What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveTalc
AbrasiveHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentLauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientHydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingEthylene/Methacrylate Copolymer
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveCera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientPhytosteryl Canola Glycerides
Skin ConditioningSoybean Glycerides
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables
Skin ConditioningIrvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantKaolin
AbrasiveAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingBoron Nitride
AbsorbentCaprylyl Methicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Mica, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Synthetic Wax, Talc, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Wax, Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, Cera Microcristallina, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Soybean Glycerides, Octyldodecanol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables, Irvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Kaolin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Boron Nitride
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveCera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingBoron Nitride
AbsorbentTalc
AbrasiveLauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingEthylene/Methacrylate Copolymer
Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides
Skin ConditioningSoybean Glycerides
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveButyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables
Skin ConditioningIrvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantMica, Caprylyl Methicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyethylene, Cera Microcristallina, Boron Nitride, Talc, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Soybean Glycerides, Octyldodecanol, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Silica, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables, Irvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, CI 77491, CI 77891, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 19140, CI 42090, CI 77007
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate is a synthetic powder used as an absorbent, thickener, and anti-caking agent.
As an absorbent, it is great at mattifying skin by soaking up the oil. This is why you'll find it in a range of products from makeup to moisturizers.
This ingredient is considered a modified starch. Starch can also be found naturally in plants.
One study from 1991 found that 5% of this ingredient enhanced titanium dioxide SPF by as much as 40%. The study found 1% titanium dioxide had a 5.6 SPF and adding 5% of aluminum starch octenylsuccinate boosted it to an SPF of 8.1
Although “aluminum” in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly. For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic “aluminum overload.”
Learn more about Aluminum Starch OctenylsuccinateAscorbyl Palmitate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) made by combining it with palmitic acid.
It is able to blend easily into creams and oil-based formulas because it dissolves in oils rather than water.
As you may know, regular vitamin C is notorious for breaking down when exposed to sunlight and air. Ascorbyl Palmitate is more stable and degrades at a slower rate.
Research on whether it converts efficiently into active vitamin C once it's applied on your skin is still limited. Some in-vitro studies suggest it may support collagen production, but it is not considered one of the stronger vitamin C derivatives, like:
Due to the palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Comedogenic studies have also shown this ingredient to have a rating of 2.
It's also worth keeping in mind that comedogenic and irritancy ratings are tested on individual ingredients, not finished formulas. The final product's formulation, concentration, and other ingredients all play a role in how something actually behaves on your skin.
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateThis ingredient is lipid-based synthetic skin-conditioning agent derived from adipic acid and a mixture of fatty acids. It is often called a lanolin substitute.
As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate the skin. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Due to its fatty acid base, it may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2Boron Nitride is compound consisting of boron and nitrogen. It is used to absorb oil and modify adherence/ slip in products.
This means it is often used in makeup products to help them last longer.
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables comes from shea butter.
Unsaponifiables means the butter is not saponified, or it has not been turned into soap using an alkali reaction.
This ingredient contains Vitamin E, sterols, and many antioxidants. These compounds help hydate your skin.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii Butter UnsaponifiablesCaprylyl Methicone is a synthetic and lightweight silicone fluid. It gives products a silky, dry-touch finish without the heaviness of pure oils.
Though the EU CosIng Database lists this ingredient as a skin conditioner, it is also used for sensory reasons. It spreads easily, cuts greasiness, and reduces tackiness.
This ingredient is volatile which means it will mostly evaporate (but it evaporates slower than older cyclomethicones, like Cyclotetrasiloxane).
Typical concentration ranges from 1-30% depending on if it's being used to tweak the feel of a product or acting as the main emollient.
Learn more about Caprylyl MethiconeThis ingredient is a petroleum-derived wax used to thicken formulas, improve texture, and help lock in moisture.
Like other forms of wax, it forms an occlusive layer on the skin to reduce water loss.
While it can be beneficial for very dry or compromised skin, Cera Microcristallina may not be fungal acne safe; waxes and certain hydrocarbons may contribute to Malassezia growth for those prone to fungal acne.
As with many heavy occlusive ingredients, it may feel too rich for oily or acne-prone skin types. Individual tolerance can vary.
Learn more about Cera MicrocristallinaCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidWe don't have a description for Ethylene/Methacrylate Copolymer yet.
This ingredient is a powder used to improve texture, slip, and give products a silky texture.
Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides isn't fungal acne safe.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneIrvingia Gabonensis Kernel Butter isn't fungal acne safe.
Isononyl Isononanoate is a synthetic skin-conditioner and texture enhancer. It is created from nonanoic acid, a fatty acid found in cocoa and lavender oil.
As an emollient, Isononyl Isononanoate helps keep your skin soft and smooth. This is because emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Isononyl Isononanoate helps give products a velvet feel and improves spreadability.
Learn more about Isononyl IsononanoateThis ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and used as a surface treatment for pigment particles (like iron oxides or titanium dioxide).
It "wraps" these ingredients in a form of slippery jacket so they disperse more evenly in oils, glide better on skin, and stick longer without smudging.
The “triisostearate” part of this ingredient is an ester derived from isostearic acid, a long-chain fatty acid. Malassezia species are lipid-dependent so they rely on external fats to survive. This is why ingredient is flagged for being potentially fungal-acne unsafe.
Learn more about Isopropyl Titanium TriisostearateWe don't have a description for Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer yet.
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaThis ingredient is an emollient with skin conditioning properties.
According to the manufacturer, it is light, non-greasy, spreadable, and has the ability to act as a "silicone alternative".
Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamatePentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is derived from isostearic acid. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
The highest concentration of this ingredient is found in lipsticks.
This ingredient is minimally water soluble and may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearatePhytosteryl Canola Glycerides isn't fungal acne safe.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidSilica, 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 SilicaWe don't have a description for Soybean Glycerides yet.
Talc is a clay mineral. It helps absorb moisture and improve the texture of products. Like other types of clay, Talc can have a slight exfoliating effect on skin. Talc can be added to increase the volume of products.
Some Baby powders are made by combining talc with corn starch. The word "talc" comes from Latin and originates from Arabic. Talc is a mineral commonly found throughout the world.
If you have any concerns about using talc, we recommend checking out the FDA's official page.
Learn more about Talc