What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantOctanediol
Caprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientTriethylhexyl Citrate
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCaffeine
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingWater, CI 77891, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Pentylene Glycol, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, CI 77491, Octanediol, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Isododecane, Triethylhexyl Citrate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Trihydroxystearin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, CI 77492, Parfum, CI 77499, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Caffeine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Polysilicone-11
Silica
AbrasiveButylene Glycol
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientPPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTriethyl Citrate
MaskingAlumina
AbrasiveDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantLaureth-12
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientLaureth-7
EmulsifyingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Carbonate
BufferingDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Sodium Chloride
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Methyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polysilicone-11, Silica, Butylene Glycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caffeine, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trihydroxystearin, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethyl Citrate, Alumina, Disteardimonium Hectorite, CI 77120, Saccharide Isomerate, Laureth-12, Lecithin, Laureth-7, Hexylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Carbonate, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Dipropylene Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
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 GlycolCaffeine is a naturally occurring plant compound found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, and guarana.
As an antioxidant, caffeine protects your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and envionrmnetal stressors.
Early research also shows that caffeine can help calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and support hair growth by stimulating microcirculation in the scalp.
You might have seen eye creams marketing caffeine as a depuffing ingredient. This is because it is a vasoconstrictor meaning it can temporarily constrict blood vessels, though clinical evidence for this specific use is still limited.
Most skincare products contain this ingredient at concentrations between 1-6%. It is able to penetrate skin easily regardless of skin type or thickness.
Just so you know, a very small number of case reports describe caffeine-induced allergy. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the majority of people.
Learn more about CaffeineCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
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 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 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinPhenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeSilica, 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 SilicaSynthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis ingredient comes from Hydroxystearic Acid, a fatty acid, and glycerin. It is used to thicken oils.
Due to its fatty acid content, it is a natural emollient.
Creating trihydroxystearin involves using a chemical reaction between hydrogen and castor oil.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about TrihydroxystearinThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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