What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingOctyldodecanol
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientMethylpropanediol
SolventPolymethylsilsesquioxane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSqualane
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingAnastatica Hierochuntica Extract
AstringentAdenosine
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Oil
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCollagen Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantBakuchiol
AntimicrobialCaffeine
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingAsiaticoside
AntioxidantPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
HumectantBifida Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Octyldodecanol, Caprylyl Methicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Methylpropanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Stearyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Squalane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Isostearate, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Adenosine, Allantoin, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Ceramide NP, Tocopherol, Collagen Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bakuchiol, Caffeine, Trehalose, Dipropylene Glycol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Butylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Phosphatidylcholine, Asiaticoside, Phytosphingosine, Asiatic Acid, Glycolipids, Madecassic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Sorbitol, Bifida Ferment Filtrate
Water
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Water
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPropanediol
SolventHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningVinyldimethicone
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningBoswellia Carterii Oil
MaskingAmyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingVetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil
MaskingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantDaucus Carota Sativa Extract
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientRose Flower Oil
MaskingHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAnemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDiglycerin
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingTranexamic Acid
AstringentAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Cetearyl Olivate
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientArbutin
AntioxidantSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPalmitic Acid
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Biosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientMethylpropanediol
SolventLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Vinyldimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Rose Flower Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, Diglycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Tranexamic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Arbutin, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Retinyl Palmitate, Tromethamine, Panthenol, Adenosine, Sodium Phytate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Methylpropanediol, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Citral, Caramel
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 AdenosineAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
Think of it as a supportive ingredient that helps your gel-creams feel silky, "cloud cream-like", and spread evenly without being greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated it (along with 22 other acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers) and concluded it's:
Due to its large molecular size, it sits on the surface of skin rather than penetrating it.
Learn more about Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerButylene 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 GlycolThis 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 ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCetearyl 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 OlivateEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (typically sourced from plant oils like palm or coconut). It's an emulsifier, emollient, and mild occlusive.
Emulsifiers help ingredients like oil and water stay mixed so your formula stays nicely blended and uniform in texture.
This ingredient is typically used in concentrations between 1-10%. Studies have found it to be non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, and non-photoallergenic.
A close cousin of this ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate SE ("self-emulsifying"). This just has a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate added so it can emulsify without a co-emulsifier.
Since this ingredient is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast can potentially metabolize within the C11-C24 range.
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateMethylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPentylene 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 GlycolPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is created from the diester of stearic acid and the condensation product of methylglucose and Polyglycerin-3.
As an emulsifier, it is used to bind ingredients together. Many ingredients, such as oils and water, separate naturally. Emulsifiers prevent them from separating to ensure even consistency in texture.
One of the manufacturer for this ingredient states it is vegetable-based. It is also claimed to be stable at both high and low temperatures.
This ingredient may not be safe for fungal acne. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose DistearatePolymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneSorbitan 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 not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateTocopherol 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 TocopherolWater. 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