What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientZinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantCalcium Silicate
AbsorbentShea Butter Ethyl Esters
EmollientNylon-12
Zea Mays Starch
AbsorbentCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTin Oxide
AbrasiveCalcium Sodium Borosilicate
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Silica
AbrasiveOctyldodecanol
EmollientAluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate
Magnesium Myristate
Copernicia Cerifera Cera
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientTrimyristin
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-11
Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingPPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingPolyethylene
AbrasivePolyisobutene
Ethylhexyl Stearate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite, Mica, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Zinc Stearate, Calcium Silicate, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Nylon-12, Zea Mays Starch, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77007, CI 77742, CI 77891, Tin Oxide, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Silica, Octyldodecanol, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate, Magnesium Myristate, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dimethicone, Trimyristin, Polysilicone-11, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Polyethylene, Polyisobutene, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyethylene
AbrasiveNylon-12
Polyisobutene
Ethylhexyl Stearate
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantUltramarines
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Zinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientCalcium Silicate
AbsorbentShea Butter Ethyl Esters
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPolyhydroxybutyrate
AbrasiveCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingTrimyristin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingSynthetic Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingCera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingSilica
AbrasiveCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPolysilicone-11
CI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77400
Cosmetic ColorantCopper Powder
AntimicrobialCalcium Sodium Borosilicate
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Tin Oxide
AbrasiveAluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate
PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyethylene, Nylon-12, Polyisobutene, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CI 77891, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Iron Oxides, CI 77007, Ultramarines, Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Calcium Silicate, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Isononyl Isononanoate, Polyhydroxybutyrate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Trimyristin, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, CI 16035, Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Synthetic Beeswax, Cera Microcristallina, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysilicone-11, CI 75470, CI 77400, Copper Powder, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Tin Oxide, Aluminum Calcium Sodium Silicate
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 silicate that contains aluminum, calcium, and sodium. It is used to add bulk to formulations and for its anti-caking properties.
Silicates are large particles that remain on the skin's surface.
There are no known cancer or neurotoxicity concerns at typical use levels.
Learn more about Aluminum Calcium Sodium SilicateThis ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate is made up of calcium, aluminum, and silicates. It is a glass-like material. In cosmetics, it comes in the form of flakes or microspheres.
Calcium aluminum borosilicate is a bulking agent, meaning it helps thicken a product.
This ingredient is created by slowly mixing several minerals, including kaolin clay.
Although “aluminum” in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly. For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic “aluminum overload.”
Learn more about Calcium Aluminum BorosilicateWe don't have a description for Calcium Silicate yet.
Calcium Sodium Borosilicate is a bulking agent. It is considered a borosilicate glass; it is composed of powder or flakes of calcium and sodium borosilicates.
This ingredient is used to add volume, shine, and color to products. You'll most likely find this ingredient in makeup products.
According to in-vivo and ex-vivo studies done by a manufacturer, this ingredient works well with UV filters:
Learn more about Calcium Sodium BorosilicateCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolThis pigment is called Ultramarine blue lazurite. It gives a saturated blue color, but can be used to create other colors as well.
According to the manufacturer, it is usually made from kaolin, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sulfur, and charcoal.
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 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 DimethiconeEthylhexyl Stearate mainly acts as an emollient that helps hydate skin. It can also be used to reduce the greasiness of oils in a formula.
Because this ingredient contains a C18 fatty acid chain, it may not be Malassezia/fungal acne safe. This is because the Malassezia yeast potentially feeds on C11-C24 fatty acids.
This ingredient is an ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and stearic acid.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl StearateGlyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate isn't fungal acne safe.
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaNylon-12 is a polymer. It is derived from 12-aminododecanoic acid, an omega-amino fatty acid
According to a manufacturer, it is a talc substitute. Like talc, nylon-12 gives products a satin feel. The manufacturer also claims this ingredients does not block pores and has moderate oil absorption.
This ingredient may not be reef-safe.
Learn more about Nylon-12Octyldodecanol 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.
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate is an emollient ester that mostly shows up in color cosmetics.
Functionally, it works as a skin-conditioning agent and a viscosity-increasing agent. This just means it helps soften skin while also thickening water-free formulas (like powders).
Despite being a "stearate", it has a lightweight, cushiony, and non-greasy slip.
This ingredient has shown no adverse effects in testing and is deemed safe in cosmetics at current use levels.
Typical concentrations range from 0.7-23%.
Because it is made of C-18 fatty acids (like stearic acid), this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Octyldodecyl Stearoyl StearatePentaerythrityl 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 HydroxyhydrocinnamatePentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is a synthetic emollient and "skin-feel" ingredient that spreads well and leaves a non-sticky finish with high gloss.
In makeup, it also doubles as a pigment-wetting agent for better color payoff.
It's a well-vetted ingredient for safety and does not penetrate into skin due to its large molecule size.
Because it's a long-chain fatty acid ester, this ingredient may not be fungal acne or Malassezia safe.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearatePhenoxyethanol 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 TrimethiconePolyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
It is also typically used within product formulations to help bind solid ingredients together and thicken oil-based ingredients. When added to balms and emulsions, it helps increase the melting point temperature.
Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.
It is a film-forming agent and helps bind ingredients together.
Polyisobutene is not absorbed by the skin.
Learn more about PolyisobutenePolysilicone-11 is a film-forming silicone that creates a non-tacky and matte finish on the skin. It's commonly used to improve texture, absorb excess oil, and help active ingredients spread evenly.
Due to its "rubber-like" structure, it stays on the skin's surface instead of being absorbed. On the skin, it creates a flexible layer that enhances wearability and stability.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateWe don't have a description for PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate yet.
Shea Butter Ethyl Esters is basically an "eco-designed" emollient ester derived from shea butter.
You can think of it like shea butter's lighter, more elegant sibling. The creating of this ingredient preserves shea butter's beneficial fatty acid profile while dramatically improving spreadability/skin feel.
This makes it a great choice for spray formulations, serums, and lightweight moisturizers where traditional shea butter would be too heavy.
It's rapidly absorbed on skin and provides an instant moisturizing effect and velvety after-feel.
These conditioning benefits trace back to shea's well-studied bioactive profile; shea is rich in antioxidants like tocopherols and contains stearic and oleic acids that support skin barrier health.
It also contains triterpene alcohols known to reduce inflammation, cinnamic acid esters with some UV-absorbing capacity, and lupeol that protects skin proteins.
Research backs up those triterpenes: a study isolating triterpene acetates and cinnamates from shea fat found all tested compounds showed anti-inflammatory activity in mice.
Fungal acne: Because this is an ethyl ester derived from shea's long-chain fatty acids (primarily stearic C18 and oleic C18), in vitro testing has shown the Malassezia species can grow in the presence of ethyl esters. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Shea Butter Ethyl EstersSilica, 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 FluorphlogopiteTin Oxide is an inorganic oxide used to add opacity and volume to a product. In nature, it is already found in mineral form. The main ore of tin is an opaque and shiny mineral called casseterite.
Tin Oxide helps remove translucency in a product, or make it more opaque. Besides adding opacity, tin oxide is used for bulking to add volume.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneTrimyristin isn't fungal acne safe.
Zinc Stearate is the metal salt of stearic acid. It is a white solid used to bind, thicken, and lubricate products.
This ingredient is common in powder makeup, where it helps keep the powder together.
Zinc Stearate is hydrophobic and repels water.
This ingredient can be sourced from non-animal or animal sources. It is best to reach out to the brand to see where they source this ingredient from.
Learn more about Zinc Stearate