What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Talc
Abrasive
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Hydrated Silica
Abrasive
Nylon-12
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientSqualane
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantSalicylic Acid
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rice Bran/Germ Triterpenoids
Skin ConditioningBioflavonoids
Skin ConditioningSesame Amino Acids
HumectantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydrogen Dimethicone
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Talc, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrated Silica, Nylon-12, Diisostearyl Malate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Squalane, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, Salicylic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, CI 77492, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Water, CI 77491, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Rice Bran/Germ Triterpenoids, Bioflavonoids, Sesame Amino Acids, CI 77499, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Talc
Abrasive
Silica
Abrasive
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientBoron Nitride
Absorbent
Nylon-12
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Water
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventHamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingIngredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinNylon-12 is a polymer. It is derived from 12-aminododecanoic acid, an omega-amino fatty acid
According to a manufacturer, it is a talc substitute. Like talc, nylon-12 gives products a satin feel. The manufacturer also claims this ingredients does not block pores and has moderate oil absorption.
This ingredient may not be reef-safe.
Learn more about Nylon-12Phenoxyethanol is one of the most widely used preservatives in skincare (and for good reason!).
It has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and especially effective bacteria, yeast, and mold while only having a weak effect on your skin's natural microbiome.
On a cellular level, it disrupts the cell membranes of microbes by poking holes that make the cell leak. This shuts down the chemical reactions the microbe needs to make energy so it can no longer survive.
Another perk of this ingredient is that it stays functional across a wide pH range (3-10).
You'll often see it paired with boosters like Ethylhexylglycerin; one study showed that a 1:9 ratio of Ethylhexylglycerin to Phenoxyethanol damages bacterial membranes as effectively as doubling the Phenoxyethanol concentration on its own.
Typical use concentrations range from 0.3-1% depending on the formula, and this ingredient is capped at 1% int the EU.
Safety-wise, the fear mongering does not hold up to the evidence. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and FDA consider it safe as a preservative at up to 1%, including for children of all ages.
Adverse systemic effects only showed up in animal studies at exposures roughly 200x higher than what people get from cosmetics. And despite its very widespread use, this ingredient is a rare sensitizer and allergic reactions are uncommon.
Learn more about PhenoxyethanolSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidTalc is a clay mineral. It helps absorb moisture and improve the texture of products. Like other types of clay, Talc can have a slight exfoliating effect on skin. Talc can be added to increase the volume of products.
Some Baby powders are made by combining talc with corn starch. The word "talc" comes from Latin and originates from Arabic. Talc is a mineral commonly found throughout the world.
If you have any concerns about using talc, we recommend checking out the FDA's official page.
Learn more about TalcTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
