What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientSilica
AbrasivePolymethylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Parfum
MaskingPolymethyl Methacrylate
Water
Skin ConditioningMineral Salts
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Propanediol
SolventMentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeOpuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Citrate
BufferingOrchid Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantDiospyros Kaki Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCitrus Unshiu Peel Extract
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantCamellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantLinalool
PerfumingButylene Glycol
HumectantLimonene
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Silica, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Parfum, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Water, Mineral Salts, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Propanediol, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77891, Sodium Citrate, Orchid Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, CI 77491, Diospyros Kaki Fruit Extract, CI 77492, CI 77499, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Mica, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Titanium Dioxide, Linalool, Butylene Glycol, Limonene, Tocopherol, Dipropylene Glycol
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Isododecane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Glycerin
HumectantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningNymphaea Caerulea Flower Water
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
EmulsifyingBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingSilica
AbrasivePalmitic Acid
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingPhloretin
AntioxidantSilica Silylate
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialBakuchiol
AntimicrobialCI 77220
Cosmetic ColorantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningCitrus Unshiu Peel Extract
MaskingParfum
MaskingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingCyclopentasiloxane, Water, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Nymphaea Caerulea Flower Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Beeswax, Silica, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Phloretin, Silica Silylate, Alcohol Denat., Bakuchiol, CI 77220, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Parfum, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Geraniol, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Coumarin
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
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 comes from the peel of the satsuma mandarin fruit native to Japan.
Unlike other citrus ingredients, this one is not known to cause photosensitivity. This is because the citrus ingredients that cause sensitivity are high in furanocoumarins. When exposed to UV, furocoumarins bind to and destabilize your DNA, speeding up the rate of sunburn.
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract is unique in that the peel contains very low levels of furanocoumarins and tested products with this ingredient confirmed no detectable furanocoumarins.
The peel is rich in antioxidants and lab studies show it can help brighten skin by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production.
One study on the fermented version of this ingredient found it could help reduce UVA-induced collagen breakdown. Though it is worth noting that while results are promising, robust human clinical trials are still needed.
This ingredient naturally contains limonene and other aromatic compounds that make it a perfuming ingredient.
The official COSING database only lists this ingredient as having "Perfuming" properties at this time. The brightening, antioxidant, and skin conditioning benefits that brands market come from the research literature and from how formulators choose to use the ingredient.
Learn more about Citrus Unshiu Peel ExtractCyclopentasiloxane, 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. 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 CrosspolymerLimonene 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 ParfumSilica, 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