What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer
SolventMagnesium Sulfate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingStearic Acid
CleansingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningFreesia Refracta Extract
Skin ConditioningIris Ensata Extract
Skin ConditioningIris Versicolor Extract
EmollientLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningNarcissus Pseudonarcissus Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningRose Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Silica, Caprylyl Methicone, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77492, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77491, Parfum, CI 77499, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Ceramide NP, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Panthenol, Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Freesia Refracta Extract, Iris Ensata Extract, Iris Versicolor Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Narcissus Pseudonarcissus Flower Extract, Rose Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
SurfactantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantIsododecane
EmollientAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolypropylsilsesquioxane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantIron Oxides
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantMagnesium Sulfate
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCitronellol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveTin Oxide
AbrasiveWater, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Isododecane, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, CI 77891, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Tocopherol, Iron Oxides, CI 77492, Magnesium Sulfate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 77491, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Citronellol, Linalool, Geraniol, CI 77499, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Silica, Tin Oxide
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCaprylyl Methicone is a synthetic and lightweight silicone fluid. It gives products a silky, dry-touch finish without the heaviness of pure oils.
Though the EU CosIng Database lists this ingredient as a skin conditioner, it is also used for sensory reasons. It spreads easily, cuts greasiness, and reduces tackiness.
This ingredient is volatile which means it will mostly evaporate (but it evaporates slower than older cyclomethicones, like Cyclotetrasiloxane).
Typical concentration ranges from 1-30% depending on if it's being used to tweak the feel of a product or acting as the main emollient.
Learn more about Caprylyl MethiconeCi 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 (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 DimethiconeThis ingredient is a silicone elastomer that works as a texture enhancer, adds a silky slip, and also helps absorb excess oil.
Because it's a large macromolecule that's insoluble in water and chemically inert, it's not expected to penetrate or be absorbed into skin.
Human patch tests with a facial lotion containing 1% of this ingredient found no sensitization.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerDisteardimonium 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 HectoriteEthylhexyl Salicylate (also called Octisalate or Octyl Salicylate) is an oil-soluble organic UV filter that's been used in sunscreen since the 1950's.
It absorbs UVB light in the 280-320 nm range with a peak absorbance around 306 nm.
You'll often see it paired with other UV filters to boost overall SPF because octisalate is a fairly week filter on its own.
The reason you'll see it so often is because it can help solubilize and stabilize the trickier filters like oxybenzone and avobenzone.
Unlike these filters, octisalate has pretty good photostability and doesn't create skin-damaging free radicals when exposed to sunlight.
The fatty-alcohol part of the molecule also gives it a light, emollient feel so it doubles as a nice texture enhancer.
Usage levels vary around the world:
Safety-wise, this ingredient has a pretty reassuring track record. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) found very low skin penetration in human skin tests and negative results for irritation, phototoxicity, and photoallergy.
The real-world allergy risk is pretty low too; a 2012 European study of 1,031 people recorded only 2 reactions to it (a rate of 0.19%).
You might have seen scary headlines about sunscreen getting into your blood.
In 2019, the FDA found that several chemical filters can absorb through the skin and show up in the bloodstream at small but measurable levels.
Here's the important part: these tiny levels are just a cutoff the FDA uses to decide which ingredients need more testing and doesn't mean anything harmful was found.
The researchers were clear that the results are no reason to stop wearing sunscreen.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl SalicylateEthylhexylglycerin 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 âsulfateâ in the name, it isnât a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesnât 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 SulfateParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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