What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveSilica
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasiveEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
AstringentCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantDiisostearyl Malate, Octyldodecanol, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cera Microcristallina, Synthetic Wax, Silica, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Caprylyl Glycol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 15850
Talc
AbrasiveMica
Cosmetic ColorantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Nylon-12
Silica
AbrasiveDimethicone
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveBoron Nitride
AbsorbentMagnesium Myristate
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientAluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMethicone
EmollientCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Ultramarines
CI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Cera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPropylene Carbonate
SolventAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAminopropyl Triethoxysilane
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantTalc, Mica, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Nylon-12, Silica, Dimethicone, Synthetic Wax, Boron Nitride, Magnesium Myristate, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methicone, CI 15985, Iron Oxides, Ultramarines, CI 15850, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isononyl Isononanoate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Cera Microcristallina, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylene Carbonate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Aminopropyl Triethoxysilane, Titanium Dioxide, CI 73360
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 HydroxideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolThis ingredient is a petroleum-derived wax used to thicken formulas, improve texture, and help lock in moisture.
Like other forms of wax, it forms an occlusive layer on the skin to reduce water loss.
While it can be beneficial for very dry or compromised skin, Cera Microcristallina may not be fungal acne safe; waxes and certain hydrocarbons may contribute to Malassezia growth for those prone to fungal acne.
As with many heavy occlusive ingredients, it may feel too rich for oily or acne-prone skin types. Individual tolerance can vary.
Learn more about Cera MicrocristallinaCi 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinThis ingredient is a form of glycerin with emulsifying and emollient properties.
As an emulsifier, this ingredient helps keep products together while adding a thick texture. The manufacturer states this ingredient has emollient properties. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is created by reacting diglycerin and isostearic acid. Due to the isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateSilica, 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 SilicaSynthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteSynthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.
It may also be used as an abrasive ingredient to exfoliate the skin.
Synthetic Wax may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as âmineralâ 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 isnât as strong as zinc oxideâs, 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 DioxideTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateVP/Hexadecene Copolymer is a synthetic film-forming agent. It has both water and oil loving properties, allowing it to create a flexible, even film on the skin.
This ingredient helps enhance texture, smoothness, and wear resistance in makeup products while reducing tackiness.