What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantTalc
AbrasiveBoron Nitride
AbsorbentCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientZinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
AbrasivePolyethylene
AbrasiveCellulose
AbsorbentNylon-12
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeSorbic Acid
PreservativeTin Oxide
AbrasiveCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMagnesium Myristate
Calcium Sodium Borosilicate
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates Copolymer
Isododecane
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Methacrylate/T-Butyl Methacrylate Copolymer
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77400
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantMica, Talc, Boron Nitride, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Polyethylene, Cellulose, Nylon-12, Diisostearyl Malate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Tin Oxide, CI 77891, Iron Oxides, CI 77742, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Magnesium Myristate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates Copolymer, Isododecane, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Behenyl Methacrylate/T-Butyl Methacrylate Copolymer, CI 19140, CI 77400, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Hexylene Glycol, CI 77007
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantTalc
AbrasiveBoron Nitride
AbsorbentSilica
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientZinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientAluminum Dimyristate
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingMethicone
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningSorbic Acid
PreservativeHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientTin Oxide
AbrasiveCellulose
AbsorbentDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientNylon-12
Alumina
AbrasiveCI 77400
Cosmetic ColorantCalcium Sodium Borosilicate
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Myristate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates Copolymer
Isododecane
EmollientCI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantMica, Talc, Boron Nitride, Silica, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lauroyl Lysine, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Aluminum Dimyristate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Methicone, Water, Sorbic Acid, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77742, CI 19140, Iron Oxides, CI 15985, CI 77491, CI 15850, CI 45410, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Tin Oxide, Cellulose, Diisostearyl Malate, Nylon-12, Alumina, CI 77400, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77007, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Magnesium Myristate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates Copolymer, Isododecane, CI 16035, CI 73360, CI 42090
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
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 CopolymerBoron Nitride is compound consisting of boron and nitrogen. It is used to absorb oil and modify adherence/ slip in products.
This means it is often used in makeup products to help them last longer.
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate is made up of calcium, aluminum, and silicates. It is a glass-like material. In cosmetics, it comes in the form of flakes or microspheres.
Calcium aluminum borosilicate is a bulking agent, meaning it helps thicken a product.
This ingredient is created by slowly mixing several minerals, including kaolin clay.
Although “aluminum” in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly. For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic “aluminum overload.”
Learn more about Calcium Aluminum BorosilicateCalcium Sodium Borosilicate is a bulking agent. It is considered a borosilicate glass; it is composed of powder or flakes of calcium and sodium borosilicates.
This ingredient is used to add volume, shine, and color to products. You'll most likely find this ingredient in makeup products.
According to in-vivo and ex-vivo studies done by a manufacturer, this ingredient works well with UV filters:
Learn more about Calcium Sodium BorosilicateThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl 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 GlycolCellulose is the main component of plant cell walls. It is used as an emulsifier, absorbent, and texture enhancer.
This ingredient has many functions:
Fun fact: Cellulose is the most abundant form of organic polymer on Earth.
Learn more about CelluloseCI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140This pigment is called Ultramarine blue lazurite. It gives a saturated blue color, but can be used to create other colors as well.
According to the manufacturer, it is usually made from kaolin, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sulfur, and charcoal.
We don't have a description for CI 77400 yet.
This ingredient is used to add a violet color to cosmetics.
It is created by reacting phosphoric acid, ammonium dihydrogen orthophosphate, and manganese dioxide.
Ci 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 77891Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeThis 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 CrosspolymerThis ingredient is a powder used to improve texture, slip, and give products a silky texture.
Hexylene Glycol is a multitasker ingredient that works as a solvent, humectant, emulsifier, viscosity reducer, and preservative booster.
It is able to dissolve both water and oil-soluble ingredients to stabilize tricky actives and make products spread more easily.
As a humectant, it pulls water into the skin. But it's a pretty minor moisturizing ingredient compared to other humectants, like glycerin.
Interestingly, it can act as a mild penetration enhancer. One in vitro study on human skin found a 12% concentration upped the absorption of mometasone furoate (a medicinal ingredient used to treat inflammatory skin conditions) up to 7%.
This ingredient is typically used at levels of 0.1-10% depending on the role it's playing.
A patch test study on eczema patients didn't find a significant increase in irritation versus the control group, but the potential for irritation rises at higher concentrations.
Learn more about Hexylene GlycolIsododecane 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 IsododecaneWe don't have a description for Magnesium Myristate yet.
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaNylon-12 is a polymer. It is derived from 12-aminododecanoic acid, an omega-amino fatty acid
According to a manufacturer, it is a talc substitute. Like talc, nylon-12 gives products a satin feel. The manufacturer also claims this ingredients does not block pores and has moderate oil absorption.
This ingredient may not be reef-safe.
Learn more about Nylon-12Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate is created from stearic acid.
It is an emollient and thickens the lipid (oil) portion of a product. Due to its emollient properties, it may not be fungal-acne safe.
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.
Silica, 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 SilicaThis ingredient is a preservative with antimicrobial properties. It is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid.
It is especially effective at preventing bacterial and fungal growth in low concentrations.
Sorbic Acid is a preservative. It is the most commonly used food preservative in the world.
Sorbic Acid is a natural antibiotic and highly effective at preventing the growth of fungus. It is less effective against bacteria.
Potassium Sorbate, another commonly-used preservative, is the potassium salt of Sorbic Acid.
Sorbic Acid may worsen eczema. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
Learn more about Sorbic AcidTalc is a clay mineral. It helps absorb moisture and improve the texture of products. Like other types of clay, Talc can have a slight exfoliating effect on skin. Talc can be added to increase the volume of products.
Some Baby powders are made by combining talc with corn starch. The word "talc" comes from Latin and originates from Arabic. Talc is a mineral commonly found throughout the world.
If you have any concerns about using talc, we recommend checking out the FDA's official page.
Learn more about TalcTin 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.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneZinc Stearate is the metal salt of stearic acid. It is a white solid used to bind, thicken, and lubricate products.
This ingredient is common in powder makeup, where it helps keep the powder together.
Zinc Stearate is hydrophobic and repels water.
This ingredient can be sourced from non-animal or animal sources. It is best to reach out to the brand to see where they source this ingredient from.
Learn more about Zinc StearateThis ingredient is a combination of red, black, and yellow iron oxide pigments. This combination of colors is usually found in foundation, because it results in a "skin" color.
The EU typically uses CI numbers for colorants when applicable, such as CI 77489. In the US, iron oxides are regulated as color additives and "iron oxides" is the most commonly used name in US cosmetic practice.
A 2021 paper looked at skincare formulations containing iron oxides and found that they reduced transmission of blue light when measured optically. In simple terms, the pigment particles helped block or scatter part of the visible light spectrum in lab testing and the authors suggest this could translate into better protection against blue-light-related skin effects.
There is also clinical and experimental research showing that tinted products containing iron oxides can reduce visible light-induced pigmentation:
Please note, whether a product reduces visible or blue light depends on things like:
In the EU's CosIng database, iron oxides are only listed as a colorant. CosIng groups ingredients by their main cosmetic role, such as colorant, preservative, or UV filter.
Though studies say iron oxides can "attenuate blue light", they're describing an optical property and not an officially recognized cosmetic function.
So CosIng isn’t contradicting the research. It’s just classifying iron oxides by what they officially are: pigments that add color.
Learn more about Iron Oxides