What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantIsododecane
EmollientNylon-12
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingTribehenin
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSodium Chloride
MaskingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantAlumina
AbrasiveCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientParfum
MaskingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSilica Dimethicone Silylate
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Simethicone
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Butylene Glycol, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Isododecane, Nylon-12, PEG-10 Dimethicone, CI 77492, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Tribehenin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Pentylene Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77491, Alumina, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Glyceryl Caprylate, CI 77499, Silica Dimethicone Silylate, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Simethicone, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Silica Dimethicone Silylate
AbsorbentAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Chloride
MaskingIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Bis-PEG-15 Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer
Parfum
MaskingAlumina
AbrasiveCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingDimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disodium EDTA
PEG-2 Soyamine
EmulsifyingSimethicone
EmollientMentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingSodium Citrate
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, CI 77891, Methyl Trimethicone, Homosalate, Caprylyl Methicone, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Silica, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, CI 77492, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Silica Dimethicone Silylate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Disteardimonium Hectorite, CI 77491, Mica, Sodium Chloride, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Bis-PEG-15 Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer, Parfum, Alumina, Caprylyl Glycol, Trihydroxystearin, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Panthenol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disodium EDTA, PEG-2 Soyamine, Simethicone, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, CI 77499, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Dipropylene Glycol, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Hydroxycitronellal, Sodium Citrate, Tocopherol
Reviews
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
Alumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.
As an absorbent, alumina can give a mattifying effect. It is used in mineral sunscreens to help coat nano-sized filters, such as titanium dioxide. By increasing the size of the UV filters, these ingredients stay on the skin for a longer time. By coating small sized ingredients, alumina helps thicken a product.
Alumina may be used as an abrasive, or exfoliant.
Alumina is naturally occurring in the mineral corundum. Certain varieties of corundum create rubies and sapphires. Corundum is also the crystalline form of alumina.
Learn more about AluminaAluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
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 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77492 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 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Ci 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 77891Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTADisteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
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 âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ 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 ParfumPeg-10 Dimethicone is silicone with conditioner and emulsifier properties. It mostly acts as an emollient in skincare and and humectant in haircare.
According to the manufacturer, acidic formulations decrease the stability of this ingredient. It works best in neutral or near neutral formulations.
Silica Dimethicone Silylate is a type of silicone.
Simethicone is a silicone. It is an emollient and used to reduce foaming in a product. It is also often used to coat sunscreen ingredients for better spreadability.
This ingredient is created by mixing dimethylpolysiloxane and hydrated silica.
Chances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt.
This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as âmineralâ by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isnât as strong as zinc oxideâs, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water