What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientPolybutene
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingPassiflora Edulis Seed Oil
EmollientRubus Idaeus Seed Oil
EmollientUndaria Pinnatifida Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAroma
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
C20-24 Olefin
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingBHT
AntioxidantGeraniol
PerfumingAlumina
AbrasiveGlycerin
HumectantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polyisobutene, Isononyl Isononanoate, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Diisostearyl Malate, Polybutene, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Tocopherol, Aroma, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Limonene, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, C20-24 Olefin, Linalool, BHT, Geraniol, Alumina, Glycerin, CI 19140, CI 15850, CI 77891
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Hybrid Oil
EmollientPolybutene
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Corylus Avellana Seed Oil
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientSodium Saccharin
MaskingDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
MaskingPaeonia Officinalis Flower Extract
TonicPrunus Serrulata Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract
RefreshingLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSambucus Nigra Flower Extract
RefreshingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientBrassica Alba Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCucurbita Pepo Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialVanilla Planifolia Seed Powder
AbrasiveRubus Villosus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingCucumis Melo Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLitchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAroma
Limonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialMica
Cosmetic ColorantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantRosin
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polyisobutene, Helianthus Annuus Hybrid Oil, Polybutene, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Corylus Avellana Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Sodium Saccharin, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Glycine Soja Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Paeonia Officinalis Flower Extract, Prunus Serrulata Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Brassica Alba Seed Extract, Cucurbita Pepo Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Seed Powder, Rubus Villosus Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Cucumis Melo Fruit Extract, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Aroma, Limonene, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Mica, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77120, Rosin, CI 77891, CI 15850, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aroma refers to an ingredient, or mixture of ingredients, that impart or mask a flavor.
The name is slightly confusing. This is because INCI associates aroma with flavor instead of smell.
Here is the official definition from the The International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook:
“Aroma is a term for ingredient labeling used to identify that a product contains a material or combination of materials normally added to a cosmetic to produce or to mask a particular flavor.”
INCI shows the only purpose of aroma to be "flavouring".
However, due to regulation differences, some companies may use aroma in place of parfum.
In Canada, this ingredient only has to be listed in concentrations above 1%.
Learn more about AromaThis ingredient is a high-molecular weight synthetic polymer. It is used to modify the viscosity of a formula, improve slip, and create a more "cushiony" texture.
Due to its large molecular size, this ingredient is not absorbed into the skin.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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 ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCi 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 77891This is a synthetic polymer used to thicken formulas, improve texture, and enhance spreadability.
Due to its large molecule size, this ingredient does not penetrate the skin and is considered well-tolerated.
Hydrogenated 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 PolyisobuteneLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolPentaerythrityl 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 HydroxyhydrocinnamatePolybutene 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 PolybuteneTocopherol 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 TocopherolTocopheryl Acetate is a stable, shelf-friendly form of vitamin E.
Formulators love it because plain vitamin E oxidizes quickly once it hits air. This acetate version stays stable and resists going off, helping to extend a product's shelf life.
It's actually inactive on its own and works like a slow-release "storage" form; the enzymes in your skin called esterases gradually convert it into active vitamin E over time.
One in vivo study showed 5% of the acetate in the living layer of the epidermis converted to vitamin E after 5 days of application. This study also found the skin gained protection against UV damage even though the conversion was slow and small.
Once converted, vitamin E acts as a skin's main fat-soluble antioxidant that fights free radicals to protect skin from damage.
Topical vitamin E generally boosts the skin's photoprotection, and it reduced UV-damage in animal models.
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.
Overall, it has a pretty solid safety profile and has been found to be non-irritating and non-comedogenic. Allergic reactions may happen but stay rare due to how widely the ingredient gets used.
The concentration will vary depending on the formula; industry data shows 0.1% in baby lotions, 3% in lipsticks, and 5% in foot powders. You can also find this ingredient at 100% in a pure vitamin E oil.
Most leave-on skincare keeps it at the lower end, often between 0.5-1%.
Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate