What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Isododecane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantBoron Nitride
AbsorbentPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDimethicone
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningTrimethoxycaprylylsilane
SmoothingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
AbrasivePropylene Carbonate
SolventParfum
MaskingMethicone
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Isononyl Isononanoate, Isohexadecane, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Isododecane, Glycerin, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Propylene Glycol, Boron Nitride, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Trimethoxycaprylylsilane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Mica, Silica, Propylene Carbonate, Parfum, Methicone, Tocopherol, Benzyl Benzoate, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientVinyldimethicone
Glycerin
HumectantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
AbrasivePhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantBoron Nitride
AbsorbentSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Sodium Chloride
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantQuaternium-18
SurfactantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantChrysanthellum Indicum Extract
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPelargonium Graveolens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
MaskingMentha Arvensis Leaf Extract
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin ConditioningSophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Isohexadecane, Vinyldimethicone, Glycerin, CI 77891, Silica, Phenyl Trimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, CI 77499, Boron Nitride, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Sodium Chloride, CI 77492, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77491, Quaternium-18, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Aluminum Hydroxide, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopherol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Boron Nitride is compound consisting of boron and nitrogen. It is used to absorb oil and modify adherence/ slip in products.
This means it is often used in makeup products to help them last longer.
This ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together.
It's pretty effective because one end of the molecule loves oil and the other one loves water.
Besides holding formulas together, it also leaves a silky and lightweight feel on skin without the greasiness. A manufacturer also claims it can help with the controlled release of active ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel found this ingredient to not be sensitizing in concentrations up to 15% in human maximazation testing and dimethicone-based compounds were not comedogenic.
It has a high molecular weight well above 1,000 g/mol which means it limits meaningful skin penetration.
A 2019 study specifically tested this ingredient and found no observable Malassezia growth in its presence.
Learn more about Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeCi 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 77891Ethylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinIsohexadecane is added to enhance texture, emulsify, and to help cleanse. It is an isoparrafin. It is a component of petrolatum.
Due to its large size, Isohexadecane is not absorbed by the skin. Instead, it sits on top and acts as an emollient. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by trapping moisture within.
Isohexadecane is often used in products designed to help oily skin. It is lightweight and non-greasy while helping to moisturize. When mixed with silicones, it gives a product a silky feel.
Learn more about IsohexadecaneIsononyl Isononanoate is a synthetic skin-conditioner and texture enhancer. It is created from nonanoic acid, a fatty acid found in cocoa and lavender oil.
As an emollient, Isononyl Isononanoate helps keep your skin soft and smooth. This is because emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Isononyl Isononanoate helps give products a velvet feel and improves spreadability.
Learn more about Isononyl IsononanoatePhenoxyethanol 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.
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 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 FluorphlogopiteTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTocopheryl 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 AcetateTridecyl Trimellitate is a synthetic ingredient with emollient and skin conditioning properties. It also acts as a texture enhancer and helps products spread easily without feeling greasy.
As an emollient, it forms a light layer on the skin that keeps moisture in and improves water resistance. This is why you'll often find this ingredient in eye creams and other rich treatments.
This ingredient is seen as the elegant alternative to mineral oil.
Learn more about Tridecyl TrimellitateTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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