What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingTalc
AbrasiveCalcium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantMagnesium Sulfate
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDimethicone
EmollientSynthetic Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
AbrasiveAlcohol
Antimicrobial1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Triethyl Citrate
MaskingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCellulose
AbsorbentSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
CI 77480
Cosmetic ColorantBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingLactose
HumectantSilica Silylate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingMadecassoside
AntioxidantSodium Phosphate
BufferingButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialWater, CI 77891, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dipropylene Glycol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Niacinamide, Talc, Calcium Stearate, Magnesium Sulfate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, CI 77492, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethicone, Synthetic Beeswax, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 77491, Glycerin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, CI 77499, Silica, Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Triethyl Citrate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Adenosine, Parfum, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Beeswax, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, CI 77480, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Lactose, Silica Silylate, Panthenol, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Madecassoside, Sodium Phosphate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Benzyl Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCetearyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPEG-4
HumectantPolypropylsilsesquioxane
Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Alcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialDimethicone
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Chloride
MaskingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentTalc
AbrasiveSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientMethicone
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSilica
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ascorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantAlcohol
AntimicrobialHylocereus Undatus Fruit Juice
Skin ConditioningCitrus Junos Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCitronellol
PerfumingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclohexasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, PEG-4, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Benzyl Alcohol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Talc, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Methicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica, Parfum, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Alcohol, Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Juice, Citrus Junos Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Citric Acid, Maltodextrin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ascorbic Acid, Citronellol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Reviews
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 AlcoholThis ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together. It's so effective because one end of the molecule loves oil and the other one loves water.
Besides holding formulas together, it also leaves a silky and lightweight feel on skin without the greasiness. A manufacturer also claims it can help with the controlled release of active ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel found this ingredient to not be sensitizing in concentrations up to 15% in human maximazation testing and dimethicone-based compounds were not comedogenic.
It has a high molecular weight well above 1,000 g/mol which means it limits meaningful skin penetration.
A 2019 study specifically tested this ingredient and found no observable Malassezia growth in its presence.
Learn more about Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeCi 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.
Ci 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 77891Cyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisteardimonium 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 HectoriteGlycerin (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 GlycerinParfum 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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 TrimethiconeSilica, 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 SilicaSodium 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 HyaluronateTalc is a clay mineral. It helps absorb moisture and improve the texture of products. Like other types of clay, Talc can have a slight exfoliating effect on skin. Talc can be added to increase the volume of products.
Some Baby powders are made by combining talc with corn starch. The word "talc" comes from Latin and originates from Arabic. Talc is a mineral commonly found throughout the world.
If you have any concerns about using talc, we recommend checking out the FDA's official page.
Learn more about TalcTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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