What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPolymethyl Methacrylate
Sodium Chloride
MaskingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Centella Asiatica Extract
CleansingUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLavandula Angustifolia Flower Water
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPropanediol
SolventPropylene Carbonate
SolventTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTrehalose
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Polyglutamate
HumectantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantFructooligosaccharides
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Sodium Chloride, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Magnesium Stearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Centella Asiatica Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Tocopheryl Acetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Propanediol, Propylene Carbonate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Trehalose, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Polyglutamate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Fructooligosaccharides, 1,2-Hexanediol, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77288
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingPolypropylene
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingPropylene Carbonate
SolventPolysilicone-11
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasiveSqualane
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingOpuntia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Ferrocyanide
Chromium Oxide Greens
Iron Oxides
Water, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Polypropylene, Phenoxyethanol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Magnesium Sulfate, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Sodium Chloride, Propylene Carbonate, Polysilicone-11, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Kaolin, Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopherol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Opuntia Vulgaris Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Sodium Ferrocyanide, Chromium Oxide Greens, 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.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractThis ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together.
It's pretty effective because one end of the molecule loves oil and the other one loves water.
Besides holding formulas together, it also leaves a silky and lightweight feel on skin without the greasiness. A manufacturer also claims it can help with the controlled release of active ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel found this ingredient to not be sensitizing in concentrations up to 15% in human maximazation testing and dimethicone-based compounds were not comedogenic.
It has a high molecular weight well above 1,000 g/mol which means it limits meaningful skin penetration.
A 2019 study specifically tested this ingredient and found no observable Malassezia growth in its presence.
Learn more about Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeDimethicone 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 GlycerinGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.
Learn more about IsododecanePeg-10 Dimethicone is silicone with conditioner and emulsifier properties. It mostly acts as an emollient in skincare and and humectant in haircare.
According to the manufacturer, acidic formulations decrease the stability of this ingredient. It works best in neutral or near neutral formulations.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Phenyl 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 TrimethiconePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolThis ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonateChances 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 ChlorideSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 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