What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Silica Dimethicone Silylate
AbsorbentAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Chloride
MaskingIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Bis-PEG-15 Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer
Parfum
MaskingAlumina
AbrasiveCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingDimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disodium EDTA
PEG-2 Soyamine
EmulsifyingSimethicone
EmollientMentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingSodium Citrate
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, CI 77891, Methyl Trimethicone, Homosalate, Caprylyl Methicone, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Silica, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, CI 77492, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Silica Dimethicone Silylate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Disteardimonium Hectorite, CI 77491, Mica, Sodium Chloride, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Bis-PEG-15 Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer, Parfum, Alumina, Caprylyl Glycol, Trihydroxystearin, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Panthenol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disodium EDTA, PEG-2 Soyamine, Simethicone, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, CI 77499, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Dipropylene Glycol, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Hydroxycitronellal, Sodium Citrate, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPolypropylsilsesquioxane
Magnesium Sulfate
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
CleansingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Alumina
AbrasiveAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Linalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingParfum
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Pentylene Glycol, CI 77492, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Caprylyl Methicone, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Magnesium Sulfate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Alumina, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Adenosine, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyglutamic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491, CI 77499, Mica
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
Alumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is a white powder used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.
As an absorbent, alumina can give a mattifying effect. It is used in mineral sunscreens to help coat nano-sized filters, such as titanium dioxide. By increasing the size of the UV filters, these ingredients stay on the skin for a longer time. By coating small sized ingredients, alumina helps thicken a product.
Alumina may be used as an abrasive, or exfoliant.
Alumina is naturally occurring in the mineral corundum. Certain varieties of corundum create rubies and sapphires. Corundum is also the crystalline form of alumina.
Learn more about AluminaAluminum 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 77891Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTADisteardimonium 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 HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaParfum 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.
Stearic 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 AcidTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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