What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolybutene
Ceresin
Emulsion StabilisingOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialParaffin
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantDipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer
Abrasive
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polybutene, Ceresin, Octyldodecanol, Synthetic Wax, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Paraffin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mica, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Microcrystalline Wax, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Polyethylene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Hexylene Glycol, CI 77891, Iron Oxides, CI 45410, CI 15850, CI 42090
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Skin ConditioningPolybutene
Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
Astringent
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate
Humectant
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Pseudozyma Epicola/Apricot Kernel Oil/Olive Fruit Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil/Sweet Almond Oil/(Angelica Gigas/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon) Root Extract Ferment Extract Filtrate
Pseudozyma Epicola/Sunflower Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate
Emulsion Stabilising
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Astringent
Copernicia Cerifera Wax
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
EmollientCastor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer
Propylene Carbonate
SolventSorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Gel Forming1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantDiisostearyl Malate, Octyldodecanol, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Synthetic Wax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Polybutene, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Squalane, Pseudozyma Epicola/Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Pseudozyma Epicola/Apricot Kernel Oil/Olive Fruit Oil/Sunflower Seed Oil/Sweet Almond Oil/(Angelica Gigas/Lithospermum Erythrorhizon) Root Extract Ferment Extract Filtrate, Pseudozyma Epicola/Sunflower Seed Oil Ferment Extract Filtrate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Castor Oil/Ipdi Copolymer, Propylene Carbonate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, 1,2-Hexanediol, CI 77492, CI 77891, CI 15985, CI 15850, CI 42090
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 TriglycerideCi 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850Ci 42090 is a synthetic dye created from petroleum. It is used to give a bright blue color to cosmetics, medicine, and food.
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 77891Octyldodecanol 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.
Polybutene 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 PolybutenePolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is a plant-derived emulsifier and pigment-dispersing agent with a non-sticky skin feel.
It helps products glide on smoothly and prevents oil and water from separating in a formula, making it suitable for sunscreen and makeup formulations.
The EU inventory of cosmetics has no use restrictions on this ingredient and it is considered well-tolerated.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is derived from isostearic acid.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateSorbitan 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 SesquioleateSynthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
This ingredient has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Synthetic Waxes are straight/branched-chain hydrocarbons with no ester bond or fatty acids. That means there is nothing for the Malassezia yeast to feed on.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTocopheryl 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 AcetateEuphorbia Cerifera Wax (aka candelilla wax) is a vegan stand-in for beeswax. It is a plant-derived wax that functions as an astringent, emulsion stabilizer, film-former, and skin conditioner.
On skin, it forms a protective barrier that helps lock in moisture while it enhances product stability, prevents separation, and helps color last longer in makeup.
This ingredient is generally safe for use in cosmetics with one nuance: some grades of candelilla wax can naturally contain benzyl alcohol at concentrations high enough to require declaration under EU labeling rules. This isn't a concern for most people but relevant for those with fragrance sensitivities.
Candelilla wax contains fatty acids (mainly C31) and wax esters that can be used by the Malassezia yeast, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
You might see Euphorbia Cerifera "Cera" instead of "wax". This is because some brands, databases, or labels use it interchangeably; they're the same ingredient.
Learn more about Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
