What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Acrylate/Methyl Methacrylate Copolymer
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Ammonium Acrylate
Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Beheneth-30
CleansingDisodium EDTA
CI 77266
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Methylparaben
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantFerric Chloride
AstringentSodium Polyaspartate
HumectantTriethanolamine
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Methyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Alcohol Denat., Ammonium Acrylate, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Beheneth-30, Disodium EDTA, CI 77266, Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone, Aminomethyl Propanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, CI 77499, Ferric Chloride, Sodium Polyaspartate, Triethanolamine, Sodium Hydroxide
Reviews
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
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 GlycolDisodium 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 EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Water. 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 WaterCI 77266 is a high-purity pigment used to create an intense black color in cosmetics. It is made up of fine particles of pure carbon. This ingredient is also often listed as Carbon Black in ingredient lists.
You'll likely find this ingredient in mascaras, eyeliners, brow products, and eye shadow.
In the US, this ingredient can only be used if it meets strict FDA specifications. Certain versions even require batch-by-batch certification after extensive safety evaluation.
In the European Union, this ingredient is permitted as a colorant and classified as a "nanomaterial" based on its particle size (meaning it requires deeper assessment).
The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has reviewed nano-sized carbon black specifically and concluded that it does not pose a risk to human health when used in cosmetic products applied to healthy, intact skin and formulated to avoid inhalation.
Studies support this regulatory stance. Laboratory studies on nano-carbon black show potential for cytotoxicity and inflammatory effects in immune cells; it is important to highlight these findings are based on in vitro (not done on a living organism) testing or inhalation scenarios rather than normal topical cosmetic use.
Occupational studies involving industrial workers exposed to airborne carbon black have not shown a clear link between cumulative exposure and cancer risk. These findings are not directly applicable to cosmetics; cosmetic formulations bind pigments within creams, gels, and liquids that are not inhaled.
Overall, evidence shows that this ingredient is safe under regulatory guidelines and purity standards, especially when formulated to avoid airborne exposure.
Even with regulatory approval and a long history of use, some consumers might prefer to avoid ingredients that are petroleum-derived or that fall under the ānanomaterialā category.
Choosing whether to use CI 77266 isnāt necessarily about safety alone; it can also be about personal philosophy, comfort level with synthetic versus natural ingredients, and how much weight you place on ongoing research and regulatory oversight.
Makeup is highly individual, and personal preference plays an important role in deciding what feels right for you.
Learn more about CI 77266
