What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
AbsorbentPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingPolypropylene
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingPropylene Carbonate
SolventPolysilicone-11
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasiveSqualane
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantAlumina
AbrasiveSilica
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingOpuntia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Ferrocyanide
Chromium Oxide Greens
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Water, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Isododecane, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Polypropylene, Phenoxyethanol, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Magnesium Sulfate, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Sodium Chloride, Propylene Carbonate, Polysilicone-11, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Kaolin, Squalane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Alumina, Silica, Tocopherol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Opuntia Vulgaris Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citric Acid, Sodium Ferrocyanide, Chromium Oxide Greens, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyphenylsilsesquioxane
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningFusidium Coccineum Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingArtemisia Capillaris Extract
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingMorinda Citrifolia Extract
AstringentHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolybutene
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningTribehenin
EmollientCaprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientGlyceryl Tribehenate/Isostearate/Eicosandioate
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingGlucose
HumectantEthylcellulose
Fructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructose
HumectantVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPolyvinyl Alcohol
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylyl Methicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Polyphenylsilsesquioxane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Fusidium Coccineum Ferment Filtrate, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Centella Asiatica Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Madecassoside, Tocopherol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polybutene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Tribehenin, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Glyceryl Tribehenate/Isostearate/Eicosandioate, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Stearic Acid, Glucose, Ethylcellulose, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate, Propanediol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Mica, CI 77491, CI 77288, CI 77492, CI 77499, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Centella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractThis ingredient is a silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together. It's so effective because one end of the molecule loves oil and the other one loves water.
Besides holding formulas together, it also leaves a silky and lightweight feel on skin without the greasiness. A manufacturer also claims it can help with the controlled release of active ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel found this ingredient to not be sensitizing in concentrations up to 15% in human maximazation testing and dimethicone-based compounds were not comedogenic.
It has a high molecular weight well above 1,000 g/mol which means it limits meaningful skin penetration.
A 2019 study specifically tested this ingredient and found no observable Malassezia growth in its presence.
Learn more about Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeCi 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 77891Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfatePeg-10 Dimethicone is silicone with conditioner and emulsifier properties. It mostly acts as an emollient in skincare and and humectant in haircare.
According to the manufacturer, acidic formulations decrease the stability of this ingredient. It works best in neutral or near neutral formulations.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolTocopherol 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis 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 TrimethylsiloxysilicateWater. 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