What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolybutene
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Vanillin
MaskingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Tocopherol
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantNigella Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantSilica
AbrasiveTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantTin Oxide
AbrasiveSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantGlucomannan
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polybutene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Vanillin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Tocopherol, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Mica, Silica, Trihydroxystearin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tin Oxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glucomannan, CI 77891, CI 77491
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningMica
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantTribehenin
EmollientGlucomannan
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningVanillin
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantOleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Persea Gratissima Oil, Mica, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Tribehenin, Glucomannan, Lactic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, Trihydroxystearin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Vanillin, Limonene, Linalool, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77742
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 lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl 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 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 77891Ethylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlucomannan is a fiber created from the Konjac plant. It is an emulsifier and thickener.
The high polysaccharide content makes it great at adjusting the texture of products. (Kind of like starch).
Polysaccharides also help our skin stay hydrated.
This ingredient is water-soluble.
Learn more about GlucomannanMica 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 MicaSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopherol 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 ingredient comes from Hydroxystearic Acid, a fatty acid, and glycerin. It is used to thicken oils.
Due to its fatty acid content, it is a natural emollient.
Creating trihydroxystearin involves using a chemical reaction between hydrogen and castor oil.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about TrihydroxystearinVanillin is the main compound of the vanilla bean. It is naturally occuring but can also be artificially created.
This ingredient exhibits antioxidant properties but is also a known skin-irritant.
Vanillism is the term of contact-dermatitis associated with the vanilla plant. The sap of the vanilla plant triggers skin irritation, swelling, and redness.
Learn more about Vanillin