What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientBetaine
HumectantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingPolymethyl Methacrylate
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantThymol Trimethoxycinnamate
AntioxidantGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientHydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea
EmollientMannitol
HumectantCopernicia Cerifera Wax Extract
Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Silica
AbrasiveArachidic Acid
CleansingCaesalpinia Sappan Stem Powder
ExfoliatingCholesterol
EmollientOleic Acid
EmollientWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Diisostearyl Malate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Betaine, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Methyl Trimethicone, C14-22 Alcohols, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Stearic Acid, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Panthenol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Palmitic Acid, Arachidyl Alcohol, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Acetyl Glucosamine, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceramide NP, Disodium EDTA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Dipropylene Glycol, Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate, Gluconolactone, Glucose, Tocopherol, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea, Mannitol, Copernicia Cerifera Wax Extract, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Silica, Arachidic Acid, Caesalpinia Sappan Stem Powder, Cholesterol, Oleic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantMyristic Acid
CleansingStearic Acid
CleansingSqualane
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingHydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingBupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningOleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPalmitic Acid
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientPolyacrylate-13
Polyisobutene
Polysorbate 20
EmulsifyingAngelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientPerilla Ocymoides Seed Extract
AntioxidantGlucose
HumectantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientPropanediol
SolventOphiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Water
MaskingArachidic Acid
CleansingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCanola Oil
EmollientGlycine Max Oil
EmollientWater, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Squalane, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, C14-22 Alcohols, Ceramide NP, Oleanolic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract, Glucose, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Propanediol, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Water, Arachidic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Canola Oil, Glycine Max Oil
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
Arachidic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in peanut oil and cocoa butter. Like other fatty acids, arachidic acid moisturizes the skin.
Synthetically created arachidic acid comes from linoleic acid.
This ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia Folliculitis, or fungal acne.
Learn more about Arachidic AcidArachidyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol made from peanut oil. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener.
You'll most likely find this ingredient as an emulsifier in water-based cosmetics.
We don't have a description for Arachidyl Glucoside yet.
Behenyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol (these are different from the drying, solvent alcohols).
Fatty Alcohols have hydrating properties and are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils; behenyl alcohol is derived from the fats of vegetable oils.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolWe don't have a description for C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside yet.
C14-22 Alcohols is made up of synthetic fatty alcohols. More specifically, these fatty alcohols contain 14 to 22 carbons in the alkyl chain.
Its main purpose is to stabilize products. As an emulsifier, it helps prevent waters and oils from separating.
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glucose is a simple sugar and is the most important source of energy in all organisms.
In skincare, glucose is used to hydrate the skin. It also acts as a prebiotic for our natural biome.
Glucose is hydrating due to its humectant property. As a humectant, glucose draws moisture from the air and from deeper levels in the skin.
Our skin contains many sugars that act as prebiotics and help strengthen our natural microbiome. Having a healthy microbiome helps protect our skin from harmful bacteria and other contaminants.
Studies show glucose may help with fading discoloration and pigmentation. This is because our skin metabolizes glucose into lactic acid. Lactic acid is an AHA that helps exfoliate the top layer of skin.
Learn more about GlucoseGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA is a synthetic molecule designed to mimic ceramides. Ceramides moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier.
This ingredient is claimed to be as effective as Ceramide 3, but with the added benefits of a lower melting point. This makes it easier to work with in formulations at a more affordable price.
According to a study looking at the structure of Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MEA, this ingredient cannot be categorized as a ceramide because it is lacking the sphingosine moiety.
Learn more about Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide MeaOenothera Biennis Oil is the fixed oil derived from the seeds of the Evening Primrose.
Evening primrose oil is rich in fatty acids. These fatty acids include linoleic (60-85%), oleic (5-12%), palmitic (4-10%), and stearic (2-4%).
The fatty acid composition makes it a great ingredient for soothing and moisturizing skin. However, it may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne safe.
Further research is needed on the role of evening primrose in treating eczema.
Evening primrose is native to North America.
Learn more about Oenothera Biennis OilPalmitic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in our skin and in many plant and animal sources. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It serves many purposes in skincare, acting as a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
As an emollient, palmitic acid helps soften and smooth the skin by preventing water loss. In cleansers, it helps remove oil and dirt while creating foam.
Its emulsifying properties help stabilize products by keeping water and oil-based ingredients from separating.
This may not be suitable for fungal acne-prone skin, as fatty acids like this can sometimes trigger breakouts in sensitive individuals.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidPanthenol 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 PanthenolSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water