What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCalcium Titanium Borosilicate
AbrasiveDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTin Oxide
AbrasiveCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantEthylene/Va Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientPolybutylene Terephthalate
Acrylates Copolymer
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingPhenyl Methicone
EmollientPolyvinyl Alcohol
Polyvinyl Butyral
Polyvinyl Acetate
Emulsion StabilisingDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolypropylene
Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasivePetrolatum
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77510
Cosmetic ColorantTrimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientTalc
AbrasiveHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientZinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPolyethylene
AbrasiveNylon-12
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningIsostearyl Neopentanoate
EmollientPolyisobutene
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientBis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane, Diisostearyl Malate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Calcium Titanium Borosilicate, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Titanium Dioxide, Mica, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Tin Oxide, CI 77491, Ethylene/Va Copolymer, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Acrylates Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Phenyl Methicone, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Polyvinyl Butyral, Polyvinyl Acetate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Polypropylene, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Silica, Petrolatum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Water, CI 15850, CI 77510, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Palmitic Acid, Talc, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Zinc Stearate, Polyethylene, Nylon-12, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Polyisobutene, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, CI 77499, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Talc
AbrasiveCalcium Titanium Borosilicate
AbrasiveCalcium Sodium Borosilicate
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Dimethicone
EmollientMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantNeopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate
EmollientHexyl Laurate
EmollientDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTin Oxide
AbrasiveGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantPolybutylene Terephthalate
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Ethylene/Va Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates Copolymer
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientMagnesium Myristate
CI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Sulfate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate
Skin ConditioningNylon-12
CI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantKaolin
AbrasiveUltramarines
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCaesalpinia Sappan Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 77510
Cosmetic ColorantPolyethylene Terephthalate
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantTriethylhexanoin
MaskingTalc, Calcium Titanium Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dimethicone, Magnesium Stearate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Hexyl Laurate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, CI 77891, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Caprylyl Glycol, Tin Oxide, Glyceryl Caprylate, Mica, Ethylhexylglycerin, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77491, CI 15850, Tocopherol, Polybutylene Terephthalate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Ethylene/Va Copolymer, Acrylates Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Silica, Diisostearyl Malate, Magnesium Myristate, CI 77007, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 73360, CI 19140, Water, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Sulfate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate, Nylon-12, CI 77742, Kaolin, Ultramarines, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77492, Caesalpinia Sappan Bark Extract, CI 77510, Polyethylene Terephthalate, CI 77499, Triethylhexanoin
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates Copolymer is used as a film-forming agent and texture enhancer.
After applied, Acrylates Copolymer forms a thin film cover that helps skin feel more soft. It can help sunscreens become more water-resistant.
It is also used to make a product more thick.
Learn more about Acrylates CopolymerThis ingredient is lipid-based synthetic skin-conditioning agent derived from adipic acid and a mixture of fatty acids. It is often called a lanolin substitute.
As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate the skin. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Due to its fatty acid base, it may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate is made up of calcium, aluminum, and silicates. It is a glass-like material. In cosmetics, it comes in the form of flakes or microspheres.
Calcium aluminum borosilicate is a bulking agent, meaning it helps thicken a product.
This ingredient is created by slowly mixing several minerals, including kaolin clay.
Although “aluminum” in an ingredient name can raise red flags for some consumers, the form and usage context matter significantly. For typical topical applications, there is no substantial evidence of health risks - such as cancer, neurotoxicity, or systemic “aluminum overload.”
Learn more about Calcium Aluminum BorosilicateCalcium Titanium Borosilicate is an exfoliant.
Ci 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850Ci 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.
This ingredient is used to impart a blue color. It is not water-soluble.
It goes by two different names:
1. Ferric Ferrocyanide: a synthetic dark blue pigment
2. Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide: a synthetic blue pigment, also called Prussian blue
In the EU, both of these colors must be labeled as 'CI 77510'.
Learn more about CI 77510Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeThis ingredient is a high molecular weight fatty acid ester. It has skin conditioning properties and is also used as an emollient, texture enhancer, and viscosity emulsifier.
We don't have a description for Ethylene/Va Copolymer yet.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid. It is an emollient, co-emulsifier, and preservative booster.
Its short C8 fatty acid chain makes it behave differently from its longer-chain emollient cousins like Glyceryl Stearate. It feels more lightweight, fast-absorbing, and silky instead of rich and waxy.
As a co-emulsifier, its "head" and "tail" sit at the oil-water interface. But overall, the short C8 tail and not being water soluble means it doesn't really have the muscle to emulsify a formula on its own. That's why you'll often see it paired with a primary emulsifier like Cetearyl Glucoside.
Interestingly, Glyceryl Caprylate acts as a preservative booster. This is because its fatty-acid backbone disrupts microbial lipid membranes. It shows excellent activity against bacteria and yeast but is weaker against mold.
Typical concentrations range from 0.5-1% and this ingredient is generally non-irritating.
Because this ingredient has a C8 fatty acid chain, it is outside the range that the Malassezia yeast metabolizes (making it fungal acne safe).
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateMica 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 MicaNylon-12 is a polymer. It is derived from 12-aminododecanoic acid, an omega-amino fatty acid
According to a manufacturer, it is a talc substitute. Like talc, nylon-12 gives products a satin feel. The manufacturer also claims this ingredients does not block pores and has moderate oil absorption.
This ingredient may not be reef-safe.
Learn more about Nylon-12We don't have a description for Polybutylene Terephthalate yet.
This ingredient is a form of glycerin with emulsifying and emollient properties.
As an emulsifier, this ingredient helps keep products together while adding a thick texture. The manufacturer states this ingredient has emollient properties. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is created by reacting diglycerin and isostearic acid. Due to the isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateSilica, 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 SilicaSynthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteTalc is a clay mineral. It helps absorb moisture and improve the texture of products. Like other types of clay, Talc can have a slight exfoliating effect on skin. Talc can be added to increase the volume of products.
Some Baby powders are made by combining talc with corn starch. The word "talc" comes from Latin and originates from Arabic. Talc is a mineral commonly found throughout the world.
If you have any concerns about using talc, we recommend checking out the FDA's official page.
Learn more about TalcTin 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.
Titanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideWater. 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