What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone
EmollientIsododecane
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingMica
Cosmetic ColorantAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTribehenin
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientGlyceryl Behenate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Octastearate
EmulsifyingDivinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSqualane
EmollientArmillaria Mellea Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientParfum
MaskingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCyclodextrin
AbsorbentSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGanoderma Sinense Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientErgothioneine
AntioxidantLotus Corniculatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentOlea Europaea Fruit Extract
BleachingSaussurea Involucrata Extract
HumectantWater, CI 77891, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Alcohol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, CI 77492, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Isododecane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Mica, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491, Tribehenin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Glyceryl Behenate, Polyglyceryl-6 Octastearate, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 77499, Squalane, Armillaria Mellea Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Caffeine, Cyclodextrin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Pentylene Glycol, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ganoderma Sinense Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Ergothioneine, Lotus Corniculatus Seed Extract, Maltodextrin, Olea Europaea Fruit Extract, Saussurea Involucrata Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventPPG-24-Glycereth-24
EmulsifyingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantLecithin
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
C11-15 Alketh-40
CleansingC11-15 Pareth-7
EmulsifyingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingEthylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingHaematococcus Pluvialis Extract
AntioxidantLithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPolysilicone-11
Simethicone
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Laureth-12 Sulfate
CleansingStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Tetrasodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Triethyl Citrate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Squalane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Propanediol, PPG-24-Glycereth-24, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Lecithin, Magnesium Sulfate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, C11-15 Alketh-40, C11-15 Pareth-7, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Simethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Laureth-12 Sulfate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Triethyl Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77163, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, 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.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (tea extract) is one of the most well-researched plant extracts in skincare with an impressive resume.
Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Studies show green tea extract and its catechins (like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) help your skin cells product energy more efficiently and reducing the number of free-radicals that can damage your skin from the inside.
In lab-grown skin models, this translated to younger, healthier, and stronger skin.
There's also good sun protection data; researchers saw less DNA damage and redness on human skin when green tea was applied before UVB exposure. And the more they applied, the better the protection.
Needless to say, this ingredient shouldn't replace your sunscreen. But it is a great supportive ingredient that you can already find in many sunscreens and antioxidant serums.
A 2009 study found a 2% green tea lotion was effective for mild-to-moderate acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity.
The quality of the extract matters a lot here:
Good extracts contain 50-90% catechins while lower quality ones are mostly there for marketing. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the quality or source of their ingredients.
Human Repeated Insult Patch Testing showed no irritation or sensitization at use concentrations (0.86% in leave-on products and up to 30% as leaf water).
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredientās final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 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.
Ci 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 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 HectoriteGlycerin (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 GlycerinMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having āsulfateā in the name, it isnāt a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesnāt 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 SulfatePhenoxyethanol 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.Ā
Itās 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 PropanediolSqualane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum).
It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores.
This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces.
Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer.
Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.
No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration).
Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types.
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Though squalane is often called an oil, itās technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen. True oils are triglycerides and made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term āoil-freeā isnāt regulated so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 1 from the original 1972 study that tested raw ingredients under occlusion on rabbit ears. This system is not standardized or peer-reviewed, and using the raw ingredients is very different from how diluted cosmetic formulations are used on human skin.
A comedogenic rating of 1 means it is "unlikely to clog pores" according to the original rating system.
The overall formula of a product matters more than the individual ingredients on whether or not it will cause clogged pores.
Learn more about SqualaneTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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