Thrive Causemetics Buildable Blur CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Versus Purlisse Sheer Glow Strawberry Vitamin C Tinted Moisturizer
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Homosalate 9%
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV AbsorberZinc Oxide 7.8%
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingTribehenin
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantLinum Usitatissimum Seed Extract
PerfumingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantQuaternium-90 Bentonite
Sodium Phytate
Propylene Carbonate
SolventHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantHomosalate 9%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Zinc Oxide 7.8%, Water, Dimethicone, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Tribehenin, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Mica, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Sodium Phytate, Propylene Carbonate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77007
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningNeopentyl Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingTribehenin
EmollientLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingDimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Citrate
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantFragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingVitis Vinifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentSambucus Nigra Fruit Extract
AstringentRubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract
AstringentEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningLycium Chinense Fruit Extract
AntioxidantGardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract
Cosmetic ColorantBacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCornus Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCrataegus Oxyacantha Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSchisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Extract
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningMelilotus Officinalis Extract
AstringentMentha Viridis Extract
MaskingRosa Canina Fruit Extract
AstringentRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSalvia Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Methyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprate, Zinc Oxide, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tribehenin, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Butylene Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ascorbic Acid, Fragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Gardenia Jasminoides Fruit Extract, Bacillus Ferment, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Crataegus Oxyacantha Fruit Extract, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Jasminum Officinale Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Melilotus Officinalis Extract, Mentha Viridis Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis Extract, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Hexapeptide-9, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolThis 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.
Ci 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 DimethiconeGlycerin (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 GlycerinPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenyl 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 TrimethiconeTribehenin comes from glycerin and behenic acid.
It is used as an emollient, or moisturizer. Emollients form a thin barrier on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about TribeheninTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 WaterZinc Oxide is a mineral broad-spectrum UV filter; it is the broadest UVA and UVB reflector approved by the FDA. It also has skin protectant and skin soothing properties.
Zinc oxide is one of the most effective broad-spectrum UV filters. It protects against UVB, UVAII, and UVAI. In comparison to its counterpart titanium dioxide, zinc oxide provides uniform and extended UVA protection.
Another great benefit? This ingredient is highly photostable so it won't degrade easily under sunlight.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters are widely believed to primarily reflect UV light.
However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Zinc oxide has great skin soothing properties so you'll likely find this in sunscreens formulated for sensitive skin or babies/children. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
Regulatory agencies consider zinc oxide to be non-toxic and safe. It has also been shown to not penetrate the skin.
Unfortunately, this ingredient does leave a visible white cast. This is why mineral sunscreens are often less cosmetically elegant than chemical or hybrid ones.
In cosmetics, zinc oxide can be found in both non-nano and nano-sized forms. The nano version is used to reduce white cast and improve the texture of sunscreen formulas.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-zinc oxide's impact on marine ecosystems and whether it can be absorbed into skin.
Regarding marine ecosystems and coral reefs, there is no conclusive evidence that any form of zinc oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm. 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.
There has also been some stir about whether micronized or nano zinc oxide has potential photoxicity and absorption through the skin/lungs.
An in-vitro (done in a test tube or petri dish) study demonstrated micronized zinc oxide to have potential phototoxicity. There's no need to fret; the EU Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has stated, "The relevance of these findings needs to be clarified by appropriate investigations in vivo." Or in other words, further studies done on living organisms are needed to prove this.
Current research shows zinc oxide nanoparticles do not penetrate intact or sunburned skin. They either remain on the surface or in the outermost layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
Zinc oxide is one of only two classified mineral UV filters with titanium dioxide being the other one.
Fun fact: Zinc has been used throughout history as an ingredient in paint and medicine. An Indian text from 500BC is believed to list zinc oxide as a salve for open wound. The Ancient Greek physician Dioscorides has also mentioned the use of zinc as an ointment in 1AD.
Learn more about Zinc Oxide