What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentCI 77220
Cosmetic ColorantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Tocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingTremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientButyl Avocadate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningZinc PCA
HumectantIsohexadecane
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveNylon-12
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Hydroxyapatite
AbrasiveLauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Chloride
MaskingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingSalicylic Acid
MaskingCoconut Acid
CleansingBHT
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBenzoic Acid
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Methyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, CI 77220, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Glycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Betaine, Acetyl Glucosamine, Isononyl Isononanoate, Butyl Avocadate, Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Zinc PCA, Isohexadecane, Silica, Nylon-12, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Hydroxyapatite, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Polysorbate 80, Salicylic Acid, Coconut Acid, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Zinc Oxide
Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningIsopropyl Isostearate
EmollientPPG-15 Stearyl Ether
EmollientLauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Silica
AbrasiveHydroxyapatite
AbrasiveBHT
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantBenzoic Acid
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Isopropyl Isostearate, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Polysorbate 80, Disodium EDTA, Silica, Hydroxyapatite, BHT, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Benzoic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is a synthetic polymer used to stabilize formulas and give products a "gel-cream" feel.
When applied, this ingredient mostly stays on the surface of skin. Safety reviews have found these polymers safe in cosmetics when made to proper quality standards. Testing also shows they’re unlikely to cause irritation or sensitization at normal use levels.
Benzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
The antimicrobial property of Benzoic Acid helps elongate a product's shelf life. Its main role is to reduce fungi growth and is not found to be effective at fighting bacteria. Therefore Benzoic Acid is always added along with other preservatives.
In its pure form, Benzoic Acid looks like a white crystalline solid. It has slight solubility in water.
The name of Benzoic Acid comes from gum benzoin, which used to be the sole source of deriving this ingredient. Benzoic Acid is the most simple aromatic carboxylic acid.
Benzoic Acid is naturally occuring in strawberries, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. It has a slight scent but is not considered to be a fragrance.
Learn more about Benzoic AcidBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinHydroxyapatite is an exfoliant. It can be good for oily skin.
Isohexadecane 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 IsohexadecaneWe don't have a description for Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer yet.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Polyglyceryl-3 Disiloxane Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Polysorbate 80 is a synthetic surfactant and emulsifier derived from sorbitol and oleic acid.
It reduces the surface tension between oil and water phases to help them stay mixed and stable in a formulation. In other words, it prevents your formulas from separating into an oily mess.
The CIR Expert Panel has evaluated the scientific data and found this ingredient to be safe, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing at concentrations up to 5% (it's even approved by the FDA as an OTC eye drop ingredient).
Learn more about Polysorbate 80Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSilica, 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 AcetateThis 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 Trimethylsiloxysilicate