What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasivePropylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingCharcoal Powder
AbrasiveCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCannabis Sativa Seed Extract
EmollientSalix Nigra Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingLecithin
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Kaolin, Propylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, CI 77891, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Stearic Acid, Charcoal Powder, CI 77499, Cannabis Sativa Seed Extract, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Lecithin, Dimethicone, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Polysorbate 60, Cellulose Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethanolamine, Sodium Benzoate, CI 77492
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77004
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCharcoal Powder
AbrasiveLonicera Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningVegetable Amino Acids
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Shoot Extract
AntioxidantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBisabolol
AntioxidantMentha Piperita Extract
CleansingMentha Viridis Leaf Extract
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingTriethanolamine
BufferingTriethyl Citrate
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Benzoate
PreservativeSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, CI 77004, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, CI 77499, Charcoal Powder, Lonicera Japonica Leaf Extract, Vegetable Amino Acids, Bambusa Vulgaris Shoot Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Bisabolol, Mentha Piperita Extract, Mentha Viridis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Triethanolamine, Triethyl Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Potassium Benzoate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Polysorbate 80, Cellulose Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cellulose Gum is a water-soluble polymer that comes from cellulose. It is used to change the texture of a product and to help stabilize emulsions.
As an emulsifier, cellulose gum specifically thicken the texture of water-based products.
This ingredient is considered hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Cellulose Gum can be found in cosmetics, food, and other household goods such as paper products.
Learn more about Cellulose GumCharcoal powder comes from grounded charcoal. Charcoal can originate from peat, bamboo, coal, wood, coconut shell, or petroleum.
This ingredient has absorbent properties, making it great at absorbing oil.
Ci 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.
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate is a type of silica. It comes from naturally occuring minerals such as silicate ores and clay.
Magnesium aluminum silicate is used for enhancing texture and as an absorbent. Due to its large molecular size, it is unable to be absorbed into the skin.
Like other types of silica, this ingredient can be used to thicken a product. As an absorbent, it may be used to absorb extra water or help prevent clumping.
Although “aluminum” in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly. For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic “aluminum overload.”
Learn more about Magnesium Aluminum SilicatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Propylene 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 GlycolSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateTriethanolamine (TEA) is an emulsifier and pH adjuster. It is created using ethylene oxide and ammonia. This gives Triethanolamine a nitrogen core and a similar scent to ammonia.
As an emulsifier, it prevents ingredients from separating and enhances texture by adding volume to a product.
PH adjusters are common in cosmetic products. The pH of a product can affect the effectiveness of other ingredients. A product with a high pH may also irritate the skin.
If you are looking for the tea leaf ingredient, click here.
Learn more about TriethanolamineWater. 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