What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
SmoothingC18-21 Alkane
SolventStearyl Heptanoate
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantStearic Acid
CleansingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientBis-PEG-15 Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientParfum
MaskingSaccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel Forming1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningViola Mandshurica Flower Extract
AntioxidantPEG-2 Soyamine
EmulsifyingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Citrate
BufferingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingLaurus Nobilis Leaf Extract
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Tocopherol
AntioxidantCholesterol
EmollientCI 77004
Cosmetic ColorantLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCarnitine Hcl
HumectantFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningNiacin
SmoothingPantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantThiamine Hcl
MaskingWater, CI 77891, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Methyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Niacinamide, C18-21 Alkane, Stearyl Heptanoate, CI 77492, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, CI 77491, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Bis-PEG-15 Dimethicone/Ipdi Copolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Parfum, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Ethylhexylglycerin, Stearalkonium Hectorite, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, PEG-2 Soyamine, Dipropylene Glycol, CI 77499, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, CI 77288, CI 77007, Sodium Citrate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Ceramide NP, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Laurus Nobilis Leaf Extract, Silica, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Tocopherol, Cholesterol, CI 77004, Lactobacillus Ferment, Ascorbic Acid, Biotin, Carnitine Hcl, Folic Acid, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Riboflavin, Thiamine Hcl
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDipropylene Glycol
HumectantZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
SurfactantPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberNiacinamide
SmoothingNylon-12
Tromethamine
BufferingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningDisiloxane
Skin ConditioningLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Benzoate
MaskingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingHydrogen Dimethicone
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingGlycerin
HumectantCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingGossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientCholesteryl Nonanoate
EmollientCholesteryl Isostearate
EmollientCholesteryl Chloride
Skin ConditioningSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningPeucedanum Graveolens Extract
TonicSilica
AbrasiveNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dipropylene Glycol, Zinc Oxide, Methyl Trimethicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Niacinamide, Nylon-12, Tromethamine, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Propanediol, CI 77492, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Panthenol, Disiloxane, Lauroyl Lysine, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 77491, Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Potassium Sorbate, Beeswax, Parfum, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Propylene Carbonate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Cholesteryl Nonanoate, Cholesteryl Isostearate, Cholesteryl Chloride, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Peucedanum Graveolens Extract, Silica, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAluminum 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 HydroxideCi 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 77492Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolEthylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateGlycerin (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 GlycerinIsopropyl Myristate is an ester made by combining isopropyl alcohol with myristic acid.
It is primarily an emollient and penetration enhancer that gives products a lightweight, silky feel without the heaviness of oils.
This ingredient is generally considered non-toxic, non-irritating, and has low absorption potential.
You might have heard that this ingredient clogs pores. This reputation comes from the older rabbit ear studies which are more sensitive than human skin to clogging.
Dermatologist Dr. Zoe Draelos has also confirmed in a peer-reviewed paper that products containing comedogenic ingredients are not necessarily comedogenic themselves.
A small subset of people (~2%) may experience contact sensitivity so patch testing is a reasonable idea if you have reactive skin.
Since this ingredient is an ester of myristic acid (a C14 fatty acid), it falls within the carbon chain range that is known to feed Malassezia. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Isopropyl MyristateIsostearic Acid is a fatty acid and a structural cousin of stearic acid. It is an emulsifier.
The branched structure of this ingredient enhances fluidity and gives it a lighter, less greasy feel compared to other fatty acids. It helps improve texture and consistency because it prevents oil and water phases from separating.
This ingredient is sourced from plant-based oils like soybean or rapeseed.
Clinical studies found no signs of irritation from this ingredient.
Since Isostearic Acid is an 18-carbon fatty acid, it is in the range that Malassezia can feed on. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
You might have seen sources that this ingredient is comedogenic. This is because the original comedogenic tests (on rabbit ears, which are more sensitive than human skin) tested
The Kligman/Fulton rabbit ear papers actually tested the ester, Isopropyl Isostearate and not Isostearic acid itself. There has been no comedogenic testing done on this ingredient, but it may be worth patch testing if you have acne-prone skin.
Learn more about Isostearic AcidLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinMethyl Trimethicone is a type of silicone. It is a solvent and emulsifier.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Methyl Trimethicone does not get absorbed into the skin.
Learn more about Methyl TrimethiconeNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideParfum 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 ParfumPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate is a plant-derived emulsifier made by combining glycerin and ricinoleic acid.
It works well for giving buttery lip balms and low-viscosity water-in-oil emulsions a non-greasy and pleasant skin feel.
Typical concentrations range from 0.1-3%.
This ingredient is mild and non-irritating in nature.
Because it is derived from ricinoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Ricinoleic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 PolyricinoleatePolyhydroxystearic Acid is a vegetable-derived soft wax made from castor oil. It's an emulsion stabilizer, thickener, and film former.
You'll likely see it in sunscreens because it helps disperse pigments and UV-reflecting minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide evenly.
Depending on the concentration, it can drastically change the texture of a product from pasty solid (like lipstick) to sprayable liquid.
The CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety has concluded this ingredient to be safe in cosmetics. The highest reported use concentration is 14.2% in lipsticks.
Learn more about Polyhydroxystearic AcidPropanediol 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 PropanediolSilica, 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 SilicaChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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