What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantIsododecane
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHaematococcus Pluvialis Oil
AntioxidantHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Rugosa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Alumina
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Butylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientAstaxanthin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeParfum
MaskingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Propanediol, CI 77492, Isododecane, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Methyl Trimethicone, Niacinamide, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Haematococcus Pluvialis Oil, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Rosa Rugosa Flower Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Propolis Extract, Magnesium Sulfate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Alumina, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Cetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Astaxanthin, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCetyl Dimethicone
EmollientDiglycerin
HumectantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAcrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Magnesium Sulfate
Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingStearic Acid
CleansingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAlumina
AbrasivePolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientLecithin
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningResveratrol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientBetaine
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantSodium PCA
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPoly(Tripeptide-6)
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Diisostearyl Malate, Octyldodecanol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Methyl Trimethicone, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Diglycerin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Magnesium Sulfate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer, Lauroyl Lysine, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Hydroxide, Alumina, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopherol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Resveratrol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Betaine, Trehalose, Sodium PCA, 1,2-Hexanediol, PPG-13-Decyltetradeceth-24, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Poly(Tripeptide-6), Phenoxyethanol, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
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
Alumina (aka aluminum oxide) is an inorganic mineral powder refined from bauxite that works as a quiet workhorse in a formula.
It shows up often as an abrasive, absorbent, anticaking, bulking, and viscosity-controlling agent.
One of its most common jobs is acting as a pigment carrier and dispersant.
Alumina platelets are often blended with inorganic sunscreens like Titanium Dioxide (or with colorants) and then coated with a silicone such as Triethoxycaprylylsilane so the pigment spreads evenly and smoothly.
In makeup, it can also double as a light-diffusing powder or oil absorber to keep formulas from looking greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded alumina to be safe in present practices of use and concentration.
They note it's a stable, oxidized compound and scientific research has failed to establish links to health issues.
Concentrations vary depending on the product:
Learn more about AluminaAluminum 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 GlycolCi 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 DimethiconeDiphenylsiloxy 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 HectoriteGlycerin (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 GlycerinIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.
Learn more about IsododecaneThis ingredient is an synthetic emollient, emulsifier, and used as a surface treatment for pigment particles (like iron oxides or titanium dioxide).
The “triisostearate” part of this ingredient is an ester derived from isostearic acid, a long-chain fatty acid.
It "wraps" these ingredients in a form of slippery jacket so they disperse more evenly in oils, glide better on skin, and stick longer without smudging.
Human repeat insult patch tests on foundations containing this ingredient found no sensitization concerns.
Since isostearic acid is a C18 fatty acid, it falls within the carbon chain length that Malassezia can potentially metabolize. This is why this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Isopropyl Titanium TriisostearateMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfateMethyl 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 TrimethiconeOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate is a plant-derived, PEG-free emulsifier.
It's made by hooking isostearic acid onto a chain of glycerin units to give it a water-loving "head" and oil-loving "tail". This allows it to keep the oil and water mixed in a formula.
The highest reported concentration is about 24% in eye makeup but most suppliers recommend a level below 10%.
It has a clean track record for safety and found to be non-irritating.
Because it is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, Malassezia can potentially metabolize it (it sits in the C11-24 range that Malassezia likes). Therefore, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-4 IsostearatePolyhydroxystearic 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 AcidStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneTrisodium 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