What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene
Tridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
C15-19 Alkane
SolventPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Polyisobutene
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPolyethylene
Abrasive
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Isododecane
EmollientCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
CI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, C15-19 Alkane, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Polyisobutene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Microcrystalline Wax, Polyethylene, Sorbitan Isostearate, Isododecane, CI 19140, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Silica, CI 15850
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
Abrasive
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Vp/Eicosene Copolymer
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Aroma
Squalane
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
BHT
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantOctyldodecanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Diisostearyl Malate, Synthetic Wax, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Microcrystalline Wax, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Aroma, Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Tin Oxide, BHT, Tocopherol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 75470
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Microcrystalline 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.
Tocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
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.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate
