What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polysilicone-11
Dimethicone
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantNylon-12
Silica
AbrasivePEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningEnantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeIsohexadecane
EmollientLaureth-12
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolysorbate 40
EmulsifyingAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-11, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Water, Butylene Glycol, Nylon-12, Silica, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Isohexadecane, Laureth-12, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 40, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Oleanolic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Butylene Glycol
HumectantNylon-12
Silica
AbrasiveSqualane
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 40
EmulsifyingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingLimonene
PerfumingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingLinalool
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Butylene Glycol, Nylon-12, Silica, Squalane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Isohexadecane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polysorbate 40, Chlorphenesin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Polysorbate 60, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sorbitan Isostearate, Limonene, Sodium Hydroxide, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate is a polymer made from ammonium salts. It works as a thickener, emulsifier, and texture enhancer that gives gel-creams a silky, lightweight feel.
This ingredient is versatile and low-maintenance so manufacturers love working with it.
Typical usage levels in cosmetics are usually low and in the range of 0.015 - 2.3%.
Learn more about Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateButylene 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 GlycolDimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinIsohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.
Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.
Learn more about IsohexadecaneNylon-12 is a polymer. It is derived from 12-aminododecanoic acid, an omega-amino fatty acid
According to a manufacturer, it is a talc substitute. Like talc, nylon-12 gives products a satin feel. The manufacturer also claims this ingredients does not block pores and has moderate oil absorption.
This ingredient may not be reef-safe.
Learn more about Nylon-12Peg-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.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Polysilicone-11 is a film-forming silicone that creates a non-tacky and matte finish on the skin. It's commonly used to improve texture, absorb excess oil, and help active ingredients spread evenly.
Due to its "rubber-like" structure, it stays on the skin's surface instead of being absorbed. On the skin, it creates a flexible layer that enhances wearability and stability.
Polysorbate 40 isn't fungal acne safe.
Silica, 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 SilicaWater. 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