What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCetyl Dimethicone
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasiveCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantHydroxyapatite
AbrasiveCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantErgothioneine
AntioxidantCarnosine
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCopper Gluconate
Skin ConditioningMethicone
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingZinc PCA
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterSea Water
HumectantPhormidium Persicinum Extract
AntioxidantDecyl Glucoside
CleansingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Silica, CI 77492, Cetyl Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 77491, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Alumina, CI 77499, Hydroxyapatite, Cellulose Gum, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Zinc Oxide, Ergothioneine, Carnosine, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Methicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Sodium Citrate, Zinc PCA, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Sea Water, Phormidium Persicinum Extract, Decyl Glucoside, Pentylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAstaxanthin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Ergothioneine
AntioxidantBetaine
HumectantPropylene Carbonate
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantGlutathione
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeTribehenin
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTricholoma Matsutake Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Butylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Isododecane, Niacinamide, Copper Tripeptide-1, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Astaxanthin, Tocopherol, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77492, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ergothioneine, Betaine, Propylene Carbonate, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 77491, Glutathione, CI 77499, Ethylhexylglycerin, Magnesium Sulfate, Phenoxyethanol, Tribehenin, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tricholoma Matsutake Extract, Pentylene Glycol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCaprylyl 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.
Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDisteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteErgothioneine is an amino acid found naturally in mushrooms, grains, and meat. It has antioxidant and skin soothing properties.
This amino acid helps with:
- Maintaining DNA stability and cell reproduction
- Enhances cellular immunity
- Skin brightening
- Anti-aging
- Skin soothing
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 EthylhexylglycerinIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.
Learn more about IsododecaneMagnesium 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 SulfatePentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane 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 PolymethylsilsesquioxaneThis ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonateTocopherol 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 TocopherolThis 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