What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Chloride
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveAlumina
AbrasiveDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingXylitol
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningSimethicone
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasiveTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Stearic Acid
CleansingParfum
MaskingTocopheryl Linoleate
AntioxidantSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantWater, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Caprylyl Methicone, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Trisiloxane, Methyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, CI 77007, Sodium Chloride, Silica, Alumina, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Xylitol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Trihydroxystearin, Simethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Kaolin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Stearic Acid, Parfum, Tocopheryl Linoleate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Limonene, Tocopherol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialHomosalate
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCI 77007
Cosmetic Colorant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSodium Chloride
MaskingBoron Nitride
AbsorbentAlumina
AbrasiveTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientNephrite Powder
AbrasiveKaolin
AbrasiveMica
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSimethicone
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantC12-15 Alcohols
EmollientC30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane
Disodium EDTA
Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantLimonene
PerfumingEctoin
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantLinalool
PerfumingMalpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventBHT
AntioxidantCitronellol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantTin Oxide
AbrasivePinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPolyquaternium-10
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Tocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Lysine
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Chloride
Sodium Magnesium Silicate
Glutathione
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77891, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Homosalate, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 77007, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone, Silica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Boron Nitride, Alumina, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Nephrite Powder, Kaolin, Mica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Simethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Zinc Oxide, C12-15 Alcohols, C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Disodium EDTA, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Limonene, Ectoin, CI 77491, Linalool, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Propanediol, BHT, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Tin Oxide, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Polyquaternium-10, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Lysine, Magnesium Chloride, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Glutathione
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
Alumina 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 HydroxideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolThis pigment is called Ultramarine blue lazurite. It gives a saturated blue color, but can be used to create other colors as well.
According to the manufacturer, it is usually made from kaolin, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sulfur, and charcoal.
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 77891Dimethicone 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 HectoriteEthylhexyl Salicylate is an organic compound used to block UV rays. It primarily absorbs UVB rays but offers a small amount of UVA protection as well.
Commonly found in sunscreens, Ethylhexyl Salicylate is created from salicylic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. You might know salicylic acid as the effective acne fighter ingredient and BHA.
The ethylhexanol in this ingredient is a fatty alcohol and helps hydrate your skin, similar to oils. It is an emollient, which means it traps moisture into the skin.
According to manufacturers, Ethylhexyl Salicylate absorbs UV wavelength of 295-315 nm, with a peak absorption at 307-310 nm. UVA rays are linked to long term skin damage, such as hyperpigmentation. UVB rays emit more energy and are capable of damaging our DNA. UVB rays cause sunburn.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinHexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a similar scent to jasmine. It can be naturally found in chamomile essential oil.
This ingredient is a known EU allergen and may sensitize the skin. The EU requires this ingredient to be listed separately on an ingredients list.
Hexyl Cinnamal is not water soluble but is soluble in oils.
Learn more about Hexyl CinnamalKaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPropanediol 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 PropanediolSilica, 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 SilicaSimethicone is a silicone. It is an emollient and used to reduce foaming in a product. It is also often used to coat sunscreen ingredients for better spreadability.
This ingredient is created by mixing dimethylpolysiloxane and hydrated silica.
Chances 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.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a 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 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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