What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingIsododecane
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingOctyldodecanol
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Alumina
AbrasiveDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientPolymethyl Methacrylate
Haematococcus Pluvialis Oil
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
EmollientHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAstaxanthin
Skin ConditioningRosa Rugosa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPancratium Maritimum Extract
BleachingNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, CI 77891, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Propanediol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Niacinamide, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Isododecane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Magnesium Sulfate, CI 77492, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Octyldodecanol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Alumina, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77491, Parfum, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, CI 77499, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Haematococcus Pluvialis Oil, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Cetearyl Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Astaxanthin, Rosa Rugosa Flower Extract, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Propolis Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Isononanoate
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialDipropylene Glycol
HumectantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientDibutyl Adipate
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientC13-15 Alkane
SolventButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterNiacinamide
SmoothingPhenethyl Benzoate
EmollientPhenyl Propyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-4 Oleate
EmulsifyingEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberPolypropylsilsesquioxane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingIsododecane
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV Filter1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningHectorite
AbsorbentHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantMenthone Glycerin Acetal
RefreshingUndecane
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingIsopropyl Titanium Triisostearate
EmollientMethyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
MaskingTridecane
PerfumingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPolyglycerin-6
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMenthyl PCA
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantEthyl Menthane Carboxamide
TonicAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningMentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
TonicCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialThymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingWater, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Alcohol, Dipropylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Dibutyl Adipate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, C13-15 Alkane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Phenethyl Benzoate, Phenyl Propyl Trimethicone, Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Isododecane, Octyldodecanol, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Stearic Acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hectorite, Hydroxyacetophenone, Menthone Glycerin Acetal, Undecane, CI 77492, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Pentylene Glycol, Parfum, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Tridecane, CI 77491, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Adenosine, Polyglycerin-6, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Menthyl PCA, Tocopherol, Ethyl Menthane Carboxamide, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ceramide NP, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
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 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 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 77891Dipropylene 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 āgoodā 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 GlycolDisteardimonium 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 emollient, emulsifier, and used as a surface treatment for pigment particles (like iron oxides or titanium dioxide).
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.
The ātriisostearateā part of this ingredient is an ester derived from isostearic acid, a long-chain fatty acid. Malassezia species are lipid-dependent so they rely on external fats to survive. This is why ingredient is flagged for being potentially fungal-acne unsafe.
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 āsulfateā in the name, it isnāt a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesnāt 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 SulfateNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideOctyldodecanol 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.
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 āFRAGRANCEā or āPARFUMā 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 ParfumThis ingredient is an emulsifer and stabilizer. It comes from isostearic acid and polyglycerin.
As an emulsifier, it helps blend oil and water to improve texture, spreadbility, and application.
Due to it being derived from isostearic acid, 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 AcidThis 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