What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Panax Ginseng Root Water
MaskingCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantIsohexadecane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningErythritol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-2 Isostearate
EmulsifyingAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Acrylates/Propyl Trimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolymethylsilsesquioxane
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPvp
Emulsion StabilisingCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTriethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningPropylene Carbonate
SolventBisabolol
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningC12-13 Pareth-9
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingLauryl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSqualane
EmollientCyclodextrin
AbsorbentOrchid Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningSparassis Crispa Extract
Emulsion StabilisingThamnolia Vermicularis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Isohexadecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylyl Methicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Erythritol, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Isododecane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Mica, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, CI 77492, Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Acrylates/Propyl Trimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pvp, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Water, Propylene Carbonate, Bisabolol, Xanthan Gum, CI 77499, CI 77491, Ethylhexylglycerin, C12-13 Pareth-9, Parfum, Lauryl Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Cyclodextrin, Orchid Extract, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Sparassis Crispa Extract, Thamnolia Vermicularis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingSqualane
EmollientPvp
Emulsion StabilisingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientDimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPolyphenylsilsesquioxane
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTribehenin
EmollientAcrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Bakuchiol
AntimicrobialCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantAdenosine
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCarica Papaya Fruit Water
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Carum Petroselinum Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Titanium Dioxide, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Niacinamide, Squalane, Pvp, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyphenylsilsesquioxane, CI 77492, Tribehenin, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Bakuchiol, CI 77491, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 77499, Adenosine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Carica Papaya Fruit Water, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Carum Petroselinum Extract
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
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 GlycolThis ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together.
It's pretty effective because one end of the molecule loves oil and the other one loves water.
Besides holding formulas together, it also leaves a silky and lightweight feel on skin without the greasiness. A manufacturer also claims it can help with the controlled release of active ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel found this ingredient to not be sensitizing in concentrations up to 15% in human maximazation testing and dimethicone-based compounds were not comedogenic.
It has a high molecular weight well above 1,000 g/mol which means it limits meaningful skin penetration.
A 2019 study specifically tested this ingredient and found no observable Malassezia growth in its presence.
Learn more about Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeCi 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.
Cyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneCyclopentasiloxane (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 CyclopentasiloxaneDisteardimonium 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 HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 SulfatePolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate is a plant-derived, PEG-free emulsifier.
It's made by hooking isostearic acid onto a chain of glycerin units to give it a water-loving "head" and oil-loving "tail". This allows it to keep the oil and water mixed in a formula.
The highest reported concentration is about 24% in eye makeup but most suppliers recommend a level below 10%.
It has a clean track record for safety and found to be non-irritating.
Because it is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, Malassezia can potentially metabolize it (it sits in the C11-24 range that Malassezia likes). Therefore, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearatePolymethylsilsesquioxane 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 PolymethylsilsesquioxanePvp is a water-soluble synthetic polymer and common hairstyling ingredient. It is a film-forming ingredient and used to "hold" specific shapes of hair.
In cosmetics, PVP helps products like sunscreens and color cosmetics last longer and wear more evenly.
It is less effective in high-humidity. It tends to draw moisture, but this moisture dismantles the structure and "hold".
PVP is generally well tolerated on skin and toxicity studies are negative for dermal irritation.
Learn more about PvpSqualane 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 SqualaneThis 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