What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Petrolatum
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Synthetic Wax
AbrasiveVp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPolyglyceryl-10 Heptahydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningPolydecene
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Fruit Juice
EmollientCocos Nucifera Liquid Endosperm
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingYogurt Powder
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningMenthol
MaskingPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientMeteorite Powder
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Silica
AbrasiveSaccharin
MaskingParfum
MaskingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45380
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantPetrolatum, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Synthetic Wax, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polyglyceryl-10 Heptahydroxystearate, Polydecene, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Juice, Cocos Nucifera Liquid Endosperm, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Yogurt Powder, Lactobacillus Ferment, Glycerin, Phytosterols, Menthol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Meteorite Powder, Cholesterol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sorbitan Oleate, Water, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Silica, Saccharin, Parfum, Benzyl Benzoate, Linalool, Limonene, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77163, CI 42090, CI 15850, CI 45380, CI 45410, CI 17200, CI 19140, CI 15985
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPolybutene
Jojoba Esters
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Copernicia Cerifera Wax
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Glycerin
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantErgothioneine
AntioxidantStevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Powder
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Pilosa Extract
Skin ConditioningSucrose Cocoate
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingKaolin
AbrasiveOryza Sativa Bran Wax
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientTriisostearin
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningAroma
CI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45380
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Polyisobutene, Polybutene, Jojoba Esters, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Cholesterol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ergothioneine, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Powder, Portulaca Pilosa Extract, Sucrose Cocoate, Panthenol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Silica, Carbomer, Kaolin, Oryza Sativa Bran Wax, Xanthan Gum, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Triisostearin, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate, Octyldodecanol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sorbitan Oleate, Water, Aroma, CI 77742, CI 17200, CI 45380, CI 77491, CI 77499, CI 77891
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is a high-molecular weight synthetic polymer. It is used to modify the viscosity of a formula, improve slip, and create a more "cushiony" texture.
Due to its large molecular size, this ingredient is not absorbed into the skin.
Cholesterol is a lipid that is naturally found in human skin and is one of the three key components of your skin barrier. In skincare, it is an emollient and barrier-repairing ingredient.
It works by fitting directly into the lipid layers of skin to help restore structure and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
This is a great ingredient for dry, compromised, or aging skin; our skin starts to produce less cholesterol with age.
Research shows cholesterol works best in combination with ceramides and fatty acids, the other two major components in your skin barrier.
Cholesterol is also a well-establish penetration enhancer and can help other actives absorb more effectively.
Cosmetic-grade cholesterol is usually derived from lanolin but plant and synthetic options also exist. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about their source of cholesterol.
Learn more about CholesterolCI 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 45380 is a synthetic dye that comes from coal or tar sources. Due to this, it is often used in small quantities.
A common name for this dye is Red 22. Red 22 imparts a warm reddish color.
Similar to Red 27, this dye changes color based on pH and moisture levels.
This dye is colorless when dry but turns pink between pH levels 0.0 to ~3.0.
Learn more about CI 45380Ci 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 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 77891This is a synthetic polymer used to thicken formulas, improve texture, and enhance spreadability.
Due to its large molecule size, this ingredient does not penetrate the skin and is considered well-tolerated.
Glycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHydrogenated 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 PolyisobuteneOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
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 SilicaSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSorbitan Oleate is created from compounds in oleic acid and sorbitol.
It is used to stabilize a product by preventing ingredients from separating. Emulsifiers help keep ingredients together, such as oils and water.
According to a manufacturer, the ingredient Sorbitan Monooleate shares an INCI name with this one.
Sorbitan Oleate may not be fungal acne safe. It can also worsen oily skin.
Learn more about Sorbitan OleateTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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