What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
AbrasiveGlycerin
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTri (Polyglyceryl-3/Lauryl) Hydrogenated Trilinoleate
EmulsifyingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientNiacinamide
Smoothing2,3-Butanediol
HumectantStearalkonium Bentonite
Gel FormingPropylene Carbonate
SolventTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHexamethylindanopyran
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Peel Oil
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol
AntioxidantRosa Damascena Flower Extract
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingTetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
MaskingGeraniol
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingCitronellol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingLinalyl Acetate
MaskingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Isododecane, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Zinc Oxide, Silica, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Tri (Polyglyceryl-3/Lauryl) Hydrogenated Trilinoleate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Niacinamide, 2,3-Butanediol, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Propylene Carbonate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Benzoate, Chlorphenesin, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hexamethylindanopyran, Limonene, Citrus Aurantium Peel Oil, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Rosa Damascena Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Geraniol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Linalyl Acetate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 4%
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide 3%
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTalc
AbrasiveGlycerin
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantTriethylhexanoin
MaskingCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Magnesium Sulfate
Sodium Glutamate
MaskingTribehenin
EmollientBis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientLecithin
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDiphenyl Dimethicone
EmollientLaureth-7
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingMica
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMethylparaben
PreservativePropylparaben
PreservativeMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPropylene Carbonate
SolventC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantThymus Serpyllum Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol
CleansingBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantLupinus Albus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSapphire Powder
Butylparaben
MaskingEthylparaben
PreservativePalmitoyl Oligopeptide
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantIsobutylparaben
AntimicrobialCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 4%, Titanium Dioxide 3%, Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Talc, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Propylene Glycol, Triethylhexanoin, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Magnesium Sulfate, Sodium Glutamate, Tribehenin, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Lecithin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Laureth-7, Parfum, Mica, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Propylene Carbonate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Aluminum Hydroxide, Silica, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Thymus Serpyllum Extract, Ceramide Ns, PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, BHT, Lupinus Albus Seed Extract, Sapphire Powder, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Tocopherol, Isobutylparaben, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
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 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 DimethiconeCi 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 77891Glycerin (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 GlycerinParfum 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 “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” 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 a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonateSilica, 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 SilicaThis 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 SilylateSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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