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 ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingBetaine
HumectantMagnesium Sulfate
Silica
AbrasiveSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic Colorant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialGlycosyl Trehalose
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPalmitic Acid
EmollientHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Oil
MaskingArtemisia Vulgaris Oil
PerfumingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
MaskingPrunus Persica Flower Extract
MoisturisingCyclotetrasiloxane
EmollientLaurus Nobilis Leaf Extract
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingMyristic Acid
CleansingStearic Acid
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Betaine, Magnesium Sulfate, Silica, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, CI 77492, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, CI 77499, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Glycosyl Trehalose, CI 77491, Palmitic Acid, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Adenosine, Citrus Aurantium Amara Leaf/Twig Oil, Artemisia Vulgaris Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Prunus Persica Flower Extract, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Laurus Nobilis Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Propylene Glycol, Phytosphingosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol
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 HydroxideCaprylyl 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 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 DimethiconeDimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.
Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolDisteardimonium 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 PanthenolPolymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneSilica, 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 SilicaSorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.
Specifically, this ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier, meaning it helps water dissolve into oil.
Some studies suggest this ingredient may cause irritation in some people. If you are unsure, it is best to patch test.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan SesquioleateStearic 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 AcidTocopheryl 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