What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Paraffinum Liquidum
EmollientPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientParfum
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientBenzyl Nicotinate
Skin ConditioningTribehenin
EmollientTin Oxide
AbrasiveButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Sorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Chondroitin Sulfate
Skin ConditioningCapsicum Frutescens Resin
CleansingAtelocollagen
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantParaffinum Liquidum, Persea Gratissima Oil, Silica, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Benzyl Nicotinate, Tribehenin, Tin Oxide, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate, Capsicum Frutescens Resin, Atelocollagen, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Glycine Soja Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Benzoate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, CI 77891
C18-36 Acid Triglyceride
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientPolybutene
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientTribehenin
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCapsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSorbic Acid
PreservativeVanillyl Butyl Ether
MaskingCalcium Sodium Borosilicate
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Saccharin
MaskingLactic Acid
BufferingMentha Piperita Oil
MaskingCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Silica
AbrasiveTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTin Oxide
AbrasiveSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLimonene
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Alumina
AbrasiveMagnesium Silicate
AbsorbentGlucomannan
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45380
Cosmetic ColorantC18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Polybutene, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Diisostearyl Malate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tribehenin, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbic Acid, Vanillyl Butyl Ether, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Saccharin, Lactic Acid, Mentha Piperita Oil, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Silica, Trihydroxystearin, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Aluminum Hydroxide, Tin Oxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Limonene, Tocopherol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Alumina, Magnesium Silicate, Glucomannan, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 15985, Mica, CI 15850, CI 45410, CI 19140, CI 42090, CI 45380
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 77891Ethylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is an ester of palmitic acid, a C16 fatty acid that falls within the C11-24 range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1 (aka Pal-GHK) is a synthetic signal peptide made of three amino acids attached to palmitic acid.
That fatty acid attachment is the key: it boosts the peptide's ability to penetrate the skin barrier. This puts it closer to the dermal cells where it can actually make a difference.
Once there, it acts as a matrikine, a signaling peptide that prompts fibroblasts to produce more collagen, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid.
In vitro studies show it can boost collagen production in skin cells even when UV-damaged skin samples were treated with it at a tiny concentration (it almost fully restored dermal collagen at 5ppm). It achieved this at 100x lower concentration than retinoic acid, which needed 500 ppm to do the same thing.
Human clinical data is promising, but modest:
A study of 23 female volunteers found a small but statistically significant increase (~4%) in skin thickness after treatment at 4 ppm.
A separate small trial of 15 women showed statistically significant reductions in wrinkle length, depth, and skin roughness after applying it twice daily for four weeks.
You'll likely see Pal-GHK paired with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 as part of the Matrixyl 3000 complex.
Fungal acne note:
Usually a palmitic acid component can feed Malassezia in unbound form, but here is is covalently bonded to the peptide. This means it is very difficult for Malassezia to access, and therefore very unlikely to cause fungal acne.
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is a synthetic emollient and "skin-feel" ingredient that spreads well and leaves a non-sticky finish with high gloss.
In makeup, it also doubles as a pigment-wetting agent for better color payoff.
It's a well-vetted ingredient for safety and does not penetrate into skin due to its large molecule size.
Because it's a long-chain fatty acid ester, this ingredient may not be fungal acne or Malassezia safe.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearatePentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Silica, 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 SilicaThis silica is mainly used to thicken oils and suspend particles in oils. It is not water soluble.
According to the manufacturer, it:
The manufacturer also claims this ingredient to be useful in makeup.
In lipstick formulations, this ingredient improves color payoff, reduces pigment settling, and reduces oil bleeding. This ingredient also improves the grip of powder products such as dry shampoos.
Learn more about Silica Dimethyl SilylateSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, it keeps the water and oil ingredients from separating. This keeps formulas stable and smooth.
In a 24 hour occlusive patch test on 56 subjects, 10% sorbitan isostearate was completely non-irritating. Most formulas use less than 10%.
Because it's a fatty acid ester, it may not be fungal acne safe since the Malassezia yeast can utilize it as a nutrient source.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateTin Oxide is an inorganic oxide used to add opacity and volume to a product. In nature, it is already found in mineral form. The main ore of tin is an opaque and shiny mineral called casseterite.
Tin Oxide helps remove translucency in a product, or make it more opaque. Besides adding opacity, tin oxide is used for bulking to add volume.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateTribehenin is the triglyceride of glycerin and behenic acid. It is an emollient that helps soften and condition skin.
Safety-wise, this is a well-vetted ingredient. Repeated-insult patch tests of 0.38% tribehenin did not trigger sensitization.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because behenic acid falls into the chain-length range that Malassezia yeasts can feed on.
Learn more about Tribehenin