What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHomosalate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Surfactant
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Isododecane
EmollientAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Polypropylsilsesquioxane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Iron Oxides
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantMagnesium Sulfate
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Citronellol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Water, 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
Water
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
PEG-8
HumectantNiacinamide
Smoothing
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantMagnesium Chloride
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract
CleansingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
PEG-100 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTrisodium EDTA
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
BHT
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Linalool
Perfuming
PEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol Denat., PEG-8, Niacinamide, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Isostearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Magnesium Chloride, Polyquaternium-51, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, PEG-12 Dimethicone, PEG-100 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Butylene Glycol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Trisodium EDTA, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, BHT, Tocopherol, Potassium Hydroxide, Alcohol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Linalool, PEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77491
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
The "denat" part just means "denatured"; common denaturants include Denatonium Benzoate, t-butyl alcohol, and Diethyl Phthalate. This step makes the alcohol undrinkable (and lets brand skip taxes related to beverage alcohol).
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue to constrict pores and dry out your skin.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is this ingredient will probably not affect your skin much if it is near the end of an ingredients list.
One thing to note:
People with ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) deficiency may experience skin irritation from continued alcohol use. About 8% of the world's population have this deficiency.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has determined denatured alcohols to be safe for use in concentrations between 0.05% and 12% (depending on which denaturant is used).
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Look for formulas that contain glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol if you want to offset any drying effect.
This ingredient will trip away your skin's natural oils/lipids that help it lock in moisture. This can worsen dryness, trigger eczema flare-ups, and aggravate rosacea.
Be sure to patch test any product with this ingredient if you have dry or sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea.
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.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 GlycolCi 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 77891Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone. It has a high refractive index and adds shine to formulations.
According to the safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, it is safe for use in cosmetics under the current practices and concentrations.
Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolGlycerin (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 GlycerinLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolTocopherol 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 TocopherolWater. 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
