What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone
Emollient
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Polysilicone-11
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Silica
Abrasive
Cera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate
Kaolin
Abrasive
Dicalcium Phosphate
Abrasive
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin Conditioning
Stearalkonium Bentonite
Gel FormingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Aroma
Propylene Carbonate
SolventIsostearic Acid
Cleansing
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Laureth-12
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Lecithin
Emollient
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, Polysilicone-11, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, Cera Microcristallina, Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate, Kaolin, Dicalcium Phosphate, Lauroyl Lysine, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Aroma, Propylene Carbonate, Isostearic Acid, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Laureth-12, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Mica, CI 77891, Iron Oxides, CI 15850, CI 42090, CI 19140
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Polysilicone-11
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Silica
Abrasive
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Kaolin
Abrasive
Copernicia Cerifera Wax
Stearalkonium Bentonite
Gel FormingSynthetic Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin Conditioning
Propylene Carbonate
SolventAroma
Dicalcium Phosphate
Abrasive
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Laureth-12
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantBlue 1 Lake
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantOctyldodecanol, Polysilicone-11, Synthetic Wax, Silica, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Kaolin, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Synthetic Beeswax, Sodium Potassium Aluminum Silicate, Lauroyl Lysine, Propylene Carbonate, Aroma, Dicalcium Phosphate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Laureth-12, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77891, Iron Oxides, CI 77491, CI 19140, CI 15985, Blue 1 Lake, CI 42090, CI 15850
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aroma refers to an ingredient, or mixture of ingredients, that impart or mask a flavor.
The name is slightly confusing. This is because INCI associates aroma with flavor instead of smell.
Here is the official definition from the The International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook:
âAroma is a term for ingredient labeling used to identify that a product contains a material or combination of materials normally added to a cosmetic to produce or to mask a particular flavor.â
INCI shows the only purpose of aroma to be "flavouring".
However, due to regulation differences, some companies may use aroma in place of parfum.
In Canada, this ingredient only has to be listed in concentrations above 1%.
Learn more about AromaThis 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 ingredientâs final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCi 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Ci 42090 is a synthetic dye created from petroleum. It is used to give a bright blue color to cosmetics, medicine, and food.
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 77891This ingredient is a mineral salt of calcium and phosphate. It is mainly used as a mild abrasive and sometimes used to add opacity to a formula.
Kaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinWe don't have a description for Laureth-12 yet.
This ingredient comes from a fatty acid (lauric acid) and amino acid (lysine). It is used to add a silky feel to cosmetics.
According to a manufacturer, its fatty acid base leaves a silky feeling on the skin. It also has emollient properties because of this. Emollients help soften skin by preventing water from evaporating.
Lauroyl lysine is barely soluble in water.
Learn more about Lauroyl LysineOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamatePolyhydroxystearic Acid is a soft wax made from castor oil.
It is is a texture thickener, emulsifier, and film-former. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidPolysilicone-11 is a film-forming silicone that creates a non-tacky and matte finish on the skin. It's commonly used to improve texture, absorb excess oil, and help active ingredients spread evenly.
Due to its "rubber-like" structure, it stays on the skin's surface instead of being absorbed. On the skin, it creates a flexible layer that enhances wearability and stability.
This ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonateSilica, 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 SilicaThis silicate is used to add color to cosmetics. It can also add bulk or be used to adjust the viscosity.
Like other silicates, this ingredient mostly remains on the skin's surface.
The word âaluminumâ can raise concerns about toxicity or systemic accumulation. In the context of Aluminum Dimyristate, these concerns are unfounded at normal usage levels. Thereâs no credible evidence linking it to cancer or neurological diseases.
Learn more about Sodium Potassium Aluminum SilicateWe don't have a description for Stearalkonium Bentonite yet.
This ingredient is a combination of red, black, and yellow iron oxide pigments. This combination of colors is usually found in foundation, because it results in a "skin" color.
The EU typically uses CI numbers for colorants when applicable, such as CI 77489. In the US, iron oxides are regulated as color additives and "iron oxides" is the most commonly used name in US cosmetic practice.
A 2021 paper looked at skincare formulations containing iron oxides and found that they reduced transmission of blue light when measured optically. In simple terms, the pigment particles helped block or scatter part of the visible light spectrum in lab testing and the authors suggest this could translate into better protection against blue-light-related skin effects.
There is also clinical and experimental research showing that tinted products containing iron oxides can reduce visible light-induced pigmentation:
Please note, whether a product reduces visible or blue light depends on things like:
In the EU's CosIng database, iron oxides are only listed as a colorant. CosIng groups ingredients by their main cosmetic role, such as colorant, preservative, or UV filter.
Though studies say iron oxides can "attenuate blue light", they're describing an optical property and not an officially recognized cosmetic function.
So CosIng isnât contradicting the research. Itâs just classifying iron oxides by what they officially are: pigments that add color.
Learn more about Iron Oxides
