What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Isostearic Acid
CleansingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
CleansingPolymethyl Methacrylate
Parfum
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingC12-15 Alcohols
EmollientThymol Trimethoxycinnamate
AntioxidantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentStearic Acid
CleansingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPalmitic Acid
EmollientLinalool
PerfumingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantMorus Alba Root Extract
BleachingPrunus Mume Fruit Extract
HumectantCitronellol
PerfumingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantCitral
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialSodium Citrate
BufferingMyristic Acid
CleansingLauric Acid
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantMorus Alba Fruit Extract
AntioxidantWater, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Alcohol Denat., Cyclopentasiloxane, Diisopropyl Sebacate, CI 77891, Cyclohexasiloxane, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Isostearic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Dimethicone, Tromethamine, Glyceryl Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Parfum, Limonene, C12-15 Alcohols, Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Stearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Palmitic Acid, Linalool, CI 77491, Morus Alba Root Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Citronellol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, BHT, Citral, Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Sodium Citrate, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Tocopherol, Morus Alba Fruit Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientBoron Nitride
AbsorbentTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventPolymethyl Methacrylate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Chloride
MaskingAlumina
AbrasiveCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingParfum
MaskingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Hydroxystearate
EmollientSimethicone
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Citronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingThymol Trimethoxycinnamate
AntioxidantSodium Citrate
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingLactic Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeDiamond Powder
AbrasiveXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Phenyl Trimethicone, Homosalate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Boron Nitride, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Niacinamide, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Propanediol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, CI 77492, Sodium Chloride, Alumina, CI 77163, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Polysorbate 80, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Parfum, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 77491, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Simethicone, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 77499, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Dipropylene Glycol, BHT, Hydroxycitronellal, Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate, Sodium Citrate, Tocopherol, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Diamond Powder, Xanthan Gum
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
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideBHT 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 BHTCi 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 77891Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolCyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneCyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxaneDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneParfum 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 ParfumThis ingredient is also known as PMMA. It is a polymer microsphere, composed of tiny, perfectly spherical particles formed from repeating units.
In cosmetics, PMMA is mainly used to give a soft or blurring effect. The transparent particles are able to scatter light and help reduce the appearance of fine-lines and imperfections.
PMMA is also able to enhance the texture of products by add a smooth feel.
Learn more about Polymethyl MethacrylatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateThymol Trimethoxycinnamate is an antioxidant.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum