What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Olivate
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Humectant
Coconut Alkanes
Emollient
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Polypeptide-11
Sh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Sh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Glutamine
Skin ConditioningCopper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14
Skin Conditioning
Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Ferulic Acid
Antimicrobial
Nymphaea Odorata Root Extract
RefreshingSymphytum Officinale Root Cell Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Lecithin
Emollient
Isomalt
HumectantLinoleic Acid
Cleansing
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Anisate
AntimicrobialXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract
Antioxidant
Sodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientLactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Polyvinyl Alcohol
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Coconut Alkanes, Sorbitan Olivate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-9, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Acetyl Glutamine, Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14, Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Ferulic Acid, Nymphaea Odorata Root Extract, Symphytum Officinale Root Cell Extract, Sodium PCA, Salicylic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Isomalt, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Sodium Anisate, Xanthan Gum, Bacillus/Folic Acid Ferment Filtrate Extract, Sodium Levulinate, Caprylyl Glycol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Sorbitan Isostearate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Citric Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Eclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Collagen
Moisturising
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Oligopeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Melongena Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSyringa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
SolventSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Citric Acid
Buffering
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Glucose
Humectant
Cetearyl Glucoside
Emulsifying
Cetearyl Olivate
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract
EmollientHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Water, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Jojoba Esters, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Triethylhexanoin, Niacinamide, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Collagen, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Oligopeptide-1, Allantoin, Lactobacillus Ferment, Panthenol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Solanum Melongena Fruit Extract, Syringa Vulgaris Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Adenosine, Butylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Sorbitan Olivate, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, Glucose, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Olivate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Aloe Barbadensis Flower Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
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.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
Butylene 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 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 OlivateCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateGlycerin (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 GlycerinPropanediol 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 PropanediolSodium 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
