What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Titanium Dioxide 8.31%
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Hexyl Laurate
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingBis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Xylitylglucoside
HumectantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAnhydroxylitol
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentAlumina
AbrasiveAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningSucrose Dilaurate
EmollientXylitol
HumectantJojoba Esters
EmollientDiazolidinyl Urea
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingHydrolyzed Prunus Domestica
Skin ConditioningTalc
AbrasivePropylene Carbonate
SolventIsododecane
EmollientAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCichorium Intybus Root Extract
MaskingGlucose
HumectantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativePolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentIsoceteth-10
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMyristic Acid
CleansingP-Anisic Acid
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSorbic Acid
PreservativeIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativeAlcohol
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide 8.31%, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Mica, Butylene Glycol, Isopropyl Myristate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hexyl Laurate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Xylitylglucoside, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Anhydroxylitol, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Propylene Glycol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Alumina, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sucrose Dilaurate, Xylitol, Jojoba Esters, Diazolidinyl Urea, Sodium Benzoate, Hydrolyzed Prunus Domestica, Talc, Propylene Carbonate, Isododecane, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Cichorium Intybus Root Extract, Glucose, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 20, Tocopheryl Acetate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Pisum Sativum Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Isoceteth-10, Caprylyl Glycol, Myristic Acid, P-Anisic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbic Acid, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Alcohol, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Citric Acid, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Perlite
AbsorbentDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolymethylsilsesquioxane
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Silica
AbrasivePanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Alcohol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Perlite, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Mica, Glycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Cellulose Gum, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Silica, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also called ethanol or ethyl alcohol. It is denatured, meaning made undrinkable for cosmetic use.
In formulas, it:
Is it bad for your skin?
The answer comes down to concentration. Patch and wash studies have found highly concentrated alcohol-based hand rubs (60-100%) cause less barrier disruption than washing with a basic detergent like SLS. The only measurable effect in these studies was a temporary dip in skin hydration.
Concentrations below 12-15% in leave-on cosmetics is generally well-tolerated. Concentrations above start to see increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and reduced hydration.
In concentrations about 58%, it creates temporary channels in your skin's lipid layers to become more permeable and allow other ingredients to slip through easily.
This ingredient can be up to 80% of the formula in alcohol-based perfumes.
Overall, this ingredient is probably harmless if found lower down an ingredients list but worth side-eyeing if it's high up (especially if your barrier is already struggling).
Alcohol can worsen dry skin, eczema, and oily skin, especially at higher concentrations. This is because it can increase transepidermal water loss and decrease hydration to disrupt the skin barrier.
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
True allergic contact dermatitis to ethanol is uncommon, but be sure to patch test if you have dry or sensitive skin.
Learn more about AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
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 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 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 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 GlycerinThis ingredient is a powder used to improve texture, slip, and give products a silky texture.
Isododecane 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 IsododecaneIsopropyl Myristate is an emollient, thickening agent, and texture enhancer. It is created from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid.
It is used to help other ingredients be better absorbed. It is also an emollient and may help soften and hydrate the skin.
The comedogenic rating of this ingredient depends on the concentration. Lower amounts results in a lower rating.
Isopropyl Myristate may not be fungal acne safe. It can potentially worsen acne prone skin.
Learn more about Isopropyl MyristateMica 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 MicaPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneChances 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 ChlorideTocopheryl 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 AcetateTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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