What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeQuaternium-18 Bentonite
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientTrimethoxycaprylylsilane
SmoothingBenzoic Acid
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativePropylene Glycol
HumectantTalc
AbrasiveEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentIron Oxides
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Quaternium-18 Bentonite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Trimethoxycaprylylsilane, Benzoic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Talc, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Iron Oxides, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantAlanine
MaskingArginine
MaskingGlycine
BufferingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Serine
MaskingAspartic Acid
MaskingValine
MaskingSodium PCA
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingPCA
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHexyl Laurate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Alanine, Arginine, Glycine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Threonine, Serine, Aspartic Acid, Valine, Sodium PCA, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Sodium Lactate, PCA, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexyl Laurate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77163, Iron Oxides, CI 77891
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together. It's so 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 DimethiconeCi 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 77891Cyclopentasiloxane, 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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol 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 TrimethiconeTocopheryl 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 WaterThis ingredient is a combination of red, black, and yellow iron oxide pigments. This combination of colors is usually found in foundation, because it results in a "skin" color.
The EU typically uses CI numbers for colorants when applicable, such as CI 77489. In the US, iron oxides are regulated as color additives and "iron oxides" is the most commonly used name in US cosmetic practice.
A 2021 paper looked at skincare formulations containing iron oxides and found that they reduced transmission of blue light when measured optically. In simple terms, the pigment particles helped block or scatter part of the visible light spectrum in lab testing and the authors suggest this could translate into better protection against blue-light-related skin effects.
There is also clinical and experimental research showing that tinted products containing iron oxides can reduce visible light-induced pigmentation:
Please note, whether a product reduces visible or blue light depends on things like:
In the EU's CosIng database, iron oxides are only listed as a colorant. CosIng groups ingredients by their main cosmetic role, such as colorant, preservative, or UV filter.
Though studies say iron oxides can "attenuate blue light", they're describing an optical property and not an officially recognized cosmetic function.
So CosIng isn’t contradicting the research. It’s just classifying iron oxides by what they officially are: pigments that add color.
Learn more about Iron Oxides