What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Silica
AbrasiveDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMica
Cosmetic ColorantMethicone
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningNephrite Powder
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasiveGlycerin
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantTin Oxide
AbrasiveMalpighia Glabra Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantPinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPolyquaternium-10
Saururus Chinensis Extract
Skin ConditioningEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMother Of Pearl
AbrasiveHedychium Coronarium Root Extract
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Magnesium Silicate
Disodium EDTA
Sodium Benzoate
MaskingLactic Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeGlutathione
Diamond Powder
AbrasiveXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSilica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mica, Methicone, CI 77891, CI 77742, Ethylhexylglycerin, Nephrite Powder, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Caprylate, Butylene Glycol, Water, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Kaolin, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Tin Oxide, Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Polyquaternium-10, Saururus Chinensis Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Mother Of Pearl, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Glutathione, Diamond Powder, Xanthan Gum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid. It is an emollient, co-emulsifier, and preservative booster.
Its short C8 fatty acid chain makes it behave differently from its longer-chain emollient cousins like Glyceryl Stearate. It feels more lightweight, fast-absorbing, and silky instead of rich and waxy.
As a co-emulsifier, its "head" and "tail" sit at the oil-water interface. But overall, the short C8 tail and not being water soluble means it doesn't really have the muscle to emulsify a formula on its own. That's why you'll often see it paired with a primary emulsifier like Cetearyl Glucoside.
Interestingly, Glyceryl Caprylate acts as a preservative booster. This is because its fatty-acid backbone disrupts microbial lipid membranes. It shows excellent activity against bacteria and yeast but is weaker against mold.
Typical concentrations range from 0.5-1% and this ingredient is generally non-irritating.
Because this ingredient has a C8 fatty acid chain, it is outside the range that the Malassezia yeast metabolizes (making it fungal acne safe).
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateSilica, 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 SilicaTocopherol 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 Tocopherol