What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingMagnesium Sulfate
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingSynthetic Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingSilica Silylate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningUltramarines
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantEuphorbia Milii Flower Extract
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBackhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract
AstringentPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasivePentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantWater, Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cyclohexasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Caprylyl Glycol, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Titanium Dioxide, Parfum, Synthetic Beeswax, Silica Silylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ultramarines, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Glycerin, Euphorbia Milii Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Kaolin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Water
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
SurfactantNiacinamide
SmoothingSodium Chloride
MaskingCetyl Dimethicone
EmollientPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPEG-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
StabilisingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPropanediol
SolventPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantStearic Acid
CleansingSodium Benzoate
MaskingDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientParfum
MaskingAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningTriethyl Citrate
MaskingPolysilicone-11
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantPhyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientHibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Flower Extract
MoisturisingWater, Methyl Trimethicone, CI 77891, Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Sodium Chloride, Cetyl Dimethicone, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Propanediol, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, CI 77492, Stearic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Diisostearyl Malate, Parfum, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Triethyl Citrate, Polysilicone-11, Potassium Sorbate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, CI 77491, Disodium EDTA, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Adenosine, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, CI 77499, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica Flower 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.
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 preservatives
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 DimethiconeCyclopentasiloxane, 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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinHyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (basically a long sugar chain) that your skin already makes on its own. In your skin, HA lives in the extracellular matrix and acts as the body's moisture reservoir.
Topically, HA is a humectant that binds water and helps skin look more plump, smooth, and hydrated.
The only catch is that HA isn't a single thing; it actually comes in a wide range of molecular weights (~50 - 2,000+ kDA) and size matters.
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
This is why the best HA serums blend the two sizes together so you get the best of both worlds.
The majority of cosmetic HA is produced by bacterial fermentation, typically using Streptococcus or Bacillus strains. Typical use levels in skincare sit around 0.1-2%.
A clinical study using a 0.2% low-molecular weight HA gel showed improvement in facial seborrheic dermatitis with excellent tolerance.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidParfum 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 “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” 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 ParfumPhenyl 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 TrimethiconeSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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