What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Glycerin
HumectantMica
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPolymethyl Methacrylate
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingHexyl Laurate
EmollientAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasivePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTocopherol
AntioxidantLaureth-12
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingTuber Aestivum Extract
Skin ProtectingAlteromonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningTin Oxide
AbrasiveEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantIron Oxides
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Glycerin, Mica, Methyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Hexyl Laurate, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Tocopherol, Laureth-12, Potassium Sorbate, Hexylene Glycol, Parfum, Tuber Aestivum Extract, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Tin Oxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Iron Oxides, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingOrbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantMagnesium Sulfate
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAnthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingCalcium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCerium Oxide
Cetyl Palmitate
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingCollagen
MoisturisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHexyl Laurate
EmollientHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-10
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePropanediol
SolventPropylene Carbonate
SolventSilica
AbrasiveSodium Benzoate
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Triethyl Citrate
MaskingTromethamine
BufferingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Magnesium Sulfate, Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Calcium Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cerium Oxide, Cetyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Collagen, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Disodium EDTA, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hexyl Laurate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-10, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polysorbate 80, Potassium Sorbate, Propanediol, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Triethyl Citrate, Tromethamine, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77492
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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 high molecular weight silicone. It has emulsifying and skin conditioning properties.
Citric 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 AcidCyclopentasiloxane, 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.
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 HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHexyl Laurate isn't fungal acne safe.
Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
This ingredient is an emulsifer and stabilizer. It comes from isostearic acid and polyglycerin.
As an emulsifier, it helps blend oil and water to improve texture, spreadbility, and application.
Due to it being derived from isostearic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearatePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSilica, 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 SilicaChances 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.
There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.
The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.
Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water