What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientHomosalate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Niacinamide
SmoothingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantMagnesium Sulfate
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPropanediol
SolventTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polysilicone-11
Stearic Acid
CleansingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientAlumina
AbrasiveAdenosine
Skin ConditioningBorago Officinalis Extract
EmollientChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentHyacinthus Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract
CleansingSalvia Sclarea Extract
AntiseborrhoeicArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingBackhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract
Astringent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingWater, Titanium Dioxide, Dimethicone, Homosalate, Butylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Tromethamine, CI 77492, Magnesium Sulfate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Propanediol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polysilicone-11, Stearic Acid, CI 77491, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Alumina, Adenosine, Borago Officinalis Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Extract, Salvia Sclarea Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Backhousia Citriodora Leaf Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, CI 77499, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Butylene Glycol
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantSynthetic Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingLentinus Edodes Extract
Skin ConditioningSparassis Crispa Extract
Emulsion StabilisingTrametes Versicolor Extract
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningPinus Pinaster Bark Extract
AntioxidantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingMaltodextrin
Absorbent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingWater, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Methicone, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Synthetic Beeswax, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Lentinus Edodes Extract, Sparassis Crispa Extract, Trametes Versicolor Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Centella Asiatica Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Root Extract, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phytosphingosine, Propanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Cyclohexasiloxane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Mica, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Propylene Carbonate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Maltodextrin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, Parfum
Reviews
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 HydroxideButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCentella 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 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 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 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 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicone. It has a high refractive index and adds shine to formulations.
According to the safety review by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, it is safe for use in cosmetics under the current practices and concentrations.
Disteardimonium 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid. It is an emollient, co-emulsifier, and preservative booster.
Its short C8 fatty acid chain makes it behave differently from its longer-chain emollient cousins like Glyceryl Stearate. It feels more lightweight, fast-absorbing, and silky instead of rich and waxy.
As a co-emulsifier, its "head" and "tail" sit at the oil-water interface. But overall, the short C8 tail and not being water soluble means it doesn't really have the muscle to emulsify a formula on its own. That's why you'll often see it paired with a primary emulsifier like Cetearyl Glucoside.
Interestingly, Glyceryl Caprylate acts as a preservative booster. This is because its fatty-acid backbone disrupts microbial lipid membranes. It shows excellent activity against bacteria and yeast but is weaker against mold.
Typical concentrations range from 0.5-1% and this ingredient is generally non-irritating.
Because this ingredient has a C8 fatty acid chain, it is outside the range that the Malassezia yeast metabolizes (making it fungal acne safe).
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Parfum 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 ParfumPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamatePhenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconePropanediol 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 PropanediolTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TrimethylsiloxysilicateTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate is used to help stabilize a product.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it helps prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This prevents unwanted reactions in products. Metal ions can come into a product via the water ingredient. They are found in trace amounts and are not known to be harmful.
Water. 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