What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPPG-15 Stearyl Ether
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Propanediol
SolventDimethicone
EmollientSodium PCA
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingFomes Officinalis Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMyristyl Myristate
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingPolyacrylamide
Jojoba Esters
EmollientArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientBisabolol
MaskingC13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientParfum
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTetrasodium EDTA
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingBHT
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialBenzoic Acid
MaskingSorbic Acid
PreservativeCitral
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Sodium PCA, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Fomes Officinalis Extract, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Caprylyl Glycol, Myristyl Myristate, Polysorbate 60, Polyacrylamide, Jojoba Esters, Arachidyl Alcohol, Bisabolol, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Butylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Aminomethyl Propanol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Tetrasodium EDTA, Laureth-7, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Chlorphenesin, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Citral, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantSqualane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientPhytosteryl Isostearyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientOctyldodecyl Myristate
EmollientPEG-40 Stearate
EmulsifyingPhytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientJojoba Esters
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Stearic Acid
CleansingPropanediol
SolventMethoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone
BufferingMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate-13
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
EmulsifyingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycine Soja Sterols
EmollientPolyisobutene
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Tocopheryl Linoleate
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins
Skin ConditioningHexyl Laurate
EmollientPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningPantethine
EmollientSalicylic Acid
MaskingLauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingLinalool
PerfumingSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningRetinol
Skin ConditioningSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingDextrin
AbsorbentDimethiconol
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningMannitol
HumectantLimonene
PerfumingIsostearyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantHydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides Citrate
EmollientRehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Flower Extract
AntioxidantPolygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingLecithin
EmollientNelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Tigrinum Extract
Skin ConditioningTbhq
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAcetyl Heptapeptide-4
HumectantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantAcetyl Tetrapeptide-11
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantWater, Glycerin, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Trehalose, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Caprylyl Methicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone, Phytosteryl Isostearyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Octyldodecyl Myristate, PEG-40 Stearate, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Jojoba Esters, Palmitic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Stearic Acid, Propanediol, Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Polyacrylate-13, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycine Soja Oil, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Parfum, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Propylene Glycol, Glycine Soja Sterols, Polyisobutene, Acetyl Glucosamine, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Tocopherol, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Tocopheryl Linoleate, Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins, Hexyl Laurate, Persea Gratissima Oil, Pantethine, Salicylic Acid, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 20, Linalool, Sorbitan Isostearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beta-Glucan, Retinol, Sodium Metaphosphate, Dextrin, Dimethiconol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phytosphingosine, Mannitol, Limonene, Isostearyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides Citrate, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Panax Ginseng Flower Extract, Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Lecithin, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Lilium Tigrinum Extract, Tbhq, Caprylyl Glycol, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-11, Hexapeptide-9, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient is a more stable version of Vitamin C, meaning it does not disintegrate as quickly when exposed to sunlight. However, studies show it does not penetrate skin as well as pure Vitamin C.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is oil soluble.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeGlycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateJojoba Esters is a wax created from Jojoba oil. It is an emollient and film-forming ingredient. In bead form, it is an exfoliator.
This ingredient has high oxidative stability, meaning it doesn't break down when exposed to oxygen.
Its similarity to our skin's natural oils makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soften and soothe our skin by creating a barrier on top. This barrier helps trap moisture in, keeping skin hydrated.
It is created using either the hydrogenation or transesterification processes on jojoba oil.
Learn more about Jojoba EstersLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopherol (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