What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDimethicone
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDecyl Cocoate
EmollientDiisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMagnesium Sulfate
Maltodextrin
AbsorbentCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMannitol
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPalmitic Acid
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantC12-16 Alcohols
EmollientPolymethyl Methacrylate
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract
Beta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingHelianthus Annuus Sprout Extract
Skin ConditioningSqualene
EmollientWater, Zinc Oxide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Titanium Dioxide, Decyl Cocoate, Diisostearoyl Polyglyceryl-3 Dimer Dilinoleate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Sulfate, Maltodextrin, CI 77891, Phenoxyethanol, Mannitol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, CI 77492, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Palmitic Acid, Allantoin, Mica, C12-16 Alcohols, Polymethyl Methacrylate, CI 77491, Glycine Soja Oil, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77499, Tocopherol, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Pod Extract, Beta-Sitosterol, Helianthus Annuus Sprout Extract, Squalene
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingC15-19 Alkane
SolventC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveDextrin Palmitate
EmulsifyingSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlyceryl Linoleate
EmollientPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantGlyceryl Linolenate
EmollientPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
HumectantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantTripeptide-10 Citrulline
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentMagnesium Sulfate
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingDisodium EDTA
Propylene Carbonate
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDecylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Lauroyl Glutamate
Lysine
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientMagnesium Chloride
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientTriethanolamine
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantWater, CI 77891, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C15-19 Alkane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Beeswax, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Silica, Dextrin Palmitate, Saccharide Isomerate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Trehalose, Glyceryl Linolenate, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, Tocopherol, Tripeptide-1, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Oryza Sativa Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Dimethicone, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Carbonate, Caprylyl Glycol, Decylene Glycol, Palmitic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Lysine, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Magnesium Chloride, Carbomer, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77491, Mica
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateCaprylyl 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 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 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 DimethiconeGlycerin (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 GlycerinMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfateMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaPalmitic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in our skin and in many plant and animal sources.
In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It serves many purposes in skincare, acting as a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
Interestingly, topically applied Palmitic Acid can be elongated into longer chain fatty acids and ceramides. A 2019 study found low levels of Palmitic Acid lead to slower development of cells, suggesting it plays a role in keeping your skin's renewal process on track.
The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) panel determined it safe as used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 13%. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing in clinical studies.
The culprit behind fungal acne, the Malassezia yeast, feeds on fatty acids with carbon chain lengths between C11-C24. Palmitic Acid, at C16, falls right into that sweet spot.
In vitro studies have shown that Palmitic Acid is one of the fatty acids that induce rapid Malassezia growth in lab settings.
It's worth noting that what feeds yeast in a lab doesn't necessarily feed it on your face since formulation and your skin's chemistry play a bigger role.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidPhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, 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 SilicaTocopherol 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 AcetateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum