What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantIsododecane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
SurfactantPropylene Glycol
HumectantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Magnesium Sulfate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientAlumina
AbrasiveCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPEG-8
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningIsostearyl Alcohol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingIsostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingWhey Protein
Skin ConditioningWater, Caprylyl Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, CI 77891, Butylene Glycol, Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77492, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Magnesium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Squalane, Alumina, CI 77499, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, PEG-8, Panthenol, Isostearyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Salicylic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Isostearamidopropyl Ethyldimonium Ethosulfate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Whey Protein
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantTalc
AbrasiveZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingNiacinamide
SmoothingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Stearic Acid
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSilica
AbrasiveDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantSqualane
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingBetaine
HumectantPolymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment
Skin ProtectingLactococcus Ferment
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract
AntioxidantLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Talc, Zinc Oxide, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Pentylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Sulfate, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Squalane, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Betaine, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Maltodextrin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Lactobacillus/Acerola Cherry Ferment, Lactococcus Ferment, Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lactobacillus, Caffeine
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxaneThis ingredient is a silicone elastomer that works as a texture enhancer, adds a silky slip, and also helps absorb excess oil.
Because it's a large macromolecule that's insoluble in water and chemically inert, it's not expected to penetrate or be absorbed into skin.
Human patch tests with a facial lotion containing 1% of this ingredient found no sensitization.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerDisodium 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 EthylhexylglycerinMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having āsulfateā in the name, it isnāt a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesnāt have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfatePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSqualane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum).
It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores.
This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces.
Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer.
Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.
No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration).
Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types.
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Though squalane is often called an oil, itās technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen. True oils are triglycerides and made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term āoil-freeā isnāt regulated so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 1 from the original 1972 study that tested raw ingredients under occlusion on rabbit ears. This system is not standardized or peer-reviewed, and using the raw ingredients is very different from how diluted cosmetic formulations are used on human skin.
A comedogenic rating of 1 means it is "unlikely to clog pores" according to the original rating system.
The overall formula of a product matters more than the individual ingredients on whether or not it will cause clogged pores.
Learn more about SqualaneTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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