What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientDisiloxane
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate
EmulsifyingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Stearic Acid
CleansingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningVinyldimethicone
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantAbies Sibirica Oil
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingSalvia Sclarea Oil
MaskingSea Water
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingEugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingChamomilla Recutita Flower Oil
MaskingJuniperus Mexicana Oil
MaskingAnthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingEcklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Zinc Oxide, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Disiloxane, Caprylyl Methicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Vinyldimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Mica, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 77491, CI 77492, Abies Sibirica Oil, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Salvia Sclarea Oil, Sea Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil, Butylene Glycol, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberNiacinamide
SmoothingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV Absorber1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCorchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Sprout Extract
AntioxidantNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Dimethiconol
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingAlumina
AbrasiveSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentMadecassoside
AntioxidantPvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyether-1
T-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingTranexamic Acid
AstringentDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Titanium Dioxide, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Centella Asiatica Extract, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Sprout Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Dimethiconol, Trisiloxane, Stearic Acid, Alumina, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Adenosine, Sodium Polyacrylate, Madecassoside, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, Polyether-1, T-Butyl Alcohol, Tranexamic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Butylene Glycol, CI 77492, CI 77491
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Ā
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesĀ
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCaprylic/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 ingredientās 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 TriglycerideCaprylyl Methicone is a synthetic and lightweight silicone fluid. It gives products a silky, dry-touch finish without the heaviness of pure oils.
Though the EU CosIng Database lists this ingredient as a skin conditioner, it is also used for sensory reasons. It spreads easily, cuts greasiness, and reduces tackiness.
This ingredient is volatile which means it will mostly evaporate (but it evaporates slower than older cyclomethicones, like Cyclotetrasiloxane).
Typical concentration ranges from 1-30% depending on if it's being used to tweak the feel of a product or acting as the main emollient.
Learn more about Caprylyl MethiconeCi 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 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 77492Dicaprylyl Carbonate comes from carbonic acid and caprylyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol. It is an emollient and gives skin a velvet feel. The sources of Dicaprylyl Carbonate may be synthetic or from animals.
As an emollient, Dicaprylyl Carbonate creates a film on the skin. This film traps moisture in, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Ā
Itās often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as āmineralā by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isnāt as strong as zinc oxideās, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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