What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone
EmollientIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientDiphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polyethylene
AbrasiveIsoeicosane
EmollientEthylhexyl Hydroxystearate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingParaffin
Skin ConditioningDiglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone, Isoamyl Laurate, Diisostearyl Malate, Diphenyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Diphenyl Dimethicone/Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, CI 77891, Isononyl Isononanoate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polyethylene, Isoeicosane, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Silica, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Microcrystalline Wax, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Paraffin, Diglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate, CI 77492, CI 77491, Sodium Hyaluronate, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Water, Glycerin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, CI 19140, CI 15850, CI 45410, CI 77499
Dipentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientDiphenyl Dimethicone
EmollientGlyceryl Undecyl Dimethicone
Synthetic Wax
AbrasivePhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAcrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
CI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientLecithin
EmollientParfum
MaskingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantDipentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Octyldodecanol, Diphenyl Dimethicone, Glyceryl Undecyl Dimethicone, Synthetic Wax, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, CI 77891, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, CI 15850, CI 77491, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Dimethicone, Lecithin, Parfum, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isostearic Acid, Isopropyl Myristate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77499, Diisostearyl Malate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 42090, Tocopherol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ci 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 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 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 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.
Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexyl 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 PalmitateIsopropyl Myristate is an ester made by combining isopropyl alcohol with myristic acid.
It is primarily an emollient and penetration enhancer that gives products a lightweight, silky feel without the heaviness of oils.
This ingredient is generally considered non-toxic, non-irritating, and has low absorption potential.
You might have heard that this ingredient clogs pores. This reputation comes from the older rabbit ear studies which are more sensitive than human skin to clogging.
Dermatologist Dr. Zoe Draelos has also confirmed in a peer-reviewed paper that products containing comedogenic ingredients are not necessarily comedogenic themselves.
A small subset of people (~2%) may experience contact sensitivity so patch testing is a reasonable idea if you have reactive skin.
Since this ingredient is an ester of myristic acid (a C14 fatty acid), it falls within the carbon chain range that is known to feed Malassezia. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Isopropyl MyristateIsostearic Acid is a fatty acid and a structural cousin of stearic acid. It is an emulsifier.
The branched structure of this ingredient enhances fluidity and gives it a lighter, less greasy feel compared to other fatty acids. It helps improve texture and consistency because it prevents oil and water phases from separating.
This ingredient is sourced from plant-based oils like soybean or rapeseed.
Clinical studies found no signs of irritation from this ingredient.
Since Isostearic Acid is an 18-carbon fatty acid, it is in the range that Malassezia can feed on. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
You might have seen sources that this ingredient is comedogenic. This is because the original comedogenic tests (on rabbit ears, which are more sensitive than human skin) tested
The Kligman/Fulton rabbit ear papers actually tested the ester, Isopropyl Isostearate and not Isostearic acid itself. There has been no comedogenic testing done on this ingredient, but it may be worth patch testing if you have acne-prone skin.
Learn more about Isostearic AcidLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinPolyglyceryl-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 TriisostearatePolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate is a plant-derived emulsifier made by combining glycerin and ricinoleic acid.
It works well for giving buttery lip balms and low-viscosity water-in-oil emulsions a non-greasy and pleasant skin feel.
Typical concentrations range from 0.1-3%.
This ingredient is mild and non-irritating in nature.
Because it is derived from ricinoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Ricinoleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 PolyricinoleatePolyhydroxystearic Acid is a vegetable-derived soft wax made from castor oil. It's an emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and film former.
You'll likely see it in sunscreens because it helps disperse pigments and UV-reflecting minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide evenly.
Depending on the concentration, it can drastically change the texture of a product from pasty solid (like lipstick) to sprayable liquid.
The CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has concluded this ingredient to be safe in cosmetics. The highest reported use concentration is 14.2% in lipsticks.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about Triethoxycaprylylsilane