What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
SurfactantButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPropylene Carbonate
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientLecithin
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientActinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningMentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantGlucomannan
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Alcohol, CI 77163, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Propylene Carbonate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Lecithin, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Cellulose Gum, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Methylpropanediol, Trihydroxystearin, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hexylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glucomannan, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSodium Chloride
MaskingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientBHT
AntioxidantCamellia Japonica Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingPrunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
PerfumingPhellodendron Amurense Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Junos Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningHibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAlpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Methyl Trimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate, Dimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dimethiconol, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, BHT, Camellia Japonica Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydrolyzed Silk, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract, Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Citrus Junos Peel Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Alpinia Speciosa Leaf Extract, CI 77491, CI 77492, 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 AlcoholAluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene 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 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.
Cyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone 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 CrosspolymerDisteardimonium 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 HectoritePhenoxyethanol 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 TrimethiconeChances 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 ChlorideSodium 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 HyaluronateTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideWater. 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