What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polybutene
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Tridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientSilica Silylate
Emollient
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Menthoxypropanediol
Masking
Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Cera
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Tribehenin
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Chondroitin Sulfate
Skin Conditioning
Atelocollagen
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Aroma
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPolybutene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica Silylate, Polyethylene, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Menthoxypropanediol, Hydrogenated Microcrystalline Cera, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Tribehenin, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trihydroxystearin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Atelocollagen, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, Aroma, CI 77891, CI 15850, CI 19140, CI 42090, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientTrimethylolpropane Triisostearate
Emollient
Polybutene
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientSilica Silylate
Emollient
Hydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer
Menthyl Lactate
Masking
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Calcium Sodium Borosilicate
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Dicalcium Phosphate
Abrasive
Silica
Abrasive
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Emollient
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Polyisobutene, Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate, Polybutene, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica Silylate, Hydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer, Menthyl Lactate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Parfum, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dicalcium Phosphate, Silica, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, CI 77891, CI 77491, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Persea Gratissima Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexylene Glycol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl 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 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 77891Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateHexylene Glycol is a multitasker ingredient that works as a solvent, humectant, emulsifier, viscosity reducer, and preservative booster.
It is able to dissolve both water and oil-soluble ingredients to stabilize tricky actives and make products spread more easily.
As a humectant, it pulls water into the skin. But it's a pretty minor moisturizing ingredient compared to other humectants, like glycerin.
Interestingly, it can act as a mild penetration enhancer. One in vitro study on human skin found a 12% concentration upped the absorption of mometasone furoate (a medicinal ingredient used to treat inflammatory skin conditions) up to 7%.
This ingredient is typically used at levels of 0.1-10% depending on the role it's playing.
A patch test study on eczema patients didn't find a significant increase in irritation versus the control group, but the potential for irritation rises at higher concentrations.
Learn more about Hexylene GlycolHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobutenePentaerythrityl 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 HydroxyhydrocinnamatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Polybutene is used to help control the viscosity of a product. This just means it helps adjusts the texture.
It is a polymer and does not get absorbed into the skin due to its large size.
Studies found this ingredient did not irritate skin in concentrations below 15%.
Learn more about PolybuteneThis silica is mainly used to thicken oils and suspend particles in oils. It is not water soluble.
According to the manufacturer, it:
The manufacturer also claims this ingredient to be useful in makeup.
In lipstick formulations, this ingredient improves color payoff, reduces pigment settling, and reduces oil bleeding. This ingredient also improves the grip of powder products such as dry shampoos.
Learn more about Silica Dimethyl SilylateSilica Silylate is a siloxane polymer, meaning it is made up of silicon and oxygen atoms. It is not soluble in water.
This ingredient is a white powder with oil-absorbing, emollient, and anticaking properties.
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
