What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTriethylhexanoin
MaskingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingLilium Tigrinum Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingMyristica Fragrans Extract
MaskingLuffa Cylindrica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningZinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
CleansingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingDistearyldimonium Chloride
Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningTriethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Biosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantMagnesium Palmitoyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningSodium Palmitoyl Sarcosinate
CleansingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPropylene Carbonate
SolventAlumina
AbrasiveSodium Citrate
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Parfum
MaskingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Triethylhexanoin, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tromethamine, Lilium Tigrinum Extract, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Myristica Fragrans Extract, Luffa Cylindrica Fruit Extract, Zinc Stearate, Panthenol, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Palmitoyl Proline, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, Adenosine, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Magnesium Palmitoyl Glutamate, Sodium Palmitoyl Sarcosinate, Dipropylene Glycol, Propylene Carbonate, Alumina, Sodium Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica, Tocopherol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Parfum, Hydroxycitronellal, Limonene, Mica, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientAcrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Magnesium Sulfate
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingIsododecane
EmollientAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingAlumina
AbrasiveGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantBetulin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, CI 77891, Phenyl Trimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Methyl Trimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, CI 77492, Dimethicone, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Isododecane, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Stearic Acid, Alumina, Glyceryl Caprylate, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77491, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, CI 77499, Tocopherol, Betulin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate
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
Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer is a type of silicone.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAlumina is another name for the compound aluminum oxide. It is a white powder used as a thickener, absorbent, and abrasive.
As an absorbent, alumina can give a mattifying effect. It is used in mineral sunscreens to help coat nano-sized filters, such as titanium dioxide. By increasing the size of the UV filters, these ingredients stay on the skin for a longer time. By coating small sized ingredients, alumina helps thicken a product.
Alumina may be used as an abrasive, or exfoliant.
Alumina is naturally occurring in the mineral corundum. Certain varieties of corundum create rubies and sapphires. Corundum is also the crystalline form of alumina.
Learn more about AluminaAluminum 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 HydroxideThis is a lightweight diester (caprylic/capric acid + butylene glycol) with emollient and skin conditioning properties.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient can help add a "cushiony" oil phase without making it heavy.
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.
Dimethicone 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 HectoriteNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePhenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol 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 TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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