What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyphenylsilsesquioxane
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningFusidium Coccineum Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingArtemisia Capillaris Extract
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingMorinda Citrifolia Extract
AstringentHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolybutene
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTribehenin
EmollientCaprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientGlyceryl Tribehenate/Isostearate/Eicosandioate
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingGlucose
HumectantEthylcellulose
Fructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructose
HumectantVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPolyvinyl Alcohol
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylyl Methicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Polyphenylsilsesquioxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Fusidium Coccineum Ferment Filtrate, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Centella Asiatica Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Tocopherol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polybutene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tribehenin, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Glyceryl Tribehenate/Isostearate/Eicosandioate, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Stearic Acid, Glucose, Ethylcellulose, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate, Propanediol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Mica, CI 77491, CI 77288, CI 77492, CI 77499, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingIsododecane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Stearate/Caprate/Caprylate/Adipate
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTribehenin
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantEthylcellulose
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingPolyvinyl Alcohol
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantMadecassoside
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Propylheptyl Caprylate, CI 77891, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Octyldodecanol, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Isododecane, Niacinamide, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Caprylyl Methicone, Pentylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Stearate/Caprate/Caprylate/Adipate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77491, Tribehenin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 77288, Ceresin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Allantoin, Glyceryl Caprylate, CI 77492, Ethylcellulose, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77499, Parfum, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tocopherol, Madecassoside, Butylene Glycol, Asiatic Acid, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 HydroxideAsiatic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Studies show Asiatic Acid is able to block the pathway for skin inflammation receptors, helping to soothe skin.
As an antioxidant, asiatic acid helps protect our skin against damaging environmental factors.
Learn more about Asiatic AcidAsiaticoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It's the reason centella-based products have a strong reputation for repairing and calming skin, along with its sibling compound Madecassoside.
Research from 2016-2025 supports its role in:
You'll usually find this in concentrations between 0.2-5%.
Learn more about AsiaticosideButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Methicone is a synthetic and lightweight silicone fluid. It gives products a silky, dry-touch finish without the heaviness of pure oils.
Though the EU CosIng Database lists this ingredient as a skin conditioner, it is also used for sensory reasons. It spreads easily, cuts greasiness, and reduces tackiness.
This ingredient is volatile which means it will mostly evaporate (but it evaporates slower than older cyclomethicones, like Cyclotetrasiloxane).
Typical concentration ranges from 1-30% depending on if it's being used to tweak the feel of a product or acting as the main emollient.
Learn more about Caprylyl MethiconeCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract comes from the leaves of an herb plant native to Southeast Asia. Centella Asiatica is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. It can help reduce irritation and soothe the skin.
Many active components found in centella asiatica, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside, encourage the skin to naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This helps keep our skin hydrated. Many of these components also show antioxidant activity and may help reduce the signs of aging.
Research shows centella asiatica can help increase Type I collagen production by increasing fibroblast production. Fibroblast helps form connective tissue.
The combination of all these properties makes centella asiatica leaf extract effective at soothing the skin.
Other components of centella asiatica leaf extract include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Recent studies found madecassoside may help prevent damage from UV rays by preventing UV-induced inflammation. Further research is needed.
This plant has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica Leaf ExtractCi 77288 is used to add green pigment to products.
Ci 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 DimethiconeThis ingredient is a silicone elastomer that works as a texture enhancer, adds a silky slip, and also helps absorb excess oil.
Because it's a large macromolecule that's insoluble in water and chemically inert, it's not expected to penetrate or be absorbed into skin.
Human patch tests with a facial lotion containing 1% of this ingredient found no sensitization.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolDisteardimonium 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 HectoriteWe don't have a description for Ethylcellulose yet.
Glycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides isn't fungal acne safe.
Madecassic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It is a triterpenoid, meaning it naturally acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect your skin against damage from environmental factors such as pollution and UV.
Studies show Madecassic Acid helps soothe the skin due to its ability to block inflammation pathways.
Learn more about Madecassic AcidMadecassoside is one of four active compounds found in Centella asiatica and is one of the main reasons Centella is so effective at calming irritated skin and supporting the moisture barrier.
There's a solid body of peer-reviewed research backing Madecassoside for several skin benefits. Studies have found:
Madecassoside pairs well with other hydrating or antioxidant ingredients like Ascorbic Acid or Hyaluronic Acid.
Learn more about MadecassosideMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfatePeg-10 Dimethicone is silicone with conditioner and emulsifier properties. It mostly acts as an emollient in skincare and and humectant in haircare.
According to the manufacturer, acidic formulations decrease the stability of this ingredient. It works best in neutral or near neutral formulations.
Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolWe don't have a description for Polyvinyl Alcohol yet.
Tocopherol 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 TocopherolTribehenin comes from glycerin and behenic acid.
It is used as an emollient, or moisturizer. Emollients form a thin barrier on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about TribeheninTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
Water. 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