What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantIsoeicosane
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingNiacinamide
SmoothingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Isododecane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningChromium Oxide Greens
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientZein
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentParfum
MaskingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMyristic Acid
CleansingStearic Acid
CleansingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Flower Water
TonicTocopherol
AntioxidantMethylpropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGanoderma Lucidum Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningFraxinus Rhynchophylla Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
TonicFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingTaraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningInonotus Obliquus Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingMicrocitrus Australasica Fruit Extract
Ceramide NP
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Isoeicosane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, CI 77492, Pentylene Glycol, Magnesium Sulfate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Chromium Oxide Greens, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sorbitan Olivate, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 77491, Aluminum Hydroxide, Palmitic Acid, Zein, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77499, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Zea Mays Starch, Parfum, Adenosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Panthenol, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Water, Tocopherol, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ganoderma Lucidum Stem Extract, Fraxinus Rhynchophylla Extract, Ocimum Basilicum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Leaf Extract, Inonotus Obliquus Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Microcitrus Australasica Fruit Extract, Ceramide NP, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Octyldodecanol
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTriethylhexanoin
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingNiacinamide
SmoothingTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantGlyceryl Tribehenate/Isostearate/Eicosandioate
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingAlumina
AbrasivePanthenol
Skin ConditioningCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantEthylcellulose
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantPolyvinyl Alcohol
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Eryngium Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Peptide
Skin ConditioningStreptococcus Thermophilus Ferment
HumectantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAsiaticoside
AntioxidantHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningIlex Aquifolium Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAchillea Millefolium Oil
CleansingHedera Helix Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantSilica
AbrasiveCalcium Chloride
AstringentAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Niacinamide, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, CI 77491, Glyceryl Tribehenate/Isostearate/Eicosandioate, Magnesium Sulfate, CI 77492, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Stearic Acid, Alumina, Panthenol, Ceresin, CI 77499, Ethylcellulose, Caprylyl Glycol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77288, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Madecassoside, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Eryngium Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate, Glycine Soja Peptide, Streptococcus Thermophilus Ferment, Aluminum Hydroxide, Asiaticoside, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Ilex Aquifolium Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Oil, Hedera Helix Extract, Tocopherol, Silica, Calcium Chloride, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid
Reviews
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAluminum 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 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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractCi 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 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 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 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 GlycerinMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t 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 SulfateNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePanthenol 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 PanthenolStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidSynthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TrimethylsiloxysilicateThis ingredient is used in makeup and skincare to thicken formulas, reduce shine, and give skin a silky-smooth feel.
It’s a white silicone powder that sits in fine lines and pores to blur their appearance though its effectiveness depends on the particle size.
You'll typically find this ingredient in amounts between 0.1-20%.
Learn more about Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane CrosspolymerWater. 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