What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polyisobutene
Tridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Cera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Behenate
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
CI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPolyisobutene, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Octyldodecanol, Cera Microcristallina, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylyl Glycol, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Glyceryl Behenate, Sodium Hyaluronate, CI 15850, Iron Oxides, CI 77891
Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin Conditioning
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolybutene
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Cera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Propylene Carbonate
SolventPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientParfum
Masking
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantBHT
Antioxidant
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
CI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polybutene, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cera Microcristallina, Octyldodecanol, Synthetic Wax, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Propylene Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Parfum, Mica, BHT, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, CI 15850, CI 45410, CI 77891
Reviews
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 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 ButterThis ingredient is a petroleum-derived wax used to thicken formulas, improve texture, and help lock in moisture.
Like other forms of wax, it forms an occlusive layer on the skin to reduce water loss.
While it can be beneficial for very dry or compromised skin, Cera Microcristallina may not be fungal acne safe; waxes and certain hydrocarbons may contribute to Malassezia growth for those prone to fungal acne.
As with many heavy occlusive ingredients, it may feel too rich for oily or acne-prone skin types. Individual tolerance can vary.
Learn more about Cera MicrocristallinaCi 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850Ci 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 77891Octyldodecanol 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.
Sodium 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 Hyaluronate
