What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientQuaternium-90 Bentonite
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePropylene Carbonate
SolventDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMica
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCannabis Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientSalicylic Acid
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPolyester-1
Isopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingChlorophyllin-Copper Complex
AntioxidantPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialDextrin
AbsorbentCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Isohexadecane, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sodium Chloride, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Propylene Carbonate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Mica, Caprylyl Glycol, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Lecithin, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Polyester-1, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Chlorophyllin-Copper Complex, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Dextrin, CI 77891, CI 77288, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77491
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPropanediol
SolventPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Sodium Chloride
MaskingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCellulose Acetate
Salicylic Acid
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingAcrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPropylene Glycol Stearate
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAmylopectin
Magnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCarnosine
Skin ConditioningWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Propanediol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, CI 77891, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Chloride, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, CI 77492, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Cellulose Acetate, Salicylic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, CI 77499, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Dextrin, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Amylopectin, Magnesium Stearate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carnosine
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl 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 GlycolCI 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 77891Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) is a lightweight silicone that mostly acts as an emollient and solvent in cosmetics. Its the reason your products feel silky, fast-spreading, and non-greasy.
Since D5 is volatile, it does its thing and then evaporates off the skin quickly.
The safety profile of this ingredient is reassuring; the US CIR Expert Panel concluded D5 is safe as used in cosmetics and Health Canada concluded that D5 is not harmful to human health or the environment as currently used in cosmetics
There's a study that people mention about D5 in a rat study showing tumors. This study is related to long-term inhalation of high D5 levels.
Regulatory bodies have judged this study to be not applicable in topical skincare since skin absorption of D5 is very low and we're not really inhaling huge amounts of D5.
The only restriction for this ingredient is environmental. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) restricted D5 in wash-off cosmetics at or above 0.1% due to their persistence in water.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDextrin is used to thicken a product and helps bind ingredients together. It is created from starch and glycogen.
As an emulsifier, dextrin prevents ingredients from separating. This helps elongate a product's shelf life.
Studies show coating UV filters with dextrin prevents these ingredients from being absorbed. This helps UV ingredients last longer on the skin.
Learn more about DextrinDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.
Glycerin (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 GlycerinPhenyl 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 TrimethiconeSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, itβs still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.
Specifically, this ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier, meaning it helps water dissolve into oil.
Some studies suggest this ingredient may cause irritation in some people. If you are unsure, it is best to patch test.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe due to the oleic acid. In vitro studies have shown that Oleic Acid is one of the fatty acids that induce rapid Malassezia growth in lab settings.
Learn more about Sorbitan SesquioleateThis 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