What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Synthetic Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingPropylene Carbonate
SolventEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
Abrasive
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Punica Granatum Seed Oil
Emollient
Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil
Emollient
Rosa Damascena Flower Oil
Masking
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTriethylhexanoin, Octyldodecanol, Silica, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Synthetic Wax, Synthetic Beeswax, Polyethylene, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, CI 77891, CI 15850, CI 19140, CI 77491
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Cera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingSynthetic Wax
Abrasive
Silica
Abrasive
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer
Abrasive
Euphorbia Cerifera Cera
Astringent
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantDiisostearyl Malate, Octyldodecanol, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cera Microcristallina, Synthetic Wax, Silica, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 15850
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCi 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850Ci 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 77491Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer is an exfoliant.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSynthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
This ingredient has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Synthetic Waxes are straight/branched-chain hydrocarbons with no ester bond or fatty acids. That means there is nothing for the Malassezia yeast to feed on.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
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.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate
