What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPropanediol
SolventIsododecane
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingSilica
Abrasive1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDextrin Palmitate
EmulsifyingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningSapphire Powder
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingOctyldodecanol
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Stearic Acid
CleansingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Alumina
AbrasiveAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, CI 77891, Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Propanediol, Isododecane, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Silica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, CI 77492, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Dextrin Palmitate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylyl Methicone, Sapphire Powder, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Octyldodecanol, Magnesium Sulfate, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Alumina, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveIsododecane
EmollientAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Alumina
AbrasiveTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Dimethicone
EmollientPolypropylsilsesquioxane
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Tocopherol
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, CI 77492, Methyl Trimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Silica, Isododecane, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Octyldodecanol, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Dimethicone, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Parfum, Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool, Limonene, Mica, CI 77491, CI 77499, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Cetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearic Acid
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.
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
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAlumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is a white powder 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 HydroxideCi 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 HectoriteIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.
Learn more about IsododecaneThis ingredient is an synthetic emollient, emulsifier, and used as a surface treatment for pigment particles (like iron oxides or titanium dioxide).
The “triisostearate” part of this ingredient is an ester derived from isostearic acid, a long-chain fatty acid.
It "wraps" these ingredients in a form of slippery jacket so they disperse more evenly in oils, glide better on skin, and stick longer without smudging.
Human repeat insult patch tests on foundations containing this ingredient found no sensitization concerns.
Since isostearic acid is a C18 fatty acid, it falls within the carbon chain length that Malassezia can potentially metabolize. This is why this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Isopropyl Titanium TriisostearateThis is a silicone-polyether copolymer with skin conditioning, emulsifying, texture enhancing, and surfactant properties. It is used to help blend water and silicone based ingredients to improve slip and spreadability.
Due to its large molecular size and hydrophilic-lipophilic structure (it loves both oil and water), this ingredient is minimally absorbed into the skin.
Magnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfateNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate is a plant-derived, PEG-free emulsifier.
It's made by hooking isostearic acid onto a chain of glycerin units to give it a water-loving "head" and oil-loving "tail". This allows it to keep the oil and water mixed in a formula.
The highest reported concentration is about 24% in eye makeup but most suppliers recommend a level below 10%.
It has a clean track record for safety and found to be non-irritating.
Because it is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, Malassezia can potentially metabolize it (it sits in the C11-24 range that Malassezia likes). Therefore, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearatePolymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneSilica, 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 SilicaStearic 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 AcidTocopherol 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 TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
Water. 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