What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
SurfactantSilica
AbrasiveCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantAlumina
AbrasiveCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingStearic Acid
CleansingSodium Benzoate
MaskingAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTriethyl Citrate
MaskingPolysilicone-11
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingWater, Methyl Trimethicone, CI 77891, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Silica, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Mica, CI 77492, Alumina, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Aluminum Hydroxide, Panthenol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Stearic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Parfum, CI 77491, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Triethyl Citrate, Polysilicone-11, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, CI 77499, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantIsododecane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTuber Magnatum Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
MaskingNelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningFreesia Refracta Extract
Skin ConditioningIris Versicolor Extract
EmollientLoess Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningNarcissus Pseudonarcissus Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Extract
MaskingMagnesium Sulfate
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Alumina
AbrasivePolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlutathione
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, Isododecane, Niacinamide, PEG-10 Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Tuber Magnatum Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Iris Versicolor Extract, Loess Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Narcissus Pseudonarcissus Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Alumina, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Adenosine, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Butylene Glycol, Glutathione, Ethylhexylglycerin, Arginine, Carbomer, Parfum, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alumina (aka aluminum oxide) is an inorganic mineral powder refined from bauxite that works as a quiet workhorse in a formula.
It shows up often as an abrasive, absorbent, anticaking, bulking, and viscosity-controlling agent.
One of its most common jobs is acting as a pigment carrier and dispersant.
Alumina platelets are often blended with inorganic sunscreens like Titanium Dioxide (or with colorants) and then coated with a silicone such as Triethoxycaprylylsilane so the pigment spreads evenly and smoothly.
In makeup, it can also double as a light-diffusing powder or oil absorber to keep formulas from looking greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded alumina to be safe in present practices of use and concentration.
They note it's a stable, oxidized compound and scientific research has failed to establish links to health issues.
Concentrations vary depending on the product:
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 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 77891Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) is a lightweight silicone that mostly acts as an emollient and solvent in cosmetics. Its the reason your products feel silky, fast-spreading, and non-greasy.
Since D5 is volatile, it does its thing and then evaporates off the skin quickly.
The safety profile of this ingredient is reassuring; the US CIR Expert Panel concluded D5 is safe as used in cosmetics and Health Canada concluded that D5 is not harmful to human health or the environment as currently used in cosmetics
There's a study that people mention about D5 in a rat study showing tumors. This study is related to long-term inhalation of high D5 levels.
Regulatory bodies have judged this study to be not applicable in topical skincare since skin absorption of D5 is very low and we're not really inhaling huge amounts of D5.
The only restriction for this ingredient is environmental. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) restricted D5 in wash-off cosmetics at or above 0.1% due to their persistence in water.
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 HectoriteParfum 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.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a vegetable-derived soft wax made from castor oil. It's an emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and film former.
You'll likely see it in sunscreens because it helps disperse pigments and UV-reflecting minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide evenly.
Depending on the concentration, it can drastically change the texture of a product from pasty solid (like lipstick) to sprayable liquid.
The CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has concluded this ingredient to be safe in cosmetics. The highest reported use concentration is 14.2% in lipsticks.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidStearic 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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