What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlycerin
Humectant
Octocrylene
UV Absorber
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV Absorber
Dimethicone
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Silica
Abrasive
Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate
Absorbent
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV Absorber
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingDrometrizole Trisiloxane
UV Absorber
PEG-100 Stearate
Surfactant
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingBenzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Phenylethyl Resorcinol
Antioxidant
Poloxamer 338
EmulsifyingTocopherol
Antioxidant
Triethanolamine
BufferingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingParfum
Masking
Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Octocrylene, Niacinamide, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Silica, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Benzyl Alcohol, Benzyl Benzoate, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Poloxamer 338, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xanthan Gum, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a lightweight emollient made by combinig benzoic acid with fatty alcohols that are 12-15 carbons long.
In cosmetics, it plays several roles:
The Cosmetic Review Expert Panel has concluded the alkyl benzoate group to be safe as used in cosmetics; it wasn't found to be a skin irritant and unlikely to be absorbed due to its low water solubility.
This report recorded almost 1000 reported uses with concentrations up to 59% in leave-on products but your cosmetics will typically use 0.5-15% depending on the product.
It's often called a "SPF booster": this is because it keeps UV filters properly dissolved and evenly distributed to support a sunscreen's performance. It doesn't actually raise SPF on its own.
Overall, this ingredient is well tolerated.
This ingredient is fungal acne safe because it is an ester of benzoic acid.
Think of this ingredient as two parts stuck together: an oily part and an acid part. Malassezia only gets a meal when it can snip off a fatty acid to eat. With C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, the acid part is benzoic acid, which isn't a fatty acid and which the yeast can't use as food.
Benzoic acid is actually used as a preservative to stop yeast from growing.
The oily part is a blend of C12-15 fatty alcohols but fatty alcohols in this size range can support only a little Malassezia growth (mostly for one species of Malassezia as well).
In the ingredient, those alcohols stay locked inside the molecule. The yeast can only reach them by snipping the benzoate bond, and that type of bond is harder for it to cut than a normal fatty bond.
So not much gets released. And whatever does get snipped comes packaged with benzoic acid, which discourages yeast growth.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateCaprylyl 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexyl Triazone (aka Octyl Triazone) is an oil-soluble organic UVB filter. It has peak absorption around 314 nm, right in the middle of the UVB range.
This ingredient is described as one of the most effective UVB filters available and small concentrations are enough to deliver a high SPF thanks to its strong UV absorbing power.
Formulators love it for its stability; its ability to filter UV stays practically unchanged even under intense radiation and it can also help boost the photostability of less stable filters like avobenzone.
It's also a great pick for water resistant products because it's insoluble in water and has a good affinity for keratin.
Because it's a big, heavy molecule, the European Scientific Committee has found to to have very low dermal penetration and negative results for allergenicity.
In vitro testing also showed a low absorption rate and clean results on irritation.
Typical use levels are 1-5% with 5% being the maximum in the EU, Japan, and other markets that allow it. However, this ingredient is not approved yet in the US or Canada.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneGlycerin (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 AcidNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePhenylethyl Resorcinol (PR) is a synthetic antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitor. This ingredient is found naturally in pine trees.
What is a tyrosinase inhibitor?
Tyrosinase is an enzyme that plays a key role in melanin production, which leads to skin darkening when exposed to UV light. By inhibiting this enzyme, PR can help with skin brightening and lifting dark spots.
The manufacturer states 0.5% of PR is more effective than 1% kojic acid. In 2013, a study of 80 participants found combining PR with other skin-brightening ingredients found 57% showed moderate improvement and 17% saw no change. Another study with 20 women reported a 43% reduction in uneven skin tone.
While more research is needed to fully confirm PR's efficacy, there’s no harm in trying it - especially when combined with other proven skin-brightening ingredients.
Learn more about Phenylethyl ResorcinolSilica, 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 SilicaWater. 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
