What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningMagnesium/Potassium/Silicon/Fluoride/Hydroxide/Oxide
Zinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientMagnesium Myristate
Silica
AbrasivePhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningHydrogen Dimethicone
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativePrunus Persica Fruit Extract
AbrasiveCalamine
AbsorbentTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientSesamum Indicum Seed Oil
EmollientEnantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingSerenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Magnesium/Potassium/Silicon/Fluoride/Hydroxide/Oxide, Zinc Stearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Mica, Dimethicone, Magnesium Myristate, Silica, Phenyl Trimethicone, Hydrogen Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Calamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum, Butylene Glycol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Beta-Sitosterol, Serenoa Serrulata Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Oleanolic Acid, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Water
Skin ConditioningCalcium Silicate
AbsorbentCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Glycerin
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveMethicone
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeHydrogen Dimethicone
Parfum
MaskingMenthol
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract
Skin ProtectingTocopherol
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite, Water, Calcium Silicate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Glycerin, Silica, Methicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Parfum, Menthol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone, CI 73360, CI 42090, CI 77492, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
Caprylyl 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolDimethicone 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 DimethiconeHydrogen dimethicone is a silicone-based ingredient. It is mainly used to alter the texture and spread of a product without adding "stickiness".
Parfum 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 ParfumPolymethylsilsesquioxane 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 SilicaSodium Dehydroacetate is a synthetic preservative and sodium salt form of dehydroacetic acid. It stops bacteria, mold, and yeast from growing in your products at low concentrations.
Clinical testing found it to be non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-photosensitizing. It's also not significantly absorbed through skin.
There are a very small number of reported cases of contact dermatitis in cases linked to wound-care creams used over compromised skin (rather than skincare).
Overall, this is a well-studied and low-risk preservative just doing its job.
Typical concentrations run up to 0.6%, which is also the maximum amount permitted under both EU CosIng regulations and US FDA guidelines.
Learn more about Sodium DehydroacetateTocopherol 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 Tocopherol