What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIsohexadecane
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCetearyl Nonanoate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientPEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingPolybutene
Cyclohexasiloxane
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPropanediol
SolventBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone Crosspolymer
StabilisingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Tocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeButylene Glycol
HumectantAstragalus Membranaceus Root Extract
EmollientAtractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome Extract
Skin ConditioningSaposhnikovia Divaricata Root Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingAlbizia Julibrissin Bark Extract
MaskingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingMica
Cosmetic ColorantKaolin
AbrasivePolymethyl Methacrylate
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Magnesium Myristate
Polyethylene
AbrasiveLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeSqualane
EmollientHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCladosiphon Okamuranus Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Isohexadecane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Nonanoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diisostearyl Malate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Chloride, Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Polybutene, Cyclohexasiloxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, CI 77492, Hydroxyacetophenone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Propanediol, Beta-Glucan, CI 77491, Silica, Parfum, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-10 Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 77499, Aluminum Hydroxide, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Astragalus Membranaceus Root Extract, Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome Extract, Saposhnikovia Divaricata Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Mica, Kaolin, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Magnesium Myristate, Polyethylene, Lauroyl Lysine, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Squalane, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Cladosiphon Okamuranus Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Cetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Water
MaskingSalvia Officinalis Leaf Water
MaskingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberParfum
MaskingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Octanediol
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasiveTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientEthyl Hexanediol
SolventLecithin
EmollientAcrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingIsododecane
EmollientPolypropylsilsesquioxane
Isostearic Acid
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeNiacinamide
SmoothingDimethicone
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantStearic Acid
CleansingButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Nelumbo Nucifera Root Water
TonicWater, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Pentylene Glycol, Magnesium Sulfate, Cetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 77891, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Salvia Officinalis Leaf Water, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, CI 77491, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Parfum, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Octanediol, CI 77499, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methyl Trimethicone, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Trisiloxane, Isopropyl Myristate, Ethyl Hexanediol, Lecithin, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Isododecane, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Isostearic Acid, Glycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Phenoxyethanol, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Adenosine, CI 77492, Stearic Acid, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Nelumbo Nucifera Root Water
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Aluminum 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 GlycolCi 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 77891Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisteardimonium 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 HectoriteEthylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polyhydroxystearic Acid is a vegetable-derived soft wax made from castor oil. It's an emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and film former.
You'll likely see it in sunscreens because it helps disperse pigments and UV-reflecting minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide evenly.
Depending on the concentration, it can drastically change the texture of a product from pasty solid (like lipstick) to sprayable liquid.
The CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has concluded this ingredient to be safe in cosmetics. The highest reported use concentration is 14.2% in lipsticks.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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