What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Silica
AbrasiveCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSerica
HumectantHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantSericin
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf
PerfumingNacre Powder
AbrasiveCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantMagnesium Myristate
Propanediol
SolventMethicone
EmollientHydrogen Dimethicone
Stearic Acid
CleansingCerium Oxide
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Iron Oxides
Silica, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Serica, Hydrolyzed Silk, Sericin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf, Nacre Powder, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Titanium Dioxide, Magnesium Myristate, Propanediol, Methicone, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Cerium Oxide, Aluminum Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Water, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Zinc Oxide, CI 77891, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Iron Oxides
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinSilica, 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 SilicaTocopherol 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 Tocopherol