What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Isododecane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Dextrin Palmitate
Emulsifying
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingPolypropylsilsesquioxane
Paraffin
Skin Conditioning
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSynthetic Wax
Abrasive
Rayon
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantPropylene Carbonate
SolventSilica
Abrasive
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77266
Cosmetic ColorantPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dextrin Palmitate, Microcrystalline Wax, Ceresin, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Paraffin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Synthetic Wax, Rayon, CI 77491, CI 77499, CI 77007, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, CI 77492, Mica, CI 75470, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77266, Panthenol, BHT
Isododecane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Quaternium-90 Bentonite
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingParaffin
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Dextrin Palmitate
Emulsifying
Propylene Carbonate
SolventHydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer
Nylon-6
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin Protecting
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77266
Cosmetic ColorantIsododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Wax, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Ozokerite, Microcrystalline Wax, Paraffin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Silica, Dextrin Palmitate, Propylene Carbonate, Hydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer, Nylon-6, Glyceryl Caprylate, Water, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Tocopherol, Tripeptide-1, Biotin, CI 77499, CI 77266
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ci 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.
Dextrin Palmitate is an oil-loving texture helper made by bonding palmitic acid onto Dextrin. It's main roles are to turn liquid oils into spreadable gels and prevent ingredients from separating.
It also lends a silky, non-greasy slip that makes products feel more elegant.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.5-5%, but can go up to 10% depending on how firm the gel is.
Because it's an ester built on a fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Dextrin PalmitateHydrogenated 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 PolyisobuteneIsododecane 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 IsododecaneMicrocrystalline Wax is derived from petroleum through a de-oiling process, then highly refined and purified before use in cosmetics.
In skincare formulations, it is used to improve texture and create a smooth, even consistency. It also helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating.
Paraffin is a solid wax that pulls its weight as an emollient, occlusive, and consistency-booster.
It softens skin and lays down a protective film to slow water loss and gives products a stable body and structure.
The cosmetic grade stuff is highly refined with a solid safety record. The CIR Expert Panel has repeatedly reaffirmed this ingredient to be safe in current practices of use and concentration.
The worry about carcinogenic compounds only applies to industrial grades, not the purified version used in skincare.
Despite its reputation, the highly reformed form is non-comedogenic and doesn't penetrate deeply into skin.
The good news for fungal-acne prone folks: the Malassezia yeast feeds on fatty acids and lipids and paraffin doesn't contain any of these (so there's nothing for the yeast to metabolize). This ingredient is considered fungal acne safe.
Learn more about ParaffinThis 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 CarbonateSilica, 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 Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
This ingredient has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Synthetic Waxes are straight/branched-chain hydrocarbons with no ester bond or fatty acids. That means there is nothing for the Malassezia yeast to feed on.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxThis 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 TrimethylsiloxysilicateCI 77266 is a high-purity pigment used to create an intense black color in cosmetics. It is made up of fine particles of pure carbon. This ingredient is also often listed as Carbon Black in ingredient lists.
You'll likely find this ingredient in mascaras, eyeliners, brow products, and eye shadow.
In the US, this ingredient can only be used if it meets strict FDA specifications. Certain versions even require batch-by-batch certification after extensive safety evaluation.
In the European Union, this ingredient is permitted as a colorant and classified as a "nanomaterial" based on its particle size (meaning it requires deeper assessment).
The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has reviewed nano-sized carbon black specifically and concluded that it does not pose a risk to human health when used in cosmetic products applied to healthy, intact skin and formulated to avoid inhalation.
Studies support this regulatory stance. Laboratory studies on nano-carbon black show potential for cytotoxicity and inflammatory effects in immune cells; it is important to highlight these findings are based on in vitro (not done on a living organism) testing or inhalation scenarios rather than normal topical cosmetic use.
Occupational studies involving industrial workers exposed to airborne carbon black have not shown a clear link between cumulative exposure and cancer risk. These findings are not directly applicable to cosmetics; cosmetic formulations bind pigments within creams, gels, and liquids that are not inhaled.
Overall, evidence shows that this ingredient is safe under regulatory guidelines and purity standards, especially when formulated to avoid airborne exposure.
Even with regulatory approval and a long history of use, some consumers might prefer to avoid ingredients that are petroleum-derived or that fall under the “nanomaterial” category.
Choosing whether to use CI 77266 isn’t necessarily about safety alone; it can also be about personal philosophy, comfort level with synthetic versus natural ingredients, and how much weight you place on ongoing research and regulatory oversight.
Makeup is highly individual, and personal preference plays an important role in deciding what feels right for you.
Learn more about CI 77266
