What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolybutene
Dicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
Emollient
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Isocetyl Stearate
Emollient
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingTriisodecyl Trimellitate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientEthyl Vanillin
MaskingQuaternium-90 Bentonite
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Capsicum Frutescens Resin
CleansingCapsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Niacin
SmoothingMethyl Nicotinate
SoothingZingiber Officinale Root Oil
Masking
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Menthol
Masking
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Behenate
Emollient
Propylene Carbonate
SolventPhenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientTribehenin
Emollient
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Canola Oil
Emollient
BHT
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polybutene, Dicaprylyl Ether, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Octyldodecanol, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Isocetyl Stearate, Triethylhexanoin, Triisodecyl Trimellitate, Diisostearyl Malate, Ethyl Vanillin, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caffeine, Capsicum Frutescens Resin, Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract, Niacin, Methyl Nicotinate, Zingiber Officinale Root Oil, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Menthol, Glycine Soja Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Behenate, Propylene Carbonate, Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, Tribehenin, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Canola Oil, BHT, Glyceryl Stearate
Polybutene
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Diamond Powder
Abrasive
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Menthol
Masking
Hexyldecanol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Quaternium-90 Bentonite
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTribehenin
Emollient
Ethyl Vanillin
MaskingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Ethyl Menthane Carboxamide
TonicMethyl Nicotinate
SoothingPropylene Carbonate
SolventSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
Cleansing
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Niacin
SmoothingBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientLauroyl Lysine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPolybutene, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Diamond Powder, Octyldodecanol, Menthol, Hexyldecanol, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tribehenin, Ethyl Vanillin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Persea Gratissima Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ethyl Menthane Carboxamide, Methyl Nicotinate, Propylene Carbonate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Bisabolol, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, Stearic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Tin Oxide, Caffeine, Niacin, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Lauroyl Lysine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, BHT, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, CI 42090, Iron Oxides, Mica, CI 15850, CI 45410, CI 77891
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTCaffeine is a naturally occurring plant compound found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, and guarana.
As an antioxidant, caffeine protects your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and envionrmnetal stressors.
Early research also shows that caffeine can help calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and support hair growth by stimulating microcirculation in the scalp.
You might have seen eye creams marketing caffeine as a depuffing ingredient. This is because it is a vasoconstrictor meaning it can temporarily constrict blood vessels, though clinical evidence for this specific use is still limited.
Most skincare products contain this ingredient at concentrations between 1-6%. It is able to penetrate skin easily regardless of skin type or thickness.
Just so you know, a very small number of case reports describe caffeine-induced allergy. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the majority of people.
Learn more about CaffeineDiisostearyl 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.
We don't have a description for Ethyl Vanillin yet.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is a fatty acid ester.
The fatty acid content of Ethylhexyl Palmitate makes it an emollient. Emollients help soften and hydrate your skin by trapping moisture within.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is also used to help improve the texture of cosmetics. It helps other ingredient dissolve in products and help disperse ingredients more evenly.
You'll likely find this ingredient in sunscreen, as it is often used to mix UV-blocking ingredients such as avobenzone and ethylhexyl triazone.
It can also help stabilize the fragrances in a product as a fragrance fixative.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate can be used to substitute mineral oil.
Due to its high fatty acid content, it may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneMenthol is a compound found in mint plants, such as peppermint. In its pure form, it is a clear crystalline substance.
Menthol is known for its cooling sensation; however, the cooling is actually from your skin being sensitized. Menthol can worsen rosacea. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Menthol also has antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about MentholWe don't have a description for Methyl Nicotinate yet.
Niacin is the other form of B3, with the other being niacinamide. The two have similar skin benefits: reducing inflammation, strengthening the skin barrier, and fading dark spots.
Octyldodecanol 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.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is also known as pal-GHK. It is made up of 3 amino acids and palmitic acid, a fatty acid that helps it absorb into skin more easily.
This peptide is as a signal peptide, meaning it tells the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is the key protein that helps form the skin's structure and keep it plump, firm, and hydrated.
By boosting collagen production, this ingredient supports a stronger skin barrier and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
You'll most likely see this ingredient paired with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex. While results from in-house testing should be viewed cautiously, this peptide duo is among the most studied and widely used in modern skincare.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Polybutene is used to help control the viscosity of a product. This just means it helps adjusts the texture.
It is a polymer and does not get absorbed into the skin due to its large size.
Studies found this ingredient did not irritate skin in concentrations below 15%.
Learn more about PolybuteneThis 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 CarbonateWe don't have a description for Quaternium-90 Bentonite yet.
This silica is mainly used to thicken oils and suspend particles in oils. It is not water soluble.
According to the manufacturer, it:
The manufacturer also claims this ingredient to be useful in makeup.
In lipstick formulations, this ingredient improves color payoff, reduces pigment settling, and reduces oil bleeding. This ingredient also improves the grip of powder products such as dry shampoos.
Learn more about Silica Dimethyl SilylateSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateTocopheryl 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 AcetateTribehenin comes from glycerin and behenic acid.
It is used as an emollient, or moisturizer. Emollients form a thin barrier on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Tribehenin
