What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPvp
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Sodium Chloride
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantMethicone
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolysilicone-11
Palmitic Acid
EmollientChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialStearic Acid
CleansingSqualane
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientMyristic Acid
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantBrassica Oleracea Gemmifera Extract
AstringentLecithin
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Leaf Extract
HumectantLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialPhoenix Dactylifera Seed
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantGlycine
BufferingSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantAspartic Acid
MaskingLeucine
Skin ConditioningSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantAlanine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingValine
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Proline
Skin ConditioningSodium Sulfite
PreservativeIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantMethionine
Skin ConditioningCysteine
AntioxidantDunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 77891, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Mica, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Pvp, PEG-10 Dimethicone, CI 77492, CI 77120, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77491, Methicone, Phenoxyethanol, Polysilicone-11, Palmitic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Stearic Acid, Squalane, CI 77499, Parfum, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Myristic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Brassica Oleracea Gemmifera Extract, Lecithin, Simmondsia Chinensis Leaf Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Alcohol, Phoenix Dactylifera Seed, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ascorbic Acid, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Tromethamine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Aspartic Acid, Leucine, Sodium Metabisulfite, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Valine, Ceramide NP, Threonine, Proline, Sodium Sulfite, Isoleucine, Histidine, Methionine, Cysteine, Dunaliella Salina Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTalc
AbrasiveButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPvp
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Sodium Chloride
MaskingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingStearic Acid
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialDimethicone
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingCalamine
AbsorbentEctoin
Skin ConditioningMannitol
HumectantYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycogen
HumectantMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientArnica Montana Flower Extract
MaskingGentiana Lutea Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAchillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Talc, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Pvp, CI 77492, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491, Chlorphenesin, Dimethicone, CI 77499, Parfum, Calamine, Ectoin, Mannitol, Yeast Extract, Alcohol, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Glycogen, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholAluminum 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 GlycolThis ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together.
It's pretty effective because one end of the molecule loves oil and the other one loves water.
Besides holding formulas together, it also leaves a silky and lightweight feel on skin without the greasiness. A manufacturer also claims it can help with the controlled release of active ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel found this ingredient to not be sensitizing in concentrations up to 15% in human maximazation testing and dimethicone-based compounds were not comedogenic.
It has a high molecular weight well above 1,000 g/mol which means it limits meaningful skin penetration.
A 2019 study specifically tested this ingredient and found no observable Malassezia growth in its presence.
Learn more about Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinCi 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.
Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisteardimonium 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 HectoriteGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinParfum 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 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.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconePvp is a water-soluble synthetic polymer and common hairstyling ingredient. It is a film-forming ingredient and used to "hold" specific shapes of hair.
In cosmetics, PVP helps products like sunscreens and color cosmetics last longer and wear more evenly.
It is less effective in high-humidity. It tends to draw moisture, but this moisture dismantles the structure and "hold".
PVP is generally well tolerated on skin and toxicity studies are negative for dermal irritation.
Learn more about PvpChances 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.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis ingredient is used in makeup and skincare to thicken formulas, reduce shine, and give skin a silky-smooth feel.
It’s a white silicone powder that sits in fine lines and pores to blur their appearance though its effectiveness depends on the particle size.
You'll typically find this ingredient in amounts between 0.1-20%.
Learn more about Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane CrosspolymerWater. 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