What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantIsododecane
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientSilica
AbrasivePEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCyclodextrin
AbsorbentCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningSucrose Stearate
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingLinalool
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingHexamethylindanopyran
MaskingTetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes
MaskingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Isododecane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Silica, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Parfum, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Cellulose Gum, Cyclodextrin, Ceramide NP, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Sucrose Stearate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexamethylindanopyran, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, CI 77891, CI 77492
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantIsohexadecane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPolymethylsilsesquioxane
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantNylon-12
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTriisostearin
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveErythritol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantIsodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberTriethanolamine
BufferingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingDisodium EDTA
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTrehalose
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPolysilicone-2
Parfum
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Sodium Citrate
BufferingMica
Cosmetic ColorantCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantTheanine
EmollientPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract
TonicAngelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningPerilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
TonicWater, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Isohexadecane, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Polymethylsilsesquioxane, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Nylon-12, CI 77891, Triisostearin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Silica, Erythritol, Xylitol, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Triethanolamine, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isostearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, CI 77492, Trehalose, BHT, CI 77491, Polysilicone-2, Parfum, Tocopherol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Citrate, Mica, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, CI 77120, Theanine, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Glycine, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
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 GlycolCI 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 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 77891Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeThis ingredient is a silicone elastomer that works as a texture enhancer, adds a silky slip, and also helps absorb excess oil.
Because it's a large macromolecule that's insoluble in water and chemically inert, it's not expected to penetrate or be absorbed into skin.
Human patch tests with a facial lotion containing 1% of this ingredient found no sensitization.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTADisteardimonium 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 GlycerinLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneSilica, 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 SilicaTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis silicone is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
It is not soluble in water and helps increase water-resistance in products.
According to a manufacturer, it can blend seamlessly with silicone oils, such as Cyclopentasiloxane.
Learn more about TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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