What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningC13-15 Alkane
SolventZinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPropanediol
Solvent
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDistarch Phosphate
AbsorbentZinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-2 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Sulfate
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingLecithin
Emollient
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Citric Acid
Buffering
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, C13-15 Alkane, Zinc Oxide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Pentylene Glycol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Distarch Phosphate, Zinc Stearate, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Lecithin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Stearic Acid, Citric Acid, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Propanediol
Solvent
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Zinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantC9-12 Alkane
SolventHydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolyglyceryl-2 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Silica
Abrasive
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Magnesium Sulfate
Sodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Glycerin
Humectant
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Parfum
Masking
Lecithin
Emollient
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Acer Rubrum Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonene
Perfuming
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Citronellol
Perfuming
Sodium Chloride
MaskingLinalool
Perfuming
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Citric Acid
Buffering
Citral
Perfuming
Eugenol
Perfuming
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dicaprylyl Ether, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Titanium Dioxide, Propanediol, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Zinc Stearate, C9-12 Alkane, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Silica, Jojoba Esters, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Parfum, Lecithin, Lactic Acid, Stearic Acid, Acer Rubrum Bark Extract, Limonene, Tocopherol, Citronellol, Sodium Chloride, Linalool, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Benzyl Alcohol, Geraniol, Citric Acid, Citral, Eugenol, Benzyl Benzoate, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) made by combining it with palmitic acid.
It is able to blend easily into creams and oil-based formulas because it dissolves in oils rather than water.
As you may know, regular vitamin C is notorious for breaking down when exposed to sunlight and air. Ascorbyl Palmitate is more stable and degrades at a slower rate.
Research on whether it converts efficiently into active vitamin C once it's applied on your skin is still limited.
Some in-vitro studies suggest it may support collagen production, but it is not considered one of the stronger vitamin C derivatives, like:
Due to the palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Comedogenic studies have also shown this ingredient to have a rating of 2.
It's also worth keeping in mind that comedogenic and irritancy ratings are tested on individual ingredients, not finished formulas. The final product's formulation, concentration, and other ingredients all play a role in how something actually behaves on your skin.
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateCi 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 77891Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDisteardimonium 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 HectoriteLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinMagnesium 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 SulfatePentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPolyglyceryl-2 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate isn't fungal acne safe.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateThis ingredient is a preservative with antimicrobial properties. It is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid.
It is especially effective at preventing bacterial and fungal growth in low concentrations.
Stearic 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 TocopherolWater. 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 WaterZinc Stearate is the metal salt of stearic acid. It is a white solid used to bind, thicken, and lubricate products.
This ingredient is common in powder makeup, where it helps keep the powder together.
Zinc Stearate is hydrophobic and repels water.
This ingredient can be sourced from non-animal or animal sources. It is best to reach out to the brand to see where they source this ingredient from.
Learn more about Zinc Stearate
