What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Silica
Abrasive
Talc
Abrasive
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
Emollient
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
Emollient
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantLauroyl Lysine
Skin Conditioning
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Silica, Talc, CI 77891, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, CI 77492, Dimethicone, CI 77491, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethiconol, CI 77499, Lauroyl Lysine, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopherol
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantTalc
Abrasive
Kaolin
Abrasive
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Zinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
Abrasive
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Dimethiconol Stearate
EmollientSqualane
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningLauroyl Lysine
Skin Conditioning
Methicone
Emollient
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Parfum
Masking
Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Mica, Talc, Kaolin, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Dimethiconol Stearate, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Lauroyl Lysine, Methicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Parfum, Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer, Tocopherol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 EthylhexylglycerinThis ingredient comes from a fatty acid (lauric acid) and amino acid (lysine). It is used to add a silky feel to cosmetics.
According to a manufacturer, its fatty acid base leaves a silky feeling on the skin. It also has emollient properties because of this. Emollients help soften skin by preventing water from evaporating.
Lauroyl lysine is barely soluble in water.
Learn more about Lauroyl LysinePhenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!).
It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome.
On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive.
Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10).
You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU.
Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages.
Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon.
Learn more about PhenoxyethanolSilica, 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 SilicaTalc is a clay mineral. It helps absorb moisture and improve the texture of products. Like other types of clay, Talc can have a slight exfoliating effect on skin. Talc can be added to increase the volume of products.
Some Baby powders are made by combining talc with corn starch. The word "talc" comes from Latin and originates from Arabic. Talc is a mineral commonly found throughout the world.
If you have any concerns about using talc, we recommend checking out the FDA's official page.
Learn more about TalcTocopherol 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 TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 Triethoxycaprylylsilane
