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 ConditioningNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDiethylhexyl Carbonate
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantOctyldodecanol
EmollientIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingSynthetic Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingIsododecane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingMica
Cosmetic ColorantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPantolactone
HumectantRhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract
HumectantArtemisia Princeps Leaf Water
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientSpinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
Astringent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingPolyglyceryl-3 Oleate
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingSpirulina Platensis Extract
Skin ProtectingBrassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningDiisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientPolyglycerin-6
HumectantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPropylene Carbonate
SolventPolyester-1
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMalic Acid
BufferingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantSilica
AbrasiveCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, CI 77891, Isopropyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, Isoamyl Laurate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Sodium Chloride, Synthetic Beeswax, Isododecane, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Microcrystalline Wax, Mica, Panthenol, Pantolactone, Rhodomyrtus Tomentosa Fruit Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract, Bioflavonoids, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate, Sodium Benzoate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Spirulina Platensis Extract, Brassica Oleracea Acephala Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyglycerin-6, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Potassium Sorbate, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Propylene Carbonate, Polyester-1, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Malic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tocopherol, Silica, CI 77288, CI 77491, CI 77492
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
Aluminum 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 GlycolThis 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 TriglycerideCentella 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 77492Disteardimonium 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 GlycerinIsododecane 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 IsododecanePanthenol 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 PanthenolThis silica is mainly used to thicken oils and suspend particles in oils. It is not water soluble.
According to the manufacturer, it:
The manufacturer also claims this ingredient to be useful in makeup.
In lipstick formulations, this ingredient improves color payoff, reduces pigment settling, and reduces oil bleeding. This ingredient also improves the grip of powder products such as dry shampoos.
Learn more about Silica Dimethyl SilylateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
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 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