What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingHexyl Laurate
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningEnteromorpha Compressa Extract
Skin ProtectingEcklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCaulerpa Lentillifera Extract
Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningRose Extract
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBetaine
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Magnesium Sulfate
Quaternium-18 Bentonite
Silica
AbrasiveSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Paraffin
PerfumingPolyglyceryl-2 Sesquiisostearate
EmulsifyingAluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantParaffinum Liquidum
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantAlcohol
AntimicrobialMethylparaben
PreservativePropylparaben
PreservativeParfum
MaskingIron Oxides
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hexyl Laurate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Algae Extract, Adenosine, Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Rose Extract, Allantoin, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Betaine, Panthenol, Beta-Glucan, Disodium EDTA, Magnesium Sulfate, Quaternium-18 Bentonite, Silica, Sorbitan Olivate, Beeswax, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Paraffin, Polyglyceryl-2 Sesquiisostearate, Aluminum Stearate, Paraffinum Liquidum, Microcrystalline Wax, Magnesium Stearate, Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Parfum, Iron Oxides
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberPropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingHexyl Laurate
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningArbutin
AntioxidantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientTalc
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Silica
AbrasiveCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingMyristoyl/Palmitoyl Oxostearamide/Arachamide Mea
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTriethyl Citrate
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingMica
Cosmetic ColorantHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Phellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantWater, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Hexyl Laurate, Caprylyl Methicone, Arbutin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Talc, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Silica, CI 77492, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Myristoyl/Palmitoyl Oxostearamide/Arachamide Mea, Glycerin, Panthenol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Stearic Acid, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, CI 77491, CI 15850, Phenoxyethanol, Triethyl Citrate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, CI 77499, Parfum, Mica, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Adenosine, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 AdenosineAllantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene 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 GlycolThis 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 ingredientās final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
This ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together. It's so effective because one end of the molecule loves oil and the other one loves water.
Besides holding formulas together, it also leaves a silky and lightweight feel on skin without the greasiness. A manufacturer also claims it can help with the controlled release of active ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel found this ingredient to not be sensitizing in concentrations up to 15% in human maximazation testing and dimethicone-based compounds were not comedogenic.
It has a high molecular weight well above 1,000 g/mol which means it limits meaningful skin penetration.
A 2019 study specifically tested this ingredient and found no observable Malassezia growth in its presence.
Learn more about Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeCyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone 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 GlycerinHexyl Laurate isn't fungal acne safe.
Magnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having āsulfateā in the name, it isnāt a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesnāt 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 SulfatePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum 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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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 ParfumThis ingredient is an emulsifer and stabilizer. It comes from isostearic acid and polyglycerin.
As an emulsifier, it helps blend oil and water to improve texture, spreadbility, and application.
Due to it being derived from isostearic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearateThis extract comes from Purslane, a succulent. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.
Purslane is very nutritious. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, NMFs, many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The vitamins found in purslane include: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.
Fun fact: Purslane is a succulent with an extensive habitat. It is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat irritated skin.
Nowadays, purslane is becoming a superfood due to its highly nutritious content.
Learn more about Portulaca Oleracea ExtractSilica, 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 SilicaTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as āmineralā by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isnāt as strong as zinc oxideās, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTocopheryl 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