What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingQuaternium-18
SurfactantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingMagnesium Sulfate
Dimethicone
EmollientDipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPolydimethylsiloxane PEG-10/15 Crosslinked Polymer
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingTuber Melanosporum Extract
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantTuber Magnatum Extract
Skin ConditioningCollagen
MoisturisingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantWater, CI 77891, Cyclopentasiloxane, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Methyl Trimethicone, Isododecane, CI 77492, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Quaternium-18, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Magnesium Sulfate, Dimethicone, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polydimethylsiloxane PEG-10/15 Crosslinked Polymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77491, Parfum, CI 77499, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Tuber Melanosporum Extract, Tocopherol, Tuber Magnatum Extract, Collagen, Hydroxyacetophenone
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTribehenin
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tribehenin, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Tocopherol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene 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 GlycolCi 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 (D5) is a lightweight silicone that mostly acts as an emollient and solvent in cosmetics. Its the reason your products feel silky, fast-spreading, and non-greasy.
Since D5 is volatile, it does its thing and then evaporates off the skin quickly.
The safety profile of this ingredient is reassuring; the US CIR Expert Panel concluded D5 is safe as used in cosmetics and Health Canada concluded that D5 is not harmful to human health or the environment as currently used in cosmetics
There's a study that people mention about D5 in a rat study showing tumors. This study is related to long-term inhalation of high D5 levels.
Regulatory bodies have judged this study to be not applicable in topical skincare since skin absorption of D5 is very low and we're not really inhaling huge amounts of D5.
The only restriction for this ingredient is environmental. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) restricted D5 in wash-off cosmetics at or above 0.1% due to their persistence in water.
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 DimethiconeDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolGlycerin (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 GlycerinIsododecane 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 IsododecaneMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfatePolymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.
Specifically, this ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier, meaning it helps water dissolve into oil.
Some studies suggest this ingredient may cause irritation in some people. If you are unsure, it is best to patch test.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe due to the oleic acid. In vitro studies have shown that Oleic Acid is one of the fatty acids that induce rapid Malassezia growth in lab settings.
Learn more about Sorbitan SesquioleateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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