What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientPolypropylsilsesquioxane
Magnesium Sulfate
Octyldodecanol
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientHydrated Silica
AbrasiveIsohexadecane
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Stearic Acid
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Triethyl Citrate
MaskingAcrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Silica
Abrasive1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAcrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSilica Silylate
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingBHT
AntioxidantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Isododecane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Trisiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Butylene Glycol, Methyl Trimethicone, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Magnesium Sulfate, Octyldodecanol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Hydrated Silica, Isohexadecane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phenoxyethanol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Stearic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Triethyl Citrate, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Silica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Aluminum Hydroxide, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica Silylate, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, BHT, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Tocopherol, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantC13-16 Isoparaffin
SolventDimethicone
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingIsododecane
EmollientZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSodium Chloride
MaskingLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingSilica
AbrasiveParfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Tin Oxide
AbrasiveCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantViscum Album Leaf Extract
SoothingImperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Leaf Extract
MaskingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, C13-16 Isoparaffin, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Niacinamide, Isododecane, Zinc Oxide, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Silica, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Tin Oxide, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Butylene Glycol, Ceramide NP, Centella Asiatica Extract, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Tocopherol, Viscum Album Leaf Extract, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Leaf Extract, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77491, 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.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractCi 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. 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 DimethiconeDisodium 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 HectoriteGlycerin (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 GlycerinIsododecane is a fragrance, emollient, and solvent.
As an emollient, it helps your skin stay soft and hydrated. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin.
Isododecane's role as a solvent makes it a great texture enhancer. It spreads smoothly on skin and does not leave a sticky feeling behind. Isododecane also helps prevent color transfer in makeup products.
Isododecane is not absorbed into skin.
The chemical name for this ingredient is 2,2,4,6,6-PENTAMETHYLHEPTANE.
Learn more about IsododecaneSilica, 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 FluorphlogopiteTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane 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