What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingIsododecane
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolypropylsilsesquioxane
Magnesium Sulfate
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Silica
AbrasiveStearic Acid
CleansingAlumina
AbrasiveHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Tocopherol
AntioxidantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPolybutene
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveIsotridecyl Isononanoate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingMica
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPropylene Carbonate
SolventCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientWater, CI 77891, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Glycerin, Propanediol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Caprylyl Methicone, Butylene Glycol, Trisiloxane, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Isododecane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Magnesium Sulfate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Silica, Stearic Acid, Alumina, Hydroxyacetophenone, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Tocopherol, Hyaluronic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499, Polybutene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polyethylene, Isotridecyl Isononanoate, Diisostearyl Malate, Octyldodecanol, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Mica, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Propylene Carbonate, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate
Water
Skin ConditioningC9-12 Alkane
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingCaprylyl Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPullulan
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingMica
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Chloride
MaskingCentaurea Cyanus Flower Water
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantEthylene Brassylate
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingTropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPropylene Carbonate
SolventBiosaccharide Gum-2
Skin ConditioningIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingTin Oxide
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantWater, C9-12 Alkane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate, Propanediol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Pullulan, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Silica, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Mica, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Sodium Chloride, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylene Brassylate, Sodium Benzoate, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Aluminum Hydroxide, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propylene Carbonate, Biosaccharide Gum-2, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Tin Oxide, Tocopherol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77163
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 HydroxideCaprylic/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 TriglycerideCi 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 77891Glycerin (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 GlycerinHydroxyacetophenone is a small phenolic molecule that earns its place in a formulas as an antioxidant and preservative booster.
As a phenol, it is able to neutralize free radicals to protect both the product and the skin from oxidative stress.
Though it can't kill microbes on its own, it works as a good supporting agent when combined with other preservatives like Phenoxyethanol or 1,2-Hexanediol.
This ingredient naturally occurs as piceol in Norwegian spruce needles (~0.4-1.1% dry weight and in cloudberries). Though the cosmetic-grade material is synthesized for purity and consistency.
You'll usually see it used at low levels and suppliers recommend up to 1% added to a water phase.
Safety testing was done at concentrations like 0.05% in SPF products and 0.5% in a Human Repeated Insult Patch Test. The safety evidence is assuring; this ingredient is safe for cosmetics in current use and also holds safety status as a food flavoring as well.
An honest caveat: the "soothing" and "anti-inflammatory" claims come mostly from supplier marketing rather than published clinical trials. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review's own literature search found no useful efficacy studies on this ingredient.
So the antioxidant and preservative-boosting roles are the well supported ones while the calming benefit is plausible but thinly evidenced.
Overall, this is a well-tolerated, low-irritation multitasker that quietly helps a formula stay fresh and stable.
Learn more about HydroxyacetophenoneMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaPropanediol 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 PropanediolThis 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 SilicaSynthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteTocopherol 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 TocopherolThis 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