What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantOryza Sativa Powder
Silica
AbrasiveMagnesium Myristate
Cocoglycerides
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantC10-18 Triglycerides
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningCaprylhydroxamic Acid
CI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantUltramarines
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 77510
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Zinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Tin Oxide
AbrasiveButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantKaolin
AbrasiveOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingCI 77266
Cosmetic ColorantDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientStearyl Dimethicone
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientCalcium Sodium Borosilicate
Octyldodecanol
EmollientCetearyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientHydrated Silica
AbrasivePolybutene
Dodecane
EmollientC30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhenylisopropyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingSucrose Acetate Isobutyrate
Coconut Alkanes
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingSqualene
EmollientCI 77000
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAlumina
AbrasiveHydrogenated Styrene/Butadiene Copolymer
Tris-BHT Mesitylene
AntioxidantSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveDibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningMica, Oryza Sativa Powder, Silica, Magnesium Myristate, Cocoglycerides, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Propanediol, Decylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Magnesium Stearate, C10-18 Triglycerides, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lauroyl Lysine, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, CI 16035, CI 19140, CI 75470, Ultramarines, CI 77491, CI 77492, Iron Oxides, CI 77510, CI 77742, Titanium Dioxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethicone, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Zinc Stearate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Tin Oxide, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Kaolin, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, CI 77266, Diisostearyl Malate, Stearyl Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Octyldodecanol, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hydrated Silica, Polybutene, Dodecane, C30-45 Alkyl Dimethicone, Phenylisopropyl Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Triethylhexanoin, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Coconut Alkanes, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate, Propylene Carbonate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Beta-Sitosterol, Squalene, CI 77000, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Alumina, Hydrogenated Styrene/Butadiene Copolymer, Tris-BHT Mesitylene, Synthetic Wax, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Silica
AbrasiveHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientC10-18 Triglycerides
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Octyldodecanol
EmollientHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingDodecane
EmollientCoconut Alkanes
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientEthylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventPropanediol
SolventDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTin Oxide
AbrasiveNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCaprylhydroxamic Acid
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantMica, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Silica, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Dimethicone, C10-18 Triglycerides, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Dodecane, Coconut Alkanes, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Propylene Carbonate, Propanediol, Decylene Glycol, Tin Oxide, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, CI 77891, CI 77491
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
C10-18 Triglycerides is a skin conditioning and texture-enhancer.
It is created from glycerin and a mixture of C10-18 fatty acids.
This ingredient improves spreadability and helps thicken a product.
According to manufacturers, it usually comes from vegetable-based saturated fatty acids. Common bases for this ingredient are coconut oil, palm kernel oil, or both.
Due to the melting point being close to skin temperature, it is usually used in lip products.
Triglycerides are a main component of fat in the human body.
Learn more about C10-18 TriglyceridesCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate is made up of calcium, aluminum, and silicates. It is a glass-like material. In cosmetics, it comes in the form of flakes or microspheres.
Calcium aluminum borosilicate is a bulking agent, meaning it helps thicken a product.
This ingredient is created by slowly mixing several minerals, including kaolin clay.
Although “aluminum” in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly. For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic “aluminum overload.”
Learn more about Calcium Aluminum BorosilicateCaprylhydroxamic Acid is a chelating agent that helps cosmetics stay fresh, stable, and consistent over time.
Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted reactions and effects from using the product. It also helps prevent the growth of unwanted microbes in products that contain water.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid is often used with natural antimicrobial products as an alternative to preservatives.
Learn more about Caprylhydroxamic AcidCi 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 77491Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester created from coconut oil, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is an emollient that helps soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). What sets it apart from heavier emollients is its ultralight, non-greasy feel.
Once applied, this ingredient dries down quickly and leaves a dry, silky finish behind. This also helps improve spreadability and texture.
This ingredient has an excellent safety-record and is non-irritating.
Typical concentrations for cosmetics range from 0.5-62%.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateCoconut Alkanes is created from the fatty-acids of coconut oil. It is volatile, meaning it evaporates from the skin.
This ingredient is an emollient and solvent. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft and hydrated. Solvents help distribute and mix other ingredients. This ensures a more even consistency.
Coconut Alkanes may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Coconut AlkanesWe don't have a description for Decylene Glycol yet.
Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeThis ingredient is a silicone elastomer that works as a texture enhancer, adds a silky slip, and also helps absorb excess oil.
Because it's a large macromolecule that's insoluble in water and chemically inert, it's not expected to penetrate or be absorbed into skin.
Human patch tests with a facial lotion containing 1% of this ingredient found no sensitization.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerDisteardimonium 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 HectoriteDodecane is a lightweight alkane hydrocarbon that functions as an emollient, texture enhancer, and fragrance.
According to a manufacturer, it evaporates fast on skin and leaves behind a non-greasy and velvety finish. This also helps other ingredients like UV filters and pigments distribute evenly.
In 2020, the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) reviewed dodecane and found it to clear all tests. The amount typically used in cosmetics is also well below the threshold where skin allergies would be a concern.
This ingredient can be sourced from either petroleum fractionation or plant-based feedstocks.
Learn more about DodecaneWe don't have a description for Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate yet.
We don't have a description for Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate yet.
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil is created by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil in order to give it more stability. This process also raises the melting point of vegetable oil. In cosmetics, it is an emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
The term "Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil" is an umbrella term and can refer to a variety of vegetable oils and blends of: sunflower oil, soybean oil, olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and more.
Due to the differences in vegetables, the benefits may vary.
Learn more about Hydrogenated Vegetable OilMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Emollients help hydrate the skin by creating a barrier on top. This barrier prevents moisture from escaping, keeping the skin hydrated.
It is the diester of neopentyl glycol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Octyldodecanol 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.
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate is created from stearic acid.
It is an emollient and thickens the lipid (oil) portion of a product. Due to its emollient properties, it may not be fungal-acne safe.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolThis ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonateSilica, 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 SilicaJojoba oil is one of the most well-studied plant-derived ingredients in cosmetics. It is an emollient with a special structure.
Because it is made up of 97-98% wax esters, it closely mirrors the linear monoesters found in human sebum. This makes it skin compatible, non-greasy, and lightweight.
Unlike other plant oils, jojoba wax doesn't easily penetrate skin. It mostly works in the uppermost layers as an emollient. This just means it forms a light barrier on the skin to help retain moisture.
Formulations with jojoba esters up to 90% reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and increased barrier recovery by 81% (outperforming bisabolol at 47%).
Besides barrier support, the science also suggests jojoba to have anti-inflammatory effects and potential applications for skin infections, aging, and wound healing.
Fun fact: Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilSynthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteTin Oxide is an inorganic oxide used to add opacity and volume to a product. In nature, it is already found in mineral form. The main ore of tin is an opaque and shiny mineral called casseterite.
Tin Oxide helps remove translucency in a product, or make it more opaque. Besides adding opacity, tin oxide is used for bulking to add volume.