What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveGlycerin
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDextrin Isostearate
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethylhexanoin
MaskingBenzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberHydrogen Dimethicone
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCyclotetrasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Cylindrotheca Fusiformis Extract
AntioxidantBHT
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seed Powder
AbrasivePalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Butylene Glycol, Silica, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Pentylene Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Panthenol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Dextrin Isostearate, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethylhexanoin, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Hydrogen Dimethicone, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Cylindrotheca Fusiformis Extract, BHT, 1,2-Hexanediol, Coffea Arabica Seed Powder, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTalc
AbrasiveButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPvp
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Sodium Chloride
MaskingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingStearic Acid
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialDimethicone
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingCalamine
AbsorbentEctoin
Skin ConditioningMannitol
HumectantYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycogen
HumectantMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientArnica Montana Flower Extract
MaskingGentiana Lutea Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAchillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Titanium Dioxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenyl Trimethicone, Talc, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Pvp, CI 77492, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491, Chlorphenesin, Dimethicone, CI 77499, Parfum, Calamine, Ectoin, Mannitol, Yeast Extract, Alcohol, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Glycogen, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Glycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together.
It's pretty 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 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 77492Ci 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.
Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteGlycerin (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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconeChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” 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 isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, 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