Versus

Updated on June 28, 2024

Overview

What they are

These products are both foundations. They have a total of 29 ingredients in common

Cool Features

They both contain exfoliants, hyaluronic acid, peptides and SPF

Suited For

They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots

Free From

They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates

What's Inside

They both contain common allergens, fragrances, oils and silicones

We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and see relevant ingredients

What's inside

What's inside

At a glance

Click on any of the items below to learn more

Key Ingredients

Benefits

Concerns

Ingredients Side-by-side

found in both products
Shade and Illuminate Soft Radiance Foundation SPF 50

Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid 2.7%

UV Absorber
Chemical UV Filter Icon

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 6.7%

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconNon-Reef-Safe IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Zinc Oxide 3.8%

Cosmetic Colorant
1 / 0 Mineral UV Filter IconHelps fight Acne IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Water

Skin Conditioning

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Phenyl Trimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Polymethylsilsesquioxane

Silicon Icon

Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Hdi/PPG/Polycaprolactone Crosspolymer

Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer

Tromethamine

Buffering

Polysilicone-11

Silicon Icon

Hexyl Laurate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone

Emulsifying
Silicon Icon

Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate

Emollient

Hydroxyethyl Urea

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract

Antioxidant
Antioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil

Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Lavandula Angustifolia Oil

Masking
Fragrance IconOil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract

Skin Conditioning

Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Copaifera Officinalis Resin

Masking

Triolein

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Masking
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Betaine

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Caffeine

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Humectant
Peptide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Tocopheryl Acetate

Antioxidant
0 / 0 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant Icon

Trehalose

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum

Skin Conditioning

Trimethylsiloxysilicate

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Polyhydroxystearic Acid

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Lecithin

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glyceryl Stearate

Emollient
1 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Silicon Icon

Laureth-7

Emulsifying

Sodium Chloride

Masking
Can worsen Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Disteardimonium Hectorite

Stabilising

Methicone

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Linoleic Acid

Cleansing
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation IconGood for Dark Spots IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps fight Acne IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Phospholipids

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Stearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 2 Fatty Alcohol Icon

Cetearyl Alcohol

Emollient
2 / 1 Fatty Alcohol IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate

Emulsion Stabilising

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Tocopherol

Antioxidant
0-3 / 0-3 Vitamin E IconAntioxidant IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Scar Healing Icon

Triethyl Citrate

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Palmitic Acid

Emollient
2 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Oleic Acid

Emollient
May worsen Oily Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polysorbate 80

Emulsifying
0 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Polysorbate 20

Emulsifying
0 / 0 Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Behenyl Alcohol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Linalool

Perfuming
Fragrance IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Disodium EDTA

BHT

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Potassium Sorbate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Sodium Dehydroacetate

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Mica

Cosmetic Colorant
May worsen Eczema Icon

CI 77891

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 77491

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 77492

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 77499

Cosmetic Colorant

Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid 2.7%, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 6.7%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%, Zinc Oxide 3.8%, Water, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Hdi/PPG/Polycaprolactone Crosspolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Polysilicone-11, Hexyl Laurate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Copaifera Officinalis Resin, Triolein, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Betaine, Caffeine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Tocopheryl Acetate, Trehalose, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Lecithin, Glyceryl Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Laureth-7, Sodium Chloride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Methicone, Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Triethyl Citrate, Palmitic Acid, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Stearic Acid, Oleic Acid, Polysorbate 80, Polysorbate 20, Behenyl Alcohol, Silica, Linalool, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499

Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20

Soy Protein Phthalate

Emollient

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%

UV Absorber
0 / 0 Chemical UV Filter IconMay cause irritation IconNon-Reef-Safe Icon

Titanium/Titanium Dioxide 1.9%

Cosmetic Colorant

Cyclopentasiloxane

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Isododecane

Emollient

Dimethicone

Emollient
1 / 0 Silicon Icon

Phenyl Trimethicone

Skin Conditioning
Silicon Icon

Butylene Glycol

Humectant
1 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Polymethyl Methacrylate

Polysilicone-11

Silicon Icon

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone

Emulsifying
Silicon Icon

Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate

Emollient

Silica

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Algae Extract

Emollient
May worsen Oily Skin Icon

Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil

Emollient
1-3 / 0 Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Medicago Sativa Seed Powder

Skin Conditioning

Helianthus Annuus Seedcake

Abrasive
Exfoliant IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal

Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon

Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil

Perfuming
Fragrance IconOil IconMay cause irritation IconEU Allergen Icon

Sodium Gluconate

Skin Conditioning

Copper Gluconate

Skin Conditioning
Good for Scar Healing Icon

Calcium Gluconate

Humectant

Magnesium Gluconate

Skin Conditioning

Zinc Gluconate

Skin Conditioning
Helps fight Acne Icon

Tocopheryl Succinate

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Niacin

Smoothing
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Dark Spots Icon

Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder

Skin Conditioning

Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate

Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract

Cleansing
Fragrance Icon

Chondrus Crispus Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract

Emollient
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Hordeum Vulgare Extract

Emollient

Saccharum Officinarum Extract

Moisturising

Chlorella Vulgaris Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract

Skin Protecting

Corallina Officinalis Extract

Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Saccharomyces Lysate Extract

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Silybum Marianum Extract

Skin Conditioning

Lactis Proteinum

Skin Conditioning

Laminaria Saccharina Extract

Skin Protecting

Codium Tomentosum Extract

Skin Protecting

Sucrose

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Glycerin

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconGood for Scar Healing IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Cholesterol

Emollient
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Eryngium Maritimum Extract

Tonic

Laminaria Digitata Extract

Skin Protecting
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps reduce irritation Icon

Glycine Soja Protein

Emulsifying

Acetyl Glucosamine

Skin Conditioning

Caffeine

Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce irritation IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Sorbitol

Humectant
0 / 0 Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract

Skin Conditioning

Tourmaline

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

Humectant
Peptide IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon

Sodium Hyaluronate

Humectant
0 / 0 Hyaluronic Acid IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Hexyl Laurate

Emollient
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone

Emulsifying
Silicon Icon

Disteardimonium Hectorite

Stabilising

C12-16 Alcohols

Emollient

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate

Absorbent
0 / 0

Trehalose

Humectant
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Yeast Extract

Skin Conditioning
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Dimethicone Silylate

Silicon Icon

Propylene Glycol Diethylhexanoate

Emollient

Yeast Polysaccharides

Skin Conditioning

Caprylyl Glycol

Emollient
Fatty Alcohol Icon

Triethyl Citrate

Masking
Fragrance Icon

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Antioxidant
Vitamin C IconAntioxidant IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconGood for Skin Texture IconGood for Minimizing Pores IconHelps brighten skin Icon

Stearic Acid

Cleansing
2-3 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Palmitic Acid

Emollient
2 / 0 May worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon

Hydrogenated Lecithin

Emulsifying
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon

Methicone

Emollient
Silicon Icon

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate

Emollient

Tocopheryl Linoleate/Oleate

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Sodium Chloride

Masking
Can worsen Dry Skin IconBad for Acne Prone Skin IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Aluminum Hydroxide

Emollient

Hexylene Glycol

Emulsifying
0-2 / 0-1

Triethoxycaprylylsilane

Silicon Icon

Parfum

Masking
Fragrance IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Alcohol Denat.

Antimicrobial
Alcohol IconCan worsen Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconMay cause irritation IconMay worsen Eczema IconMay worsen Rosacea Icon

Disodium EDTA

BHT

Antioxidant
Antioxidant Icon

Phenoxyethanol

Preservative
Preservative Icon

Mica

Cosmetic Colorant
May worsen Eczema Icon

CI 77891

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 77492

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 77491

Cosmetic Colorant

CI 77499

Cosmetic Colorant

Soy Protein Phthalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.5%, Titanium/Titanium Dioxide 1.9%, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polysilicone-11, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Silica, Algae Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Medicago Sativa Seed Powder, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Sodium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopheryl Succinate, Niacin, Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Silybum Marianum Extract, Lactis Proteinum, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Codium Tomentosum Extract, Sucrose, Glycerin, Cholesterol, Eryngium Maritimum Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Glycine Soja Protein, Acetyl Glucosamine, Caffeine, Sorbitol, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Tourmaline, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexyl Laurate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, C12-16 Alcohols, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Trehalose, Yeast Extract, Dimethicone Silylate, Propylene Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Yeast Polysaccharides, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethyl Citrate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Methicone, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Tocopheryl Linoleate/Oleate, Sodium Chloride, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hexylene Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Parfum, Alcohol Denat., Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499

Ingredients Explained

These ingredients are found in both products.

Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.

Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, commonly known as Argireline, is a popular peptide in skincare. It’s often referred to as a “Botox-like” ingredient because it helps reduce muscle movement.

By relaxing these micro-movements, Argireline may help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That said, it’s not as powerful as Botox, and research on its long-term effectiveness is still limited.

Beyond smoothing, Argireline may also support collagen production. Collagen is the protein that helps keep your skin firm, bouncy, and well-hydrated by strengthening the skin barrier.

So while Argireline isn’t a miracle fix, it can be a helpful addition to a routine focused on both prevention and skin health.

Read more about other common types of peptides here:

Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
BHT
Antioxidant, Masking

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.

As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.

The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.

However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.

Learn more about BHT
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning

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 Glycol
Skin Conditioning

Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.

While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.

Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.

Learn more about Caffeine
Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning

This ingredient is a high molecular weight silicone. It has emulsifying and skin conditioning properties.

Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 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 77491
Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 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 77492
Cosmetic Colorant

Ci 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.

Cosmetic Colorant

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 77891
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.

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 Dimethicone

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.

Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.

Learn more about Disodium EDTA

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 Hectorite
UV Absorber, UV Filter

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.

UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.

The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.

Learn more about Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Hexyl Laurate isn't fungal acne safe.

Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Methicone is a type of silicone and is a simpler form of dimethicone.

Silicones are used to enhance the texture of products and have emollient properties. Methicone is used to give products a silky texture and improves spreadability.

Cosmetic Colorant

Mica refers to a group of silicate minerals. Mica crystals are easily split to give products a shimmer. These crystals are able to reflect light to temporarily give your skin a glowy look.

Mica is found to be safe. 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.

Mica can be naturally found throughout the world. However, some sources of mica may be controversial. In 2016, mica mined in the Jharkhand state in India was found to be using child labor. However, companies are able to source ethical mica affiliated with international organizations that monitor the mica supply chain.

Learn more about Mica
Emollient, Emulsifying

Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in our skin and in many plant and animal sources. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It serves many purposes in skincare, acting as a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.

As an emollient, palmitic acid helps soften and smooth the skin by preventing water loss. In cleansers, it helps remove oil and dirt while creating foam.

Its emulsifying properties help stabilize products by keeping water and oil-based ingredients from separating.

This may not be suitable for fungal acne-prone skin, as fatty acids like this can sometimes trigger breakouts in sensitive individuals.

Learn more about Palmitic Acid
Preservative

Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.

It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.

Skin Conditioning

Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.

Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.

As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.

Learn more about Phenyl Trimethicone

Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

Polysilicone-11 is a type of silicone.

Abrasive, Absorbent

Silica is a mineral naturally found in our skin. It helps to thicken and smooth the texture of a product. It also acts as an agent for other ingredients by increasing the absorption of other ingredients into the skin.

Silica is often used for absorption and can help reduce shine when products are applied. Silica occurs in naturally in materials like clay and sandstone, and it can also be produced synthetically.

Silica is present naturally within the skin during collagen production and when reducing inflammation.

Learn more about Silica
Masking

Chances 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.

There is much debate on whether this ingredient is comedogenic. The short answer - comedogenic ratings don't tell the whole story. Learn more about comegodenic ratings here.

The concensus about this ingredient causing acne seems to be divided. Research is needed to understand if this ingredient does cause acne.

Scrubs may use salt as the primary exfoliating ingredient.

Learn more about Sodium Chloride
Humectant, Skin Conditioning

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.

Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.

These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:

Learn more about Sodium Hyaluronate
Cleansing, Emulsifying, Emulsion Stabilising

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.

As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.

Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.

Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Stearic Acid
Humectant, Moisturising

Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.

As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.

Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.

In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.

Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.

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Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.

As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.

Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.

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Masking, Perfuming

Triethyl Citrate comes from citric acid. It has masking, perfuming, and solvent properties. As a solvent, this ingredient helps disperse ingredients evenly in skincare.

One manufacturer claims this ingredient can:

According to perfume manufacturers, this ingredient is almost odorless but has a mild fruity, wine and plum scent. It can be used to mask the scent of other ingredients.

This ingredient can be plant-sourced or synthetic; it can naturally be found in cabbage and white wine.

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