What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventPropylene Glycol
HumectantHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingHexyl Laurate
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Sea Salt
AbrasiveOlive Oil Decyl Esters
Yeast Extract
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingSqualene
EmollientChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingBentonite
AbsorbentAlumina
AbrasivePropylene Carbonate
SolventDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialHydrated Silica
AbrasiveGlycerin
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveLinalool
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Propylene Glycol, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Hexyl Laurate, Magnesium Sulfate, Sea Salt, Olive Oil Decyl Esters, Yeast Extract, Lactic Acid, Squalene, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Tocopherol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Bentonite, Alumina, Propylene Carbonate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Citric Acid, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hydrated Silica, Glycerin, Silica, Linalool, Citronellol, Limonene, Benzyl Benzoate, CI 77891, CI 77163, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientHydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene
Talc
AbrasiveButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingHexyl Laurate
EmollientHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Microcrystalline Cera
Silica
AbrasivePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientBenzoic Acid
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingDisodium EDTA
Dehydroacetic Acid
PreservativePropylene Glycol
HumectantTrimethoxycaprylylsilane
SmoothingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantTin Oxide
AbrasiveSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAcacia Seyal Gum Extract
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Isododecane, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Talc, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Hexyl Laurate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Cera, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Niacinamide, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Propylene Glycol, Trimethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, BHT, Ascorbic Acid, Tin Oxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acacia Seyal Gum Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Isopropyl Alcohol, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
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 a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together.
It's pretty 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 77891Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinHexyl Laurate isn't fungal acne safe.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate is a plant-derived, PEG-free emulsifier.
It's made by hooking isostearic acid onto a chain of glycerin units to give it a water-loving "head" and oil-loving "tail". This allows it to keep the oil and water mixed in a formula.
The highest reported concentration is about 24% in eye makeup but most suppliers recommend a level below 10%.
It has a clean track record for safety and found to be non-irritating.
Because it is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, Malassezia can potentially metabolize it (it sits in the C11-24 range that Malassezia likes). Therefore, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearatePropylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolSilica, 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 SilicaTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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