What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingBis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningParaffin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientCI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantSynthetic Wax
Abrasive
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Vp/Eicosene Copolymer
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Dicalcium Phosphate
Abrasive
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate
Emollient
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientSimethicone
Emollient
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientLauroyl Lysine
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Bis-PEG-15 Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
Emollient
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
PEG-2 Soyamine
EmulsifyingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Parfum
Masking
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triethylhexanoin, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Dimethicone, Microcrystalline Wax, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Paraffin, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Diisostearyl Malate, CI 16035, Synthetic Wax, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Dicalcium Phosphate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Mica, CI 77491, CI 15985, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, CI 15850, CI 77499, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Simethicone, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, CI 77891, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Lauroyl Lysine, Sorbitan Oleate, Bis-PEG-15 Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, PEG-2 Soyamine, Tocopherol, Parfum
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientPolybutene
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Menthoxypropanediol
Masking
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingParaffin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Propylene Carbonate
SolventEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
Abrasive
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Aroma
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Vanillyl Butyl Ether
MaskingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantDiisostearyl Malate, Polybutene, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Menthoxypropanediol, Synthetic Wax, Microcrystalline Wax, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Paraffin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Aroma, Hexylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Vanillyl Butyl Ether, CI 77499, CI 15850, CI 77491, CI 45410
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 is a synthetic emollient that works as a lanolin substitute.
This ingredient is a great vegan option for those avoiding animal-derived ingredients.
It mostly stays on the surface of skin where it helps hydrate due to its large molecular size and low water solubility.
Due to it being derived from fatty acids, this ingredient may not be Malassezia or fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2This ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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 ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCi 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850Ci 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 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.
Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
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.
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 ParaffinPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is a plant-derived emulsifier and pigment-dispersing agent with a non-sticky skin feel.
It helps products glide on smoothly and prevents oil and water from separating in a formula, making it suitable for sunscreen and makeup formulations.
The EU inventory of cosmetics has no use restrictions on this ingredient and it is considered well-tolerated.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is derived from isostearic acid.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateSynthetic 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 Wax
