What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Dimethicone
Emollient
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientHomosalate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil
Masking
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Camellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientLavandula Angustifolia Flower Water
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Water
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Sea Water
HumectantLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Tremella Fuciformis Extract
Humectant
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningEpilobium Fleischeri Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract
Antimicrobial
Nephelium Lappaceum Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLitchi Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGarcinia Mangostana Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningGardenia Taitensis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Capryloyl Glycine
CleansingSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingXylitol
Humectant
Sarcosine
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Citric Acid
Buffering
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Oxygen
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Citral
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Polyethylene, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ozokerite, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Water, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Sea Water, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Cinnamomum Zeylanicum Bark Extract, Nephelium Lappaceum Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract, Litchi Chinensis Fruit Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dehydroacetic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Xylitylglucoside, Anhydroxylitol, Capryloyl Glycine, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Hexylene Glycol, Xylitol, Sarcosine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Oxygen, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Citral, Linalool, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Eclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin Conditioning
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Peucedanum Graveolens Extract
TonicCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Hibiscus Abelmoschus Seed Extract
Masking
Thymus Serpyllum Extract
Skin ConditioningAchillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingAlpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant
Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate
Skin ProtectingPhyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Humectant
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingXylitylglucoside
Humectant
Gossypium Herbaceum Extract
Skin ConditioningKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningXylitol
Humectant
Yeast Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningCichorium Intybus Root Extract
MaskingVanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOrthosiphon Stamineus Extract
Skin ConditioningThermus Thermophillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialMentha Suaveolens Leaf Extract
AstringentCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingImperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCalamine
AbsorbentChlorella Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Perilla Frutescens Extract
Skin ConditioningAdansonia Digitata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAdenium Obesum Leaf Cell Extract
MaskingEugenia Caryophyllus Bud Extract
Perfuming
Solidago Virgaurea Extract
Skin ConditioningSoluble Collagen
Humectant
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Hexyl Laurate
Emollient
Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Polysilicone-15
UV Filter
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
AbsorbentPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Silica
Abrasive
Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Urea
Humectant
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingDibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane
Trehalose
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Albatrellus Confluens Extract
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Glycerin
Humectant
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Glutathione
Hydroxystearic Acid
Cleansing
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Phenylethyl Resorcinol
Antioxidant
Tranexamic Acid
Astringent
Palmitoyl Glycine
CleansingEllagic Acid
Skin Conditioning
4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
Masking
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDipotassium Phosphate
BufferingAcetyl Glutamine
Skin ConditioningCerium Oxide
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Cellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCalcium Gluconate
HumectantSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Alcohol Denat., Niacinamide, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Butylene Glycol, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Peucedanum Graveolens Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Hibiscus Abelmoschus Seed Extract, Thymus Serpyllum Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Alpha-Arbutin, Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Gossypium Herbaceum Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Xylitol, Yeast Ferment Extract, Cichorium Intybus Root Extract, Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract, Orthosiphon Stamineus Extract, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Mentha Suaveolens Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Calamine, Chlorella Ferment, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Perilla Frutescens Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Extract, Adenium Obesum Leaf Cell Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus Bud Extract, Solidago Virgaurea Extract, Soluble Collagen, Caprylyl Methicone, Hexyl Laurate, Isoamyl P-Methoxycinnamate, Polysilicone-15, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Isopropyl Myristate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Hydroxyacetophenone, C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Trehalose, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Adenosine, Propanediol, Allantoin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Albatrellus Confluens Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Ascorbic Acid, Madecassoside, Ectoin, Glutathione, Hydroxystearic Acid, Panthenol, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Tranexamic Acid, Palmitoyl Glycine, Ellagic Acid, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Anhydroxylitol, Lactic Acid/Glycolic Acid Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Acetyl Glutamine, Cerium Oxide, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Ceramide NP, Maltodextrin, Gluconolactone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Cellulose Gum, Calcium Gluconate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Mica
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
This ingredient is created from dehydrating xylitol in acidic conditions. Xylitol is a famous sugar and humectant.
Much like its predecessor, anhydroxylitol is a humectant. Humectants attract and hold water to moisturize the skin.
This ingredient is most commonly found in a popular trio called Aquaxyl. Aquaxyl is made up of anhydroxylitol (24 - 34%), xylitylglucoside (35 - 50%), and xylitol (5 - 15%).
According to a manufacturer, Aquaxyl is known for a 3-D hydration concept and an anti-dehydration shield to reinforce the outer layer of skin.
This ingredient is often derived from plants such as wood and sugarcane.
Learn more about AnhydroxylitolYou might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2026.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineButylene 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 GlycolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (tea extract) is one of the most well-researched plant extracts in skincare with an impressive resume.
Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Studies show green tea extract and its catechins (like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) help your skin cells product energy more efficiently and reducing the number of free-radicals that can damage your skin from the inside.
In lab-grown skin models, this translated to younger, healthier, and stronger skin.
There's also good sun protection data; researchers saw less DNA damage and redness on human skin when green tea was applied before UVB exposure. And the more they applied, the better the protection.
Needless to say, this ingredient shouldn't replace your sunscreen. But it is a great supportive ingredient that you can already find in many sunscreens and antioxidant serums.
A 2009 study found a 2% green tea lotion was effective for mild-to-moderate acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity.
The quality of the extract matters a lot here:
Good extracts contain 50-90% catechins while lower quality ones are mostly there for marketing. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the quality or source of their ingredients.
Human Repeated Insult Patch Testing showed no irritation or sensitization at use concentrations (0.86% in leave-on products and up to 30% as leaf water).
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCaprylyl 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 GlycolCitric 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 AcidDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidThis ingredient comes from the stem of the Prickly Pear cactus. The stem is rich in polyphenols, a potent source of antioxidants. It is anti-aging and soothing properties.
Prickly Pear stem is made up mostly of water (85%). The rest is composed of skin nourishing compounds: protein, fiber, fatty acid, simple sugars, Vitamin C, and some minerals.
Polyphenols help mitigate the effects of aging. Studies show polyphenols protect the skin from oxidative stress, UV-induced damage, and inflammation.
Prickly pear is often compared to Aloe.
Learn more about Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem ExtractVanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract comes from the vanilla plant now cultivated in the South Pacific.
This ingredient is known to sensitize and irritate skin.
If you are looking for a non-irritating vanilla, check out Vanilla Planifolia
Learn more about Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit ExtractWater. 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 WaterXylitol is a humectant and prebiotic. It can help with dry skin.
In studies, xylitol has been shown to improve dry skin. It decreased transepidermal water loss, or when water passes through the skin and evaporates. Xylitol also showed to help improve the biomechanical properties of the skin barrier.
The prebiotic property of xylitol may also help reinforce our skin's natural microbiome. Having a healthy microbiome prevents infection by bad bacteria and helps with hydration.
As a humectant, Xylitol helps draw moisture from both the air and from deeper skin layers. This helps keep skin hydrated.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol and commonly used as a sugar substitute. It is naturally occurring in plants such as strawberries and pumpkin.
Learn more about XylitolXylitylglucoside is created from xylitol and glucose, two humectants.
Not surprisingly, this ingredient is also a humectant. It attracts and holds water in your skin, helping to maintain hydration.
This ingredient is most commonly found in a popular trio called Aquaxyl. Aquaxyl is made up of anhydroxylitol(24 - 34%), xylitylglucoside (35 - 50%), and xylitol (5 - 15%).
According to a manufacturer, Aquaxyl is known for a 3-D hydration concept and an anti-dehydration shield to reinforce the outer layer of skin.
Learn more about Xylitylglucoside
