What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Cera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingSynthetic Wax
Abrasive
Silica
Abrasive
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer
Abrasive
Euphorbia Cerifera Cera
Astringent
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 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
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientPolyisobutene
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
Emollient
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientCera Microcristallina
Emulsion StabilisingCopernicia Cerifera Cera
Emollient
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolypropylene
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyisobutene, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Synthetic Wax, Octyldodecanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate, Silica, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Cera Microcristallina, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Polyethylene, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polypropylene, Aluminum Hydroxide, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Squalane, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Tocopherol, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 15850, CI 45410
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 15850Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
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 TrimethiconeSilica, 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 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 WaxTocopheryl 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 Acetate
