What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberMica
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Tromethamine
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSodium Chloride
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydrogen Dimethicone
Parfum
MaskingLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Squalane
EmollientHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveWater, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, CI 77891, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Zinc Oxide, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Mica, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Diisostearyl Malate, Niacinamide, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Tromethamine, Glycerin, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, CI 77492, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77491, Aluminum Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Parfum, Lauroyl Lysine, Panthenol, CI 77499, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propanediol, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Squalane, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientBoron Nitride
AbsorbentPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventPolymethyl Methacrylate
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDisteardimonium Hectorite
Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Chloride
MaskingAlumina
AbrasivePEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmollientParfum
MaskingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Simethicone
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantMica
Cosmetic ColorantHydroxypropyl Bislauramide Mea
EmollientPolyvinyl Alcohol
Tocopherol
AntioxidantPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingTin Oxide
AbrasiveWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Boron Nitride, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Propanediol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, 1,2-Hexanediol, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, CI 77492, Sodium Chloride, Alumina, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Parfum, CI 77491, Aluminum Hydroxide, Caprylyl Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Simethicone, CI 77499, Disodium EDTA, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Hyaluronic Acid, Butylene Glycol, BHT, Mica, Hydroxypropyl Bislauramide Mea, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 80, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tin Oxide
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
Aluminum 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 GlycolThis is a lightweight diester (caprylic/capric acid + butylene glycol) with emollient and skin conditioning properties.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient can help add a "cushiony" oil phase without making it heavy.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl 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 77891Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDiphenylsiloxy 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.
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
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 HectoriteEthylhexyl 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 MethoxycinnamateHyaluronic acid (HA) is a glycosaminoglycan (basically a long sugar chain) that your skin already makes on its own. In your skin, HA lives in the extracellular matrix and acts as the body's moisture reservoir.
Topically, HA is a humectant that binds water and helps skin look more plump, smooth, and hydrated.
The only catch is that HA isn't a single thing; it actually comes in a wide range of molecular weights (~50 - 2,000+ kDA) and size matters.
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
This is why the best HA serums blend the two sizes together so you get the best of both worlds.
The majority of cosmetic HA is produced by bacterial fermentation, typically using Streptococcus or Bacillus strains. Typical use levels in skincare sit around 0.1-2%.
A clinical study using a 0.2% low-molecular weight HA gel showed improvement in facial seborrheic dermatitis with excellent tolerance.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Hyaluronic AcidThis ingredient comes as a powder made up of small, porous, microbeads. It is used to add a silky feel to products and also helps absorb oil.
Mica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. 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.
Learn more about MicaPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum 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 “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” 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 ParfumPeg-10 Dimethicone is silicone with conditioner and emulsifier properties. It mostly acts as an emollient in skincare and and humectant in haircare.
According to the manufacturer, acidic formulations decrease the stability of this ingredient. It works best in neutral or near neutral formulations.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolChances 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.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneThis 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