What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningParaffin
PerfumingC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCetyl Dimethicone
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientDiisopropyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientPhytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
AstringentPolyethylene
AbrasiveMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Isostearate
EmulsifyingHexadecene
SolventEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCalcium Aluminum Borosilicate
Alumina
AbrasiveCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTribehenin
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantOryzanol
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Glycyrrhizate
MaskingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantCalcium Sodium Borosilicate
Parfum
MaskingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPunica Granatum Extract
AstringentSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Tin Oxide
AbrasivePolyethylene Terephthalate
Silica
AbrasiveSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPalmitoyl Oligopeptide
CleansingAcrylates Copolymer
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45380
Cosmetic ColorantCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantDiisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Phenyl Trimethicone, Paraffin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Diisopropyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Polyethylene, Microcrystalline Wax, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Hexadecene, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Alumina, Caprylyl Glycol, Tribehenin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Oryzanol, Ammonium Glycyrrhizate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Parfum, Glyceryl Stearate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Punica Granatum Extract, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Tin Oxide, Polyethylene Terephthalate, Silica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Acrylates Copolymer, CI 77891, CI 45410, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 15850, CI 15985, Mica, CI 42090, CI 45380, CI 75470, CI 19140
Polybutene
Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveTriisostearyl Citrate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Lactate
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientTrimethylolpropane Triisostearate
EmollientLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningOctyldodecanol
EmollientTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientSucrose Acetate Isobutyrate
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningCitrullus Lanatus Seed Oil
EmollientTribehenin
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantButyrospermum Parkii Nut Extract
EmollientHydrated Silica
AbrasiveLecithin
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantPolybutene, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyethylene, Triisostearyl Citrate, C12-15 Alkyl Lactate, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Trimethylolpropane Triisostearate, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Citrullus Lanatus Seed Oil, Tribehenin, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butyrospermum Parkii Nut Extract, Hydrated Silica, Lecithin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Lactic Acid, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopherol, Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Caprylyl Glycol, CI 15850, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides, CI 42090, CI 45410, CI 19140, CI 15985
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) made by combining it with palmitic acid.
It is able to blend easily into creams and oil-based formulas because it dissolves in oils rather than water.
As you may know, regular vitamin C is notorious for breaking down when exposed to sunlight and air. Ascorbyl Palmitate is more stable and degrades at a slower rate.
Research on whether it converts efficiently into active vitamin C once it's applied on your skin is still limited.
Some in-vitro studies suggest it may support collagen production, but it is not considered one of the stronger vitamin C derivatives, like:
Due to the palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Comedogenic studies have also shown this ingredient to have a rating of 2.
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.
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredientâs final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl 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 GlycolCi 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 15985 is a dye made from petroleum. It is synthetically created and approved by the FDA for use in foods and cosmetics.
The color of this dye is orange/yellow.
This ingredient can be found in makeup, sun care, and skincare.
Learn more about CI 15985CI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Ci 42090 is a synthetic dye created from petroleum. It is used to give a bright blue color to cosmetics, medicine, and food.
CI 45410 is a synthetic red-pigment and dye.
It often goes by both Red 28 or Red 27; manufacturers label both ingredients as CI 45410.
This dye is commonly found in makeup because it imparts a vivid color. Some types of this dye change color based on pH level and interaction with moisture:
Your skin has a natural pH of around 4.5 - 5.5.
According to the FDA, CI 45410 is not permitted for use in eye products.
Red 27 is a flourescein dye and commonly used as a fluorescent tracer in medicine.
Learn more about CI 45410Diisostearyl 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.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinOctyldodecanol 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.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamatePentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate is derived from isostearic acid. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
The highest concentration of this ingredient is found in lipsticks.
This ingredient is minimally water soluble and may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl TetraisostearatePolyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
It is also typically used within product formulations to help bind solid ingredients together and thicken oil-based ingredients. When added to balms and emulsions, it helps increase the melting point temperature.
Sodium 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 Isostearate is an emulsifer. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, it keeps the water and oil ingredients from separating. This keeps formulas stable and smooth.
In a 24 hour occlusive patch test on 56 subjects, 10% sorbitan isostearate was completely non-irritating. Most formulas use less than 10%.
Because it's a fatty acid ester, it may not be fungal acne safe since the Malassezia yeast can utilize it as a nutrient source.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateSynthetic 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 TocopherolTocopheryl 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 AcetateTribehenin comes from glycerin and behenic acid.
It is used as an emollient, or moisturizer. Emollients form a thin barrier on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Tribehenin