What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientIsodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningAcrylates Copolymer
Propanediol
SolventAdipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPropylene Carbonate
SolventEthylene/Octene Copolymer
Ethylene/Sodium Acrylate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAcmella Oleracea Extract
Skin Protecting1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Tin Oxide
AbrasiveVp/Va Copolymer
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingAmodimethicone
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeParfum
MaskingWater, Dimethicone, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Propanediol, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylene/Octene Copolymer, Ethylene/Sodium Acrylate Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acmella Oleracea Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Tin Oxide, Vp/Va Copolymer, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Amodimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIsodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningAcrylates Copolymer
Propanediol
SolventAdipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativePropylene Carbonate
SolventEthylene/Octene Copolymer
Ethylene/Sodium Acrylate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcmella Oleracea Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Chloride
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Tin Oxide
AbrasiveCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantVp/Va Copolymer
Amodimethicone
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialWater, Dimethicone, CI 77891, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Propanediol, Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, CI 77492, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylene/Octene Copolymer, Ethylene/Sodium Acrylate Copolymer, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Sodium Chloride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Tin Oxide, CI 77491, Vp/Va Copolymer, Amodimethicone, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 77499, Chlorphenesin
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
We don't have a description for Acmella Oleracea Extract yet.
Acrylates Copolymer is used as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer.
After applied, Acrylates Copolymer forms a thin film cover that helps skin feel more soft. It can help sunscreens become more water-resistant.
It is also used to make a product more thick.
Learn more about Acrylates CopolymerWe don't have a description for Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer yet.
We don't have a description for Adipic Acid/Neopentyl Glycol Crosspolymer yet.
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 HydroxideThis water-soluble silicone is used for its hydrating and softening properties. It is used to add a silky feel to skincare products and has great benefits for haircare.
In haircare, this ingredient:
- Adds shine
- Protects color
- Offers thermal protection
- Boosts hair strength
- Does not build up as easily
Butylene 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 Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolThis ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together.
It's pretty effective because one end of the molecule loves oil and the other one loves water.
Besides holding formulas together, it also leaves a silky and lightweight feel on skin without the greasiness. A manufacturer also claims it can help with the controlled release of active ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel found this ingredient to not be sensitizing in concentrations up to 15% in human maximazation testing and dimethicone-based compounds were not comedogenic.
It has a high molecular weight well above 1,000 g/mol which means it limits meaningful skin penetration.
A 2019 study specifically tested this ingredient and found no observable Malassezia growth in its presence.
Learn more about Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinDimethicone 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 EDTADSG is used as a surfactant.
Surfactants are cleansing ingredients that help remove oil, dirt, and other impurities from the skin. They work by reducing surface tension between water and oils/dirt to allow them to be easily rinsed away.
Disteardimonium 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 HectoriteWe don't have a description for Ethylene/Octene Copolymer yet.
We don't have a description for Ethylene/Sodium Acrylate Copolymer yet.
Glycerin (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 GlycerinThis ingredient is a semi-synthetic polymer created from cellulose. In case you need a refresher, cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose has many uses:
- emulsifier
- create a gel-like texture
- boost foam
We don't have a description for Isodecyl Neopentanoate yet.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate is a plant-derived, PEG-free emulsifier.
It's made by hooking isostearic acid onto a chain of glycerin units to give it a water-loving "head" and oil-loving "tail". This allows it to keep the oil and water mixed in a formula.
The highest reported concentration is about 24% in eye makeup but most suppliers recommend a level below 10%.
It has a clean track record for safety and found to be non-irritating.
Because it is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, Malassezia can potentially metabolize it (it sits in the C11-24 range that Malassezia likes). Therefore, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearatePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolThis 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 CarbonateChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium Dehydroacetate is a synthetic preservative and sodium salt form of dehydroacetic acid. It stops bacteria, mold, and yeast from growing in your products at low concentrations.
Clinical testing found it to be non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-photosensitizing. It's also not significantly absorbed through skin.
There are a very small number of reported cases of contact dermatitis in cases linked to wound-care creams used over compromised skin (rather than skincare).
Overall, this is a well-studied and low-risk preservative just doing its job.
Typical concentrations run up to 0.6%, which is also the maximum amount permitted under both EU CosIng regulations and US FDA guidelines.
Learn more about Sodium DehydroacetateTin Oxide is an inorganic oxide used to add opacity and volume to a product. In nature, it is already found in mineral form. The main ore of tin is an opaque and shiny mineral called casseterite.
Tin Oxide helps remove translucency in a product, or make it more opaque. Besides adding opacity, tin oxide is used for bulking to add volume.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateThis 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 TrimethylsiloxysilicateVP/VA Copolymer is a synthetic polymer made by joining two smaller molecules (vinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate) into a larger chain.
It is mainly used as a film-former and fixing agent. When a product dries, it creates a thin and flexible layer on the skin, hair, or nails. This film helps hold hairstyles into place, adds a smooth feel to skin, and traps moisture to reduce dryness.
Irritation is rare at normal concentrations and it doesn't penetrate deeply into skin.
Learn more about Vp/Va CopolymerWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum