What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Isopentyldiol
HumectantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventQuaternium-90 Bentonite
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientHydrogenated Styrene/Methylstyrene/Indene Copolymer
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Propylene Carbonate
SolventPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Sodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeHydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantPassiflora Edulis Seed Oil
EmollientSchinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil
EmollientMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingSorbitol
HumectantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Isopentyldiol, Caprylyl Methicone, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Silica, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Propanediol, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Styrene/Methylstyrene/Indene Copolymer, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Propylene Carbonate, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Hydrogenated Styrene/Isoprene Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propylene Glycol, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Sorbitol, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
Dimethicone
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPolyethylene
AbrasivePropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingMica
Cosmetic ColorantDivinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningBoron Nitride
AbsorbentMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Tocopherol
AntioxidantDextrin Palmitate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTalc
AbrasiveGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Methylparaben
PreservativeTetrasodium EDTA
Paraffinum Liquidum
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPolymethyl Methacrylate
Dehydroacetic Acid
PreservativePalmitic Acid
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningEscin
TonicPhoenix Dactylifera Seed Extract
MoisturisingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientRuscus Aculeatus Root Extract
AstringentAmmonium Glycyrrhizate
MaskingBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientProlinamidoethyl Imidazole
Skin ProtectingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone, Water, Isododecane, Isohexadecane, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Polyethylene, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Glycerin, Caprylyl Methicone, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Mica, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Boron Nitride, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Tocopherol, Dextrin Palmitate, Phenoxyethanol, Talc, Glycine Soja Oil, Silica, Aluminum Hydroxide, Lauroyl Lysine, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Methylparaben, Tetrasodium EDTA, Paraffinum Liquidum, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Panthenol, Escin, Phoenix Dactylifera Seed Extract, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Ruscus Aculeatus Root Extract, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Prolinamidoethyl Imidazole, Centella Asiatica Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hexylene Glycol, 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.
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 GlycolCaprylyl Methicone is a synthetic and lightweight silicone fluid. It gives products a silky, dry-touch finish without the heaviness of pure oils.
Though the EU CosIng Database lists this ingredient as a skin conditioner, it is also used for sensory reasons. It spreads easily, cuts greasiness, and reduces tackiness.
This ingredient is volatile which means it will mostly evaporate (but it evaporates slower than older cyclomethicones, like Cyclotetrasiloxane).
Typical concentration ranges from 1-30% depending on if it's being used to tweak the feel of a product or acting as the main emollient.
Learn more about Caprylyl MethiconeCi 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.
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 silicone elastomer that works as a texture enhancer, adds a silky slip, and also helps absorb excess oil.
Because it's a large macromolecule that's insoluble in water and chemically inert, it's not expected to penetrate or be absorbed into skin.
Human patch tests with a facial lotion containing 1% of this ingredient found no sensitization.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerGlycerin (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 GlycerinGlycine Soja Oil comes from the soybean. Glycine Soja is native to eastern Asia.
Soybean oil is an emollient. It is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids including palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids.
As an emollient, the fatty acids in soybean oil helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. It does so by creating a film on top that traps moisture in.
Soybean oil is also rich in vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. Vitamin E is also anti-inflammatory and provides a soothing effect.
Studies show soy may help fade hyperpigmentation from UVB. It does so by disrupting the melanin process from UVB induced skin inflammation.
This ingredient may not be malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne, safe.
Soybeans are rich in proteins and are part of the legume family. Foods made with soybeans include tofu, soymilk, edamame, miso, and soy sauce.
Learn more about Glycine Soja OilHexylene Glycol is a multitasker ingredient that works as a solvent, humectant, emulsifier, viscosity reducer, and preservative booster.
It is able to dissolve both water and oil-soluble ingredients to stabilize tricky actives and make products spread more easily.
As a humectant, it pulls water into the skin. But it's a pretty minor moisturizing ingredient compared to other humectants, like glycerin.
Interestingly, it can act as a mild penetration enhancer. One in vitro study on human skin found a 12% concentration upped the absorption of mometasone furoate (a medicinal ingredient used to treat inflammatory skin conditions) up to 7%.
This ingredient is typically used at levels of 0.1-10% depending on the role it's playing.
A patch test study on eczema patients didn't find a significant increase in irritation versus the control group, but the potential for irritation rises at higher concentrations.
Learn more about Hexylene GlycolIsododecane 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 IsododecaneThis 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.
Phenoxyethanol 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 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 HyaluronateTocopherol 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 TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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