What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTriisostearyl Citrate
EmollientPPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveDipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientSilica
AbrasivePolybutene
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingOctyldodecanol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePropylene Carbonate
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDioscorea Opposita Root Extract
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasiveTin Oxide
AbrasiveCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDatem
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSynthetic Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantPEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Myristate
Magnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Squalane
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantPhenyl Trimethicone, Triisostearyl Citrate, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Synthetic Wax, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Mica, Diisostearyl Malate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Silica, Polybutene, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Octyldodecanol, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Dioscorea Opposita Root Extract, Kaolin, Tin Oxide, CI 77891, CI 15850, CI 45410, CI 42090, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Datem, Maltodextrin, CI 19140, CI 75470, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Synthetic Beeswax, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Aluminum Hydroxide, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Tocopherol, CI 15985, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Magnesium Myristate, Magnesium Stearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Silk, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77007
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingPropylene Carbonate
SolventSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientBenzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningRicinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningLupinus Albus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCaproic Acid
CleansingCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isoamyl Laurate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Diisostearyl Malate, Isododecane, Octyldodecanol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lupinus Albus Seed Extract, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caproic Acid, CI 15985, CI 19140, CI 45410, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl 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 15985 is a dye made from petroleum. It is synthetically created and approved by the FDA for use in foods and cosmetics.
The color of this dye is orange/yellow.
This ingredient can be found in makeup, sun care, and skincare.
Learn more about CI 15985CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140CI 45410 is a synthetic red-pigment and dye.
It often goes by both Red 28 or Red 27; manufacturers label both ingredients as CI 45410.
This dye is commonly found in makeup because it imparts a vivid color. Some types of this dye change color based on pH level and interaction with moisture:
Your skin has a natural pH of around 4.5 - 5.5.
According to the FDA, CI 45410 is not permitted for use in eye products.
Red 27 is a flourescein dye and commonly used as a fluorescent tracer in medicine.
Learn more about CI 45410CI 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 77891Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
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 EthylhexylglycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilOctyldodecanol 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.
This ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonateSorbitan 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 due to the oleic acid. In vitro studies have shown that Oleic Acid is one of the fatty acids that induce rapid Malassezia growth in lab settings.
Learn more about Sorbitan SesquioleateStearalkonium Hectorite is a clay-derived ingredient used to thicken a product and help create a gel-like texture.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteTocopherol 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 Tocopherol