What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientBis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientHydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientSqualane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingDimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveSucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate
EmollientDiglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate
EmollientHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasiveCitric Acid
BufferingParfum
MaskingCI 45380
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningPlukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBeta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate, Octyldodecanol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Squalane, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Microcrystalline Wax, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Synthetic Wax, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyethylene, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Diglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, CI 77891, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Citric Acid, Parfum, CI 45380, CI 42090, CI 15850, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, CI 17200, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Persea Gratissima Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Brassica Oleracea Capitata Leaf Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTrimethyl Pentaphenyl Trisiloxane
EmollientDiglycerin
HumectantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCeteareth-20
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
EmollientChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantParfum
MaskingFructose
HumectantFructooligosaccharides
HumectantSodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
CI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic Colorant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPersea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientMaltodextrin
AbsorbentTribehenin
EmollientSucrose Palmitate
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientLactic Acid
BufferingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningDiisostearyl Malate, Water, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Trimethyl Pentaphenyl Trisiloxane, Diglycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ceteareth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Glucose, Butylene Glycol, Parfum, Fructose, Fructooligosaccharides, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Ethylhexylglycerin, CI 17200, Polysorbate 60, CI 19140, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, CI 15985, CI 45410, 1,2-Hexanediol, CI 42090, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Tribehenin, Sucrose Palmitate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Lactic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
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
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 GlycolCI 17200 is a synthetic, water-soluble, reddish-pink dye. It is used purely as a cosmetic colorant.
In the US, the FDA permits this ingredient in cosmetics but it is not approved for use around the eyes while the EU allows this to be used in all cosmetic products.
The FDA requires batch-to-batch certification for this ingredient that is held to a pretty rigorous standard. That means the CI 17200 in your cosmetics has been tested and approved before it ever reaches you.
Contact allergy to cosmetic-grade dyes used at low concentrations are uncommon but has been documented before.
This ingredient also goes by the name D&C RED NO. 33.
CI 17200 has a comedogenic rating of 1 and an irritancy rating of 2 on a scale of 0-5. This is based on peer-reviewed research from the man who invented the comedogenic scale.
A 1 on the comedogenic scale is about as low as it gets without being a flat zero, and makes sense for CI 17200.
It's a water-soluble dye used at very small concentrations (typically 0.001-0.1%), so it dissolves into the water phase of a formula rather than sitting on your skin the way an oil or wax would.
The irritancy rating of 2 reflects that, like most synthetic dyes, there's a small possibility of mild irritation ( particularly for people with existing dye sensitivities).
For the vast majority of people, it's a non-issue at typical use levels.
It's also worth keeping in mind that comedogenic and irritancy ratings are tested on individual ingredients, not finished formulas. The final product's formulation, concentration, and other ingredients all play a role in how something actually behaves on your skin.
Just so you know, the FDA ban on Red Dye No. 3 refers to CI 45430, not this ingredient. CI 45430 and CI 17200 are different chemical compounds with distinct safety and regulatory histories.
It's also worth noting that Red No. 3 (CI 45430) was already banned from cosmetics back in 1990, so the 2025 action just extended the ban to food and oral drugs. CI 17200 was never part of any of this.
Learn more about CI 17200Ci 42090 is a synthetic dye created from petroleum. It is used to give a bright blue color to cosmetics, medicine, and food.
Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
Ethylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneParfum 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 ParfumJojoba oil is one of the most well-studied plant-derived ingredients in cosmetics. It is an emollient with a special structure.
Because it is made up of 97-98% wax esters, it closely mirrors the linear monoesters found in human sebum. This makes it skin compatible, non-greasy, and lightweight.
Unlike other plant oils, jojoba wax doesn't easily penetrate skin. It mostly works in the uppermost layers as an emollient. This just means it forms a light barrier on the skin to help retain moisture.
Formulations with jojoba esters up to 90% reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and increased barrier recovery by 81% (outperforming bisabolol at 47%).
Besides barrier support, the science also suggests jojoba to have anti-inflammatory effects and potential applications for skin infections, aging, and wound healing.
Fun fact: Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilSqualane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum).
It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores.
This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces.
Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer.
Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.
No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration).
Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types.
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Though squalane is often called an oil, itās technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen. True oils are triglycerides and made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term āoil-freeā isnāt regulated so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 1 from the original 1972 study that tested raw ingredients under occlusion on rabbit ears. This system is not standardized or peer-reviewed, and using the raw ingredients is very different from how diluted cosmetic formulations are used on human skin.
A comedogenic rating of 1 means it is "unlikely to clog pores" according to the original rating system.
The overall formula of a product matters more than the individual ingredients on whether or not it will cause clogged pores.
Learn more about SqualaneWater. 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