What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientBis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientParaffin
Skin ConditioningTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasiveCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantPropylene Carbonate
SolventCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMangifera Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Canina Fruit Extract
AstringentDiisostearyl Malate, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Paraffin, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Microcrystalline Wax, Sorbitan Isostearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Synthetic Wax, CI 77891, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, CI 45410, CI 15985, Propylene Carbonate, CI 15850, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasivePhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningIsoeicosane
EmollientSqualane
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientDimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientPyrus Malus Seed Oil
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingDiglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantTrehalose
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantDisodium Phosphate
BufferingCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Synthetic Wax, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate, Isoeicosane, Squalane, Polyethylene, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Pyrus Malus Seed Oil, Diisostearyl Malate, Titanium Dioxide, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Diglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Trehalose, Glycerin, Water, Tocopherol, Disodium Phosphate, CI 45410, CI 77492, CI 19140, CI 15850, CI 42090, Parfum, CI 77491, CI 77499, CI 17200
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2 is a synthetic emollient that works as a lanolin substitute.
This ingredient is a great vegan option for those avoiding animal-derived ingredients.
It mostly stays on the surface of skin where it helps hydrate due to its large molecular size and low water solubility.
Due to it being derived from fatty acids, this ingredient may not be Malassezia or fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2This ingredient is also known as Tsubaki oil, or the fixed oil from the seeds of the Japanese camellia.
It's basically a fatty acid delivery system (~75-85% oleic acid) plus some minor extras like squalene, tocopherols, and phytosterols.
That profile makes it a classic emollient; it works by hanging out with the skin's surface lipids, softens, and slows down water loss.
The most cited study on it was done on skin cells in a dish where this oil got them to make more of the building blocks for collagen while also slowing down the enzyme that breaks collagen down. Researchers tested this on human skin too; it didn't cause irritation and helped skin hold onto moisture better.
Another study done on cells and mice found this oil quieted down some of the body's inflammation signals.
These studies are still small, early, and not done on humans, so it's best to think of this ingredient as a great supporting ingredient for the rest of your routine and not the main active.
Concentrations can range from 1-5% in serums to 100% as a single face oil (how it's most traditionally used).
Because this ingredient is a triglyceride of long-chain fatty acids, this ingredient may not be Malassezia safe.
Allergies to this protein are quite rare as the refined seed oil contains very little residual protein. Human irritation testing also came back clean. But it is a plant and as with any botanical ingredient, contact allergy is possible.
Learn more about Camellia Japonica Seed OilCaprylic/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 45410 is a synthetic red-pigment and dye.
It often goes by both Red 28 or Red 27; manufacturers label both ingredients as CI 45410.
This dye is commonly found in makeup because it imparts a vivid color. Some types of this dye change color based on pH level and interaction with moisture:
Your skin has a natural pH of around 4.5 - 5.5.
According to the FDA, CI 45410 is not permitted for use in eye products.
Red 27 is a flourescein dye and commonly used as a fluorescent tracer in medicine.
Learn more about CI 45410Diisostearyl 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.
Parfum 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 ParfumPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is a synthetic emollient and "skin-feel" ingredient that spreads well and leaves a non-sticky finish with high gloss.
In makeup, it also doubles as a pigment-wetting agent for better color payoff.
It's a well-vetted ingredient for safety and does not penetrate into skin due to its large molecule size.
Because it's a long-chain fatty acid ester, this ingredient may not be fungal acne or Malassezia safe.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearatePolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is a plant-derived emulsifier and pigment-dispersing agent with a non-sticky skin feel.
It helps products glide on smoothly and prevents oil and water from separating in a formula, making it suitable for sunscreen and makeup formulations.
The EU inventory of cosmetics has no use restrictions on this ingredient and it is considered well-tolerated.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is derived from isostearic acid.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateSynthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
This ingredient has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Synthetic Waxes are straight/branched-chain hydrocarbons with no ester bond or fatty acids. That means there is nothing for the Malassezia yeast to feed on.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTridecyl Trimellitate is a synthetic ingredient with emollient and skin conditioning properties. It also acts as a texture enhancer and helps products spread easily without feeling greasy.
As an emollient, it forms a light layer on the skin that keeps moisture in and improves water resistance. This is why you'll often find this ingredient in eye creams and other rich treatments.
This ingredient is seen as the elegant alternative to mineral oil.
Learn more about Tridecyl Trimellitate