What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Paraffinum Liquidum
EmollientKaolin
AbrasiveCopernicia Cerifera Cera
EmollientParaffin
Skin ConditioningCera Alba
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPropylparaben
PreservativeParfum
MaskingSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveCoumarin
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasivePolyethylene
AbrasiveHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingMethylparaben
PreservativeSorbic Acid
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantParaffinum Liquidum, Kaolin, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Paraffin, Cera Alba, Microcrystalline Wax, Propylparaben, Parfum, Synthetic Wax, Coumarin, Linalool, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Polyethylene, Hydroxycitronellal, Benzyl Alcohol, Citronellol, Geraniol, Methylparaben, Sorbic Acid, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492
Paraffinum Liquidum
EmollientParaffin
Skin ConditioningEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
AstringentHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetyl Palmitate
EmollientPetrolatum
EmollientKaolin
AbrasiveCera Alba
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantOleth-10
EmulsifyingLaneth-40
CleansingCopernicia Cerifera Cera
EmollientPolybutene
Lanolin Alcohol
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingLinalyl Acetate
MaskingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingAcetyl Cedrene
Cinnamyl Alcohol
PerfumingJuniperus Virginiana Oil
MaskingCitronellol
PerfumingAmyl Salicylate
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCoumarin
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGeranyl Acetate
PerfumingAnethole
MaskingEugenol
PerfumingParfum
MaskingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantUltramarines
CI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantCI 12085
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCopper Powder
AntimicrobialCI 77400
Cosmetic ColorantBronzite Powder
Cosmetic ColorantChromium Hydroxide Green
CI 77289
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77510
Cosmetic ColorantBlue 1 Lake
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantAlumina
AbrasiveCI 77000
Cosmetic ColorantChromium Oxide Greens
CI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45380
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantTin Oxide
AbrasiveParaffinum Liquidum, Paraffin, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Palmitate, Petrolatum, Kaolin, Cera Alba, Tocopherol, Oleth-10, Laneth-40, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Polybutene, Lanolin Alcohol, Propylene Glycol, BHT, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalyl Acetate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalool, Acetyl Cedrene, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Citronellol, Amyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Benzyl Salicylate, Coumarin, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Geranyl Acetate, Anethole, Eugenol, Parfum, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77891, Iron Oxides, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Ultramarines, CI 77007, CI 19140, CI 15850, CI 75470, CI 12085, CI 15985, Copper Powder, CI 77400, Bronzite Powder, Chromium Hydroxide Green, CI 77289, CI 77510, Blue 1 Lake, CI 42090, CI 16035, Alumina, CI 77000, Chromium Oxide Greens, CI 77288, CI 45380, Mica, Tin Oxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Alcohol is an aromatic alcohol with several roles: it's a preservative, solvent, and mild fragrance component with a floral scent.
This ingredient has been deemed safe for use in cosmetic formulations at concentrations up to 5%, and up to 10% in hair dyes. You'll typically see 0.5-2% in most rinse-off or leave-on products.
As a preservative, it works by disrupting the membrane of microbial proteins. This helps keep bacteria and fungi from growing in your products.
The sensitization picture is actually quite assuring as well:of nearly 71,000 patients patch tested with benzyl alcohol, only 0.21% showed a positive reaction with most of them being weakly positive.
This led researchers to conclude that benzyl alcohol cannot be regarded as a significant contact allergen.
It is worth noting this ingredient is classified as one of the EU's regulated fragrance allergens and restricted to 1% in finished products.
Labels must also declare it in concentrations above 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
At concentrations around 5%, localized redness and itching can appear as a direct irritant response and not as a true allergic reaction.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholCera alba is beeswax, or the wax used by bees to make honeycombs. It is a texture-enhancer and emollient. A study from 2003 found beeswax to be a stronger emollient than ingredients such as petroleum jelly.
As an emollient, beeswax helps hydrate the skin by creating a barrier on top. This barrier traps moisture in.
Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating. This helps create consistent texture.
The structure of beeswax is mainly long-chain alcohols and the esters of fatty acids.
There are three types of beeswax: yellow, white, and absolute. Yellow is pure beeswax taken from the honeycomb. White beeswax is created by filtering or bleaching yellow beeswax. Absolute beeswax is created by treating beeswax with alcohol. Beeswax used in cosmetics are purified.
Beeswax has been used throughout history and even in prehistoric times. Some common uses for beeswax still used today are making candles, as a waterproofing agent, and polish for leather.
Learn more about Cera AlbaCi 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 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 77891Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolThis ingredient comes from a palm tree native to Brazil. This ingredient is used to thicken texture and leaves behind a film when applied.
Coumarins are a group of substances found naturally in plants. There are over 1300 types of coumarins identified. It has a natural vanilla scent.
Coumarin is an identified EU known allergy, meaning it may cause an allergic reaction when applied to the skin.
In many countries, coumarin is banned as a food additive. However, it can be found in soaps, tobacco products, and some alcohol drinks.
Plants use coumarins as a chemical defense. Some plants that have coumarins include lavender, tonka beans, and yellow clovers.
Learn more about CoumarinGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolKaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolParaffin is a solid wax that pulls its weight as an emollient, occlusive, and consistency-booster.
It softens skin and lays down a protective film to slow water loss and gives products a stable body and structure.
The cosmetic grade stuff is highly refined with a solid safety record. The CIR Expert Panel has repeatedly reaffirmed this ingredient to be safe in current practices of use and concentration.
The worry about carcinogenic compounds only applies to industrial grades, not the purified version used in skincare.
Despite its reputation, the highly reformed form is non-comedogenic and doesn't penetrate deeply into skin.
The good news for fungal-acne prone folks: the Malassezia yeast feeds on fatty acids and lipids and paraffin doesn't contain any of these (so there's nothing for the yeast to metabolize). This ingredient is considered fungal acne safe.
Learn more about ParaffinParaffinum Liquidum is a highly-refined cosmetic-grade mineral oil. It is also known as liquid paraffin.
Despite its controversial reputation, the science is pretty clear: it's one of the most well-studied and effective moisturizing ingredients out there.
As an occlusive, it forms a protective layer on the skin that locks in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This makes it especially great for compromised skin barriers.
The "it clogs your pores" myth has been around for decades; a study found that industrial-grade mineral oil may be comedogenic but cosmetic-grade mineral oil is not (these two are very, very different).
A 2017 review concluded that cosmetic use of mineral oils and waxes does not present a risk to consumers due to absorption.
Mineral oil got a bad rap from the old rabbit ear studies. When tested on actual human skin, cosmetic-grade mineral oil showed no comedogenic activity. The rating of 0 is a correction of outdated science.
Mineral oil is an inert substance with no fatty acids so there's nothing to feed Malassezia. This ingredient is fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Paraffinum LiquidumParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about Parfum