What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingOctyldodecanol
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingIsododecane
EmollientPolyphenylsilsesquioxane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyisobutene
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingTribehenin
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Centella Asiatica Extract
CleansingAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Silica
AbrasiveCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPropylene Carbonate
SolventRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientBetaine
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantHydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea
EmollientLeptospermum Scoparium Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientMadecassoside
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantHoney Extract
HumectantAngelica Archangelica Root Extract
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantPullulan
Phytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningViola Tricolor Extract
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningVigna Angularis Seed Extract
Skin ProtectingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentMica
Cosmetic ColorantDistearyldimonium Chloride
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Zinc Oxide, Methyl Trimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Titanium Dioxide, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Magnesium Sulfate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Isododecane, Polyphenylsilsesquioxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyisobutene, CI 77492, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tribehenin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Centella Asiatica Extract, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 77491, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77499, Propylene Carbonate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Betaine, Panthenol, Glycerin, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea, Leptospermum Scoparium Leaf Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Madecassoside, Tocopherol, Honey Extract, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract, Ceramide NP, Fructooligosaccharides, Pullulan, Phytosphingosine, Viola Tricolor Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Beta-Glucan, Lactobacillus Ferment, Vigna Angularis Seed Extract, Maltodextrin, Mica, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Polyglutamic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientKalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract
MaskingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingParfum
MaskingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Chlorphenesin
AntimicrobialCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Lysine
Skin ConditioningIsoceteth-10
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveAlumina
AbrasiveMagnesium Chloride
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Isononyl Isononanoate, Pentylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Parfum, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Carbonate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Lysine, Isoceteth-10, Silica, Alumina, Magnesium Chloride, Maltodextrin, Tocopherol, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891
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 HydroxideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCi 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 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 CrosspolymerGlycerin (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 GlycerinThis is a silicone-polyether copolymer with skin conditioning, emulsifying, texture enhancing, and surfactant properties. It is used to help blend water and silicone based ingredients to improve slip and spreadability.
Due to its large molecular size and hydrophilic-lipophilic structure (it loves both oil and water), this ingredient is minimally absorbed into the skin.
Magnesium 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 SulfateMaltodextrin is a polysaccharide. It is derived from starch such as rice, corn, wheat, or potato starch.
In food, Maltodextrin is used to improve the texture and thicken a product. Due to its structure, it can help create a gel texture. As an emulsion stabilizer, it helps keep the ingredients in a product together.
As a polysaccharide, Maltodextrin has moisturizing properties. Polysaccharides are a type of carbohydrate. The top layer of skin uses polysaccharides to retain water, keeping the skin hydrated.
Maltodextrin is water soluble and has a sweet taste.
Learn more about MaltodextrinThis ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonateSilica, 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 SilicaSynthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteTocopherol 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 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 TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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