normally added to a cosmetic to produce or to mask a particular flavor.”
INCI shows the only purpose of aroma to be "flavouring".
However, due to regulation differences, some companies may use aroma in place of parfum.
In Canada, this ingredient only has to be listed in concentrations above 1%.
Learn more about AromaThis 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 ButterHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is a synthetic emollient and "skin-feel" ingredient that spreads well and leaves a non-sticky finish with high gloss.
In makeup, it also doubles as a pigment-wetting agent for better color payoff.
It's a well-vetted ingredient for safety and does not penetrate into skin due to its large molecule size.
Because it's a long-chain fatty acid ester, this ingredient may not be fungal acne or Malassezia safe.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearatePetrolatum is more commonly known as petroleum jelly. It is created by mixing waxes and mineral oils.
This ingredient is effective at reducing water loss by 99%. This is because it is an occlusive. Occlusives create a hydrophobic barrier on the skin to prevent evaporation. This property makes it great for hydrating dry skin.
Pro tip: Use occlusives, such as this ingredient, on damp skin for the best results.
The quality or origin of petrolatum is only known when disclosed by the brand. Most cosmetic petrolatum has gone through several purification stages.
Another benefit of occlusives is it protects your skin against infection or allergies.
Petrolatum is fungal acne safe. It is a hydrocarbon with no fatty acid structure, so Malassezia cannot metabolize it. In-vitro studies support negligible growth stimulation as well.
It's also worth noting that petrolatum has a comedogenic rating of 0. In updated rabbit ear testing (and in human testing), petrolatum was found to be not comedogenic. This means it didn’t promote comedone formation in standard models.
Learn more about PetrolatumSilica, 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 SilicaTocopherol 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 TocopherolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateTridecyl Trimellitate is a synthetic ingredient with emollient and skin conditioning properties. It also acts as a texture enhancer and helps products spread easily without feeling greasy.
As an emollient, it forms a light layer on the skin that keeps moisture in and improves water resistance. This is why you'll often find this ingredient in eye creams and other rich treatments.
This ingredient is seen as the elegant alternative to mineral oil.
Learn more about Tridecyl Trimellitate
