What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberNiacinamide
SmoothingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
EmollientMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPinus Densiflora Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialMorus Alba Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningRhus Semialata Gall Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningAspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingCommiphora Myrrha Resin Extract
Skin ConditioningYucca Schidigera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Zinc Oxide, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Octocrylene, Niacinamide, Polysorbate 60, Silica, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Beeswax, Dimethicone, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Rhus Semialata Gall Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Allantoin, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Yucca Schidigera Root Extract, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDibutyl Adipate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
SmoothingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Polysorbate 60
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingMethicone
EmollientMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingLauryl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingButylene Glycol
HumectantMalpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentOriganum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantGarcinia Mangostana Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil
EmollientScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentPunica Granatum Seed Oil
EmollientPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Seed Oil
EmollientLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Paradisi Seed Oil
PerfumingCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingWater, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Titanium Dioxide, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearyl Alcohol, Silica, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Polysorbate 60, Glyceryl Caprylate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Methicone, Myristyl Alcohol, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lauryl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Propylene Glycol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Citrus Paradisi Seed Oil, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum
Reviews
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.
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 preservatives
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineButylene 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 GlycolCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Sorbitan Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPolysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract comes from the Baikal skullcap or Chinese skullcap plant. This plant is native to Northeast Asia and can be found in China, Mongolia, Korea, and Siberia.
In cosmetics, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. This is due to the flavonoid composition of Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract.
In Chinese traditional folk medicine, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract is used to help treat lung issues and hypertension.
Learn more about Scutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractSilica, 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 HyaluronateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateWater. 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