What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPanax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Talc
Abrasive
Calcium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantMagnesium Sulfate
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Synthetic Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
Humectant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
Abrasive
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBeeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Cellulose
Absorbent
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
CI 77480
Cosmetic ColorantBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Lactose
HumectantSilica Silylate
Emollient
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingPolysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Sodium Phosphate
BufferingButylphenyl Methylpropional
Perfuming
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Water, 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
Cyclomethicone
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Isotridecyl Isononanoate
EmollientPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Talc
Abrasive
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
BHT
Antioxidant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-10 Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Stabilising
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSilica
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Polypropylene
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Microcrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Iron Oxides
Water
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingStearyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingHydrogen Dimethicone
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
C23-43 Acid Pentaerythritol Tetraester
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Methylparaben
Preservative
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingPolymethyl Methacrylate
Stearoyl Glutamic Acid
CleansingPolymethacrylic Acid
Cyclomethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol, Isotridecyl Isononanoate, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Talc, Tocopherol, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, BHT, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Citrate, Silica, Dimethicone, Squalane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polypropylene, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxides, Water, Sodium Chloride, Stearyl Dimethicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, C23-43 Acid Pentaerythritol Tetraester, Methyl Trimethicone, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Methylparaben, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Stearoyl Glutamic Acid, Polymethacrylic 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.
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 AlcoholAluminum 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 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 DimethiconeDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDipropylene 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 HectoritePhenoxyethanol 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.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane 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 SilicaTalc 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 TalcTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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
