Hanyul Lip Balm Versus innisfree My Lip Balm
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Phytosteryl Isostearyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Hydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin Conditioning
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPolyethylene
Abrasive
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Candelilla Wax Esters
Parfum
Masking
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Copernicia Cerifera Wax
CI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Natto Gum
Stone Bean Extract
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phytosteryl Isostearyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate, Beeswax, Synthetic Wax, Microcrystalline Wax, Polyethylene, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Candelilla Wax Esters, Parfum, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, CI 17200, CI 45410, CI 77891, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Water, CI 77491, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, BHT, Natto Gum, Stone Bean Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA
Petrolatum
Emollient
Hydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin Conditioning
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingBeeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Silica Silylate
Emollient
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCitric Acid
Buffering
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMentha Piperita Oil
Masking
CI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Saccharin
MaskingCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
Antioxidant
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Masking
Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOrchid Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Sudachi Fruit Extract
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Petrolatum, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate, Microcrystalline Wax, Beeswax, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Silica Silylate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isostearic Acid, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Diisostearyl Malate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dehydroacetic Acid, CI 77491, CI 45410, Citric Acid, CI 77891, Mentha Piperita Oil, CI 15985, Sodium Saccharin, CI 15850, CI 77492, Tocopherol, Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Orchid Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Citrus Sudachi Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol
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.
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 preservatives
Beeswax is natural wax produced by honey bees to build their honeycomb.
Because it forms a protective layer on your skin, it can help lock in moisture and reduce water loss. It is also widely used as a thickener and emulsifier in lip balms and lotions. Research suggests beeswax containing moisturizers can support skin barrier integrity.
In comedogenic testing, Beeswax scored a 0-2, which is on the low end. Whether or not a product clogs your pores really comes down to the formula as a whole (not any single ingredient on its own).
Cera Alba is the white, bleached form of this ingredient.
Just so you know, beeswax is not vegan since it is animal-derived. It cannot be removed with water, but can be taken off with an oil cleanser.
People with a known Propolis allergy also report to have reactions from beeswax.
Beeswax's wax esters are derived primarily from palmitic and oleic acid (C16 and C18:1). Both of these fall within the C11-C24 feeding window.
The Malassezia yeast can potentially cleave these esters and release usable fatty acids, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. However, not everyone will react to this ingredient.
Learn more about BeeswaxButylene 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 GlycolCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that it is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid.
In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Just patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCI 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 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 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.
Hydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Microcrystalline 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.
Jojoba 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.
Fungal acne: The Malassezia yeast is known to metabolize fatty acids in the C11-24 range and jojoba's dominant fatty acid components fall into this range. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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
