What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientPolybutene
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCandelilla Cera
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingOctyldodecanol
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningGlucomannan
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantVanillyl Butyl Ether
MaskingCI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantAlumina
AbrasiveAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientColophonium
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMenthol
MaskingMenthyl Lactate
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Polybutene, Diisostearyl Malate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Candelilla Cera, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Polyethylene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cera Microcristallina, Glycine Soja Oil, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Water, Glucomannan, Glycerin, Trihydroxystearin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vanillyl Butyl Ether, CI 77120, Alumina, Aluminum Hydroxide, Colophonium, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Menthol, Menthyl Lactate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal, Citral, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate, CI 15850, CI 45410, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891, Mica, CI 42090
Polybutene
Octyldodecanol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGlucomannan
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45380
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantPolybutene, Octyldodecanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Trihydroxystearin, Sorbitan Oleate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucomannan, Parfum, CI 77891, Iron Oxides, CI 77742, CI 15850, CI 45380, CI 45410, CI 19140
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. 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. Be sure to 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.
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 45410 is a synthetic red-pigment and dye.
It often goes by both Red 28 or Red 27; manufacturers label both ingredients as CI 45410.
This dye is commonly found in makeup because it imparts a vivid color. Some types of this dye change color based on pH level and interaction with moisture:
Your skin has a natural pH of around 4.5 - 5.5.
According to the FDA, CI 45410 is not permitted for use in eye products.
Red 27 is a flourescein dye and commonly used as a fluorescent tracer in medicine.
Learn more about CI 45410Ci 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 77891Ethylhexyl 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 PalmitateGlucomannan is a fiber created from the Konjac plant. It is an emulsifier and thickener.
The high polysaccharide content makes it great at adjusting the texture of products. (Kind of like starch).
Polysaccharides also help our skin stay hydrated.
This ingredient is water-soluble.
Learn more about GlucomannanOctyldodecanol 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.
Parfum 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 ParfumPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamatePolybutene 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 PolybuteneSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateThis ingredient comes from Hydroxystearic Acid, a fatty acid, and glycerin. It is used to thicken oils.
Due to its fatty acid content, it is a natural emollient.
Creating trihydroxystearin involves using a chemical reaction between hydrogen and castor oil.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Trihydroxystearin