What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Talc
Abrasive
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Magnesium Carbonate
AbsorbentCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantNylon-12
BHT
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine
Emulsifying
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Benzalkonium Chloride
Antimicrobial
Butyrospermum Parkii Leaf Extract
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningFucus Vesiculosus Extract
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Isomerized Safflower Acid
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Zinc Sulfate
Antimicrobial
Talc, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Zinc Oxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Magnesium Carbonate, CI 77007, CI 19140, Nylon-12, BHT, Butylene Glycol, Water, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Salicylic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polysorbate 80, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Beeswax, Benzalkonium Chloride, Butyrospermum Parkii Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Glycerin, Isomerized Safflower Acid, Kaolin, Maltodextrin, Palmitic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Phenoxyethanol, Zinc Sulfate
Silica
Abrasive
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Boron Nitride
Absorbent
Nylon-12
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSilica, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Mica, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Boron Nitride, Nylon-12, Butylene Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Water, Glycerin, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Centella Asiatica Extract, Salicylic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Powder, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, 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.
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract is from the Roman Chamomile flower. It helps soothe the skin and contains antioxidants.
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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinNylon-12 is a polymer. It is derived from 12-aminododecanoic acid, an omega-amino fatty acid
According to a manufacturer, it is a talc substitute. Like talc, nylon-12 gives products a satin feel. The manufacturer also claims this ingredients does not block pores and has moderate oil absorption.
This ingredient may not be reef-safe.
Learn more about Nylon-12Phenoxyethanol 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.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaWater. 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
