What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Isohexadecane
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polysilicone-11
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialIsododecane
EmollientCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone
Talc
Abrasive
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Magnesium Sulfate
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantQuaternium-18 Hectorite
Sodium Citrate
BufferingBenzoic Acid
Masking
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Laureth-12
EmulsifyingPropylene Carbonate
SolventDimethicone/Methicone Copolymer
Glycerin
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitrus Japonica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCitric Acid
Buffering
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientWater, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Butylene Glycol, Polysilicone-11, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isododecane, CI 77163, Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Talc, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, CI 77499, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sodium Benzoate, CI 77491, CI 77492, Quaternium-18 Hectorite, Sodium Citrate, Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Laureth-12, Propylene Carbonate, Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Japonica Fruit Extract, CI 77891, Citric Acid, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Polysilicone-11
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
PEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
Masking
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDimethiconol
Emollient
Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPrunus Persica Leaf Extract
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Marrubium Vulgare Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
Abrasive
Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMalpighia Emarginata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingCitric Acid
Buffering
Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Engelhardtia Chrysolepis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningWater, Dimethicone, CI 77891, Glycerin, Propanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, CI 77492, Butylene Glycol, Silica, Polysilicone-11, Sodium Polyacrylate, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 77491, Parfum, CI 77499, Sodium Hydroxide, Dimethiconol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Prunus Persica Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Malpighia Emarginata Seed Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Engelhardtia Chrysolepis Leaf Extract, Lapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Maris Sal
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCi 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.
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 77891Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
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.
Polysilicone-11 is a film-forming silicone that creates a non-tacky and matte finish on the skin. It's commonly used to improve texture, absorb excess oil, and help active ingredients spread evenly.
Due to its "rubber-like" structure, it stays on the skin's surface instead of being absorbed. On the skin, it creates a flexible layer that enhances wearability and stability.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
