What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polybutene
Triisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingC18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveOpuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil
EmollientPalmitoyl Tripeptide-37
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Pilosa Extract
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientTribehenin
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantSucrose Cocoate
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Galactoarabinan
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCetearyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantMalic Acid
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingIsostearyl Alcohol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingEthyl Vanillin
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningIsostearic Acid
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Sulfate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantPolybutene, Triisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate, Diisostearyl Malate, Octyldodecanol, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearoyl Stearate, Silica, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-37, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Portulaca Pilosa Extract, Squalane, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tribehenin, Tocopherol, Sucrose Cocoate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Galactoarabinan, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Malic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Isostearyl Alcohol, Hexylene Glycol, Ethyl Vanillin, Water, Isostearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491, CI 77891, CI 15850, CI 19140
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientCalcium Sodium Borosilicate
Oenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientVanillin
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveTribehenin
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningGlucomannan
Skin ConditioningCitral
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTin Oxide
AbrasiveCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantOleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Persea Gratissima Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Mica, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Vanillin, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Tribehenin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Trihydroxystearin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Glucomannan, Citral, Limonene, Linalool, CI 77891, CI 77491, Tin Oxide, CI 45410
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCi 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 77891Ethylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is also known as pal-GHK. It is made up of 3 amino acids and palmitic acid, a fatty acid that helps it absorb into skin more easily.
This peptide is as a signal peptide, meaning it tells the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is the key protein that helps form the skin's structure and keep it plump, firm, and hydrated.
By boosting collagen production, this ingredient supports a stronger skin barrier and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
You'll most likely see this ingredient paired with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex. While results from in-house testing should be viewed cautiously, this peptide duo is among the most studied and widely used in modern skincare.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Silica, 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 SilicaSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, it keeps the water and oil ingredients from separating. This keeps formulas stable and smooth.
In a 24 hour occlusive patch test on 56 subjects, 10% sorbitan isostearate was completely non-irritating. Most formulas use less than 10%.
Because it's a fatty acid ester, it may not be fungal acne safe since the Malassezia yeast can utilize it as a nutrient source.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateTocopherol 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 TocopherolTribehenin comes from glycerin and behenic acid.
It is used as an emollient, or moisturizer. Emollients form a thin barrier on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Tribehenin