What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberPropanediol
SolventLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingIsododecane
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSilica
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingAlumina
AbrasiveCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantOctyldodecanol
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientPolypropylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingWater, CI 77891, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Isododecane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methyl Trimethicone, CI 77492, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Silica, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Mica, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77491, Cetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearic Acid, Alumina, CI 77499, Octyldodecanol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Parfum, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
SmoothingC18-21 Alkane
SolventStearyl Heptanoate
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantStearic Acid
CleansingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientBis-PEG-15 Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientParfum
MaskingSaccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel Forming1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningViola Mandshurica Flower Extract
AntioxidantPEG-2 Soyamine
EmulsifyingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Citrate
BufferingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingLaurus Nobilis Leaf Extract
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Tocopherol
AntioxidantCholesterol
EmollientCI 77004
Cosmetic ColorantLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCarnitine Hcl
HumectantFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningNiacin
SmoothingPantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantThiamine Hcl
MaskingWater, CI 77891, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Methyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Niacinamide, C18-21 Alkane, Stearyl Heptanoate, CI 77492, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, CI 77491, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Bis-PEG-15 Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Parfum, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearalkonium Hectorite, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, PEG-2 Soyamine, Dipropylene Glycol, CI 77499, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, CI 77288, CI 77007, Sodium Citrate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Ceramide NP, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Laurus Nobilis Leaf Extract, Silica, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Tocopherol, Cholesterol, CI 77004, Lactobacillus Ferment, Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Carnitine Hcl, Folic Acid, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Riboflavin, Thiamine Hcl
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
This polymer has film-forming properties and helps leave behind a soft film on the skin with oxygen permeability.
That's why you'll most likely find this in sunscreen formulations.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAluminum 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 HydroxideThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. 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. Be sure to 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.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCeramide NP (formerly known as Ceramide 3) is one of the skin's naturally occurring lipids.
Since ceramides are the major lipid components of the skin, they are crucial for maintaining skin barrier and hydration. Ceramide NP most closely mirrors the dominant kind in human skin amongst ceramide subtypes.
This ceramide works by slotting into gaps within the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to limit trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and shield the skin against external irritants.
A study with 312 patients found that using a ceramide-containing routine for 4 weeks reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis by over 61%.
Another clinical study in subjects aged 60 and older found that a ceramide body wash and moisturizer improved skin dryness and itchy skin in 15 days.
Overall, ceramides are considered non-irritating and safety tests have found little to no observable adverse effects from using this ingredient.
Ceramide NP is usually sourced from plants (like soybean or rice bran), or produced synthetically.
Learn more about Ceramide NPCi 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, 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 DimethiconeGlycerin (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 GlycerinThis ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and used as a surface treatment for pigment particles (like iron oxides or titanium dioxide).
It "wraps" these ingredients in a form of slippery jacket so they disperse more evenly in oils, glide better on skin, and stick longer without smudging.
The “triisostearate” part of this ingredient is an ester derived from isostearic acid, a long-chain fatty acid. Malassezia species are lipid-dependent so they rely on external fats to survive. This is why ingredient is flagged for being potentially fungal-acne unsafe.
Learn more about Isopropyl Titanium TriisostearateMethyl Trimethicone is a type of silicone. It is a solvent and emulsifier.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Methyl Trimethicone does not get absorbed into the skin.
Learn more about Methyl TrimethiconeNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideParfum 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 ParfumPeg-10 Dimethicone is silicone with conditioner and emulsifier properties. It mostly acts as an emollient in skincare and and humectant in haircare.
According to the manufacturer, acidic formulations decrease the stability of this ingredient. It works best in neutral or near neutral formulations.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a vegetable-derived soft wax made from castor oil. It's an emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and film former.
You'll likely see it in sunscreens because it helps disperse pigments and UV-reflecting minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide evenly.
Depending on the concentration, it can drastically change the texture of a product from pasty solid (like lipstick) to sprayable liquid.
The CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has concluded this ingredient to be safe in cosmetics. The highest reported use concentration is 14.2% in lipsticks.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSilica, 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 SilicaStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
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.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis 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 TrimethylsiloxysilicateTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
Water. 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