What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsocetyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPolymethyl Methacrylate
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningHdi/PPG/Polycaprolactone Crosspolymer
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSilybum Marianum Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningLactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Linoleate/Oleate
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantMethicone
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSaccharomyces Lysate Extract
HumectantPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientGlycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveLecithin
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingLauryl Methyl Gluceth-10 Hydroxypropyldimonium Chloride
Dimethicone Silylate
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPEG-4 Dilaurate
EmulsifyingCalcium Chloride
AstringentLinalool
PerfumingBHT
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Trimethicone, Water, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isocetyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Hdi/PPG/Polycaprolactone Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Silybum Marianum Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Caffeine, Lactis Proteinum, Yeast Extract, Tocopheryl Linoleate/Oleate, Glycerin, Trehalose, Methicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Acetyl Glucosamine, Cholesterol, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Glycine Soja Protein, Silica, Lecithin, Sodium Chloride, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Lauryl Methyl Gluceth-10 Hydroxypropyldimonium Chloride, Dimethicone Silylate, Xanthan Gum, PEG-4 Dilaurate, Calcium Chloride, Linalool, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid 2.7%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 6.7%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate 4.5%
UV AbsorberZinc Oxide 3.8%
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningHdi/PPG/Polycaprolactone Crosspolymer
Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer
Tromethamine
BufferingPolysilicone-11
Hexyl Laurate
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantTremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
AntioxidantHylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil
Skin ConditioningCarapa Guaianensis Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingSapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMorinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingCopaifera Officinalis Resin
MaskingTriolein
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBetaine
HumectantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTrehalose
HumectantHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientCaesalpinia Spinosa Gum
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingMethicone
EmollientLinoleic Acid
CleansingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantTriethyl Citrate
MaskingPalmitic Acid
EmollientPhytosteryl Canola Glycerides
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingOleic Acid
EmollientPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveLinalool
PerfumingDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPhenylbenzimidazole 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
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, commonly known as Argireline or Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, 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-8BHT 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 BHTButylene 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 GlycolCaffeine 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 CaffeineThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCi 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.
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 DimethiconeDisodium 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 EDTADisteardimonium 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 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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Hdi/PPG/Polycaprolactone Crosspolymer yet.
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil is more commonly known as lavender essential oil. It is considered a fragrancing ingredient.
Lavender imparts a famous scent. While the smell is lovely, this ingredient and may sensitize skin in topical products. This is because about 85% of the oil is made up of linalool and linalyl acetate.
When exposed to air, these two compounds become strong allergens. This ingredient exhibits cytotoxicity at low concentrations; amounts of 0.25% have been shown to damage skin cells.
A study from Japan found this ingredient caused lavender sensitivity after widespread exposure.
Lavender essential oil has some antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the cons of this ingredient may outweight the pros.
More research is needed to confirm lavender essential oil's effects when used in aromatherapy.
Lavandula Angustifolia is known as the English Lavender and famous for creating purple fields in Provence, France.
Learn more about Lavandula Angustifolia OilLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
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 feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Some other names for this ingredient include soy lecithin and deoiled soy lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolMethicone 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.
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.
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 TrimethiconePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSilica, 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.
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 ChlorideSodium 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 HyaluronateTrehalose 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.
Learn more about TrehaloseThis 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water