What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientBis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Bisabolol
AntioxidantAcrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydrated Silica
AbrasiveTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydrogen Dimethicone
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientAlumina
AbrasiveAroma
Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHelichrysum Stoechas Extract
TonicMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisodium Phosphate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Titanium Dioxide, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Polytrimethylsiloxymethacrylate Copolymer, Caprylyl Methicone, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Magnesium Sulfate, Bisabolol, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrated Silica, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Alumina, Aroma, Perfluorooctyl Triethoxysilane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Propanediol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Helichrysum Stoechas Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77491
Panax Ginseng Root Water
MaskingCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantIsohexadecane
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningErythritol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-2 Isostearate
EmulsifyingAcrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Acrylates/Propyl Trimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolymethylsilsesquioxane
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPvp
Emulsion StabilisingCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTriethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningPropylene Carbonate
SolventBisabolol
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningC12-13 Pareth-9
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingLauryl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSqualane
EmollientCyclodextrin
AbsorbentOrchid Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningSparassis Crispa Extract
Emulsion StabilisingThamnolia Vermicularis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Isohexadecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Caprylyl Methicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Erythritol, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Isododecane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Mica, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, CI 77492, Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Acrylates/Propyl Trimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pvp, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Aluminum Hydroxide, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Water, Propylene Carbonate, Bisabolol, Xanthan Gum, CI 77499, CI 77491, Ethylhexylglycerin, C12-13 Pareth-9, Parfum, Lauryl Dimethicone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Squalane, Cyclodextrin, Orchid Extract, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Sparassis Crispa Extract, Thamnolia Vermicularis Leaf Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 HydroxideBisabolol is a gentle skin conditioner, antioxidant, and soothing ingredient.
It's primary claim to fame is soothing and research shows topically applied bisabolol can quiet the chemical messengers that cause your skin to become inflamed, helping to sooth any irritation.
A clinical study found that applying 0.5% bisabolol daily for 8 weeks produced an average 9% decrease in skin pigmentation. Researchers found it can also suppress the process that leads to excess melanin production in skin.
In vitro studies found that bisabolol combined with propylene glycol significantly increased skin permeability by increasing lipid fluidity in the stratum corneum.
You'll likely see use concentrations quite low, usually 0.1-0.2%.
Overall, this is a well-tolerated ingredient that works well in formulas designed for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.
Learn more about BisabololButylene 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 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 MethiconeCentella 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 77891Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisteardimonium 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 HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 IsododecaneMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfatePentylene 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.
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolWater. 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