What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPolymethyl Methacrylate
CI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Chloride
MaskingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientBoron Nitride
AbsorbentParfum
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alcohols
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disodium EDTA
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Isododecane
EmollientBHT
AntioxidantAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantTin Oxide
AbrasivePropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Magnesium Silicate
Glutathione
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, CI 77891, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, PEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, CI 77007, Sodium Chloride, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Boron Nitride, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, C12-15 Alcohols, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disodium EDTA, Mica, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Isododecane, BHT, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Tocopherol, Tin Oxide, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, Glutathione, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialOctocrylene
UV AbsorberLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
SurfactantSilica
AbrasiveCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingIsododecane
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Trimethoxycaprylylsilane
SmoothingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantAscorbic Acid Polypeptide
AntioxidantAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin ProtectingAcetyl Tetrapeptide-5
HumectantAcetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningCarnosine
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningNonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Octocrylene, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Silica, Cyclohexasiloxane, Isopropyl Palmitate, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Isododecane, Octyldodecanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Trimethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Carnosine, Copper Tripeptide-1, Nonapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Parfum, CI 77492, CI 77491
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
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 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 77891Cyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneCyclopentasiloxane, 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 DimethiconeDisteardimonium 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 HectoriteEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.
Learn more about IsododecaneParfum 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 ParfumTocopherol 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