What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Ingredients Side-by-side
Silica
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientCalamine
AbsorbentPantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningZinc PCA
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantMadecassoside
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantSilica, Dimethicone, Zea Mays Starch, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Mica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Calamine, Pantothenic Acid, Zinc PCA, Caprylyl Glycol, Niacinamide, Ethylhexylglycerin, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Madecassoside, Tocopherol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinSilica, 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 SilicaTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about Tocopherol