What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingOctyldodecanol
EmollientTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
C10-18 Triglycerides
EmollientStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Wax
AbrasivePolyethylene
AbrasiveButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningShorea Stenoptera Seed Butter
EmollientAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPropylene Carbonate
SolventSilica Silylate
EmollientLecithin
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingGlyceryl Behenate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Laurate
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningMethyl Glucose Sesquistearate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Silica, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, C10-18 Triglycerides, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Synthetic Wax, Polyethylene, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Shorea Stenoptera Seed Butter, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Ceramide NP, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Propylene Carbonate, Silica Silylate, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isostearic Acid, Glyceryl Behenate, Polyglyceryl-3 Laurate, Water, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 42090, CI 15850, CI 15985, CI 45410, CI 19140
Octyldodecanol
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientKaolin
AbrasiveSilica
AbrasiveMagnesium/Potassium/Silicon/Fluoride/Hydroxide/Oxide
Glycerin
HumectantCalophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil
AntimicrobialPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Water
Skin ConditioningPropylene Carbonate
SolventLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantOctyldodecanol, Synthetic Wax, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Kaolin, Silica, Magnesium/Potassium/Silicon/Fluoride/Hydroxide/Oxide, Glycerin, Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Caprylate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Water, Propylene Carbonate, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 77891, Iron Oxides, CI 15850
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Ci 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is a synthetic emollient and "skin-feel" ingredient that spreads well and leaves a non-sticky finish with high gloss.
In makeup, it also doubles as a pigment-wetting agent for better color payoff.
It's a well-vetted ingredient for safety and does not penetrate into skin due to its large molecule size.
Because it's a long-chain fatty acid ester, this ingredient may not be fungal acne or Malassezia safe.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearatePolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is a plant-derived emulsifier and pigment-dispersing agent with a non-sticky skin feel.
It helps products glide on smoothly and prevents oil and water from separating in a formula, making it suitable for sunscreen and makeup formulations.
The EU inventory of cosmetics has no use restrictions on this ingredient and it is considered well-tolerated.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is derived from isostearic acid.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateThis 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 CarbonateSilica, 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 SilicaStearalkonium Hectorite is a clay-derived ingredient used to thicken a product and help create a gel-like texture.
Synthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
It has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxWater. 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