What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
Humectant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientDimethicone
Emollient
Isohexadecane
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientSilica
Abrasive
Isododecane
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Chloride
MaskingLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Crithmum Maritimum Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, Butylene Glycol, CI 77891, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica, Isododecane, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, CI 77492, Disteardimonium Hectorite, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 77491, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77499, Aluminum Hydroxide, Chlorphenesin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Parfum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Isocetane
Dimethicone
Emollient
Dextrin Palmitate
Emulsifying
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantMagnesium Sulfate
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Chondrus Crispus Extract
Skin Conditioning
Whey Protein
Skin ConditioningCordyceps Sinensis Extract
Antioxidant
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Phyllostachys Edulis Shoot Water
Skin ConditioningLinalyl Acetate
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Oryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Linalool
Perfuming
Palmaria Palmata Extract
Skin ProtectingOxalic Acid
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
PEG-8
HumectantWater, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, CI 77891, Glycerin, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Isocetane, Dimethicone, Dextrin Palmitate, Isopentyldiol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Polysilicone-11, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, CI 77492, Butylene Glycol, Persea Gratissima Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyethylene, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, CI 77491, Magnesium Sulfate, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Triethyl Citrate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Whey Protein, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Phyllostachys Edulis Shoot Water, Linalyl Acetate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Linalool, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Oxalic Acid, CI 77499, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, PEG-8
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 HydroxideButylene 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 GlycolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (tea extract) is one of the most well-researched plant extracts in skincare with an impressive resume.
Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Studies show green tea extract and its catechins (like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) help your skin cells product energy more efficiently and reducing the number of free-radicals that can damage your skin from the inside.
In lab-grown skin models, this translated to younger, healthier, and stronger skin.
There's also good sun protection data; researchers saw less DNA damage and redness on human skin when green tea was applied before UVB exposure. And the more they applied, the better the protection.
Needless to say, this ingredient shouldn't replace your sunscreen. But it is a great supportive ingredient that you can already find in many sunscreens and antioxidant serums.
A 2009 study found a 2% green tea lotion was effective for mild-to-moderate acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity.
The quality of the extract matters a lot here:
Good extracts contain 50-90% catechins while lower quality ones are mostly there for marketing. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the quality or source of their ingredients.
Human Repeated Insult Patch Testing showed no irritation or sensitization at use concentrations (0.86% in leave-on products and up to 30% as leaf water).
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCi 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 77891Dimethicone 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 HectoriteGlycerin (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 GlycerinPeg-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.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Phenyl 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 TrimethiconeSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopheryl 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 AcetateTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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
