What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberHomosalate
Skin ConditioningButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterPolysilicone-15
UV FilterCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Propanediol
SolventAdenosine
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantSaccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningVp/Eicosene Copolymer
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingDecyl Glucoside
CleansingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningJuniperus Virginiana Oil
MaskingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentCedrus Atlantica Bark Oil
MaskingAmyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
MaskingPropylene Glycol
HumectantCopaifera Officinalis Resin
MaskingPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolyether-1
Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Homosalate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dibutyl Adipate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Niacinamide, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Polysilicone-15, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Propanediol, Adenosine, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopherol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Silica, Behenyl Alcohol, Tromethamine, Decyl Glucoside, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Sodium Polyacrylate, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Propylene Glycol, Copaifera Officinalis Resin, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Xanthan Gum, Polyether-1
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventTromethamine
BufferingDrometrizole Trisiloxane
UV AbsorberTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPhenethyl Benzoate
EmollientPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingDimethicone
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPolysilicone-11
Polyamide-8
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingNepeta Cataria Extract
TonicRubus Idaeus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBaptisia Tinctoria Root Extract
Skin ConditioningStellaria Media Extract
Skin ConditioningAlchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract
AntioxidantUrtica Dioica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningEquisetum Arvense Leaf Extract
AstringentCorchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicJasminum Officinale Extract
MaskingMorinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMyristica Fragrans Extract
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDecyl Glucoside
CleansingPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSuccinoglycan
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTrisodium EDTA
Tocopherol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantifolia Oil
CleansingCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingJuniperus Virginiana Oil
MaskingIllicium Verum Fruit/Seed Oil
MaskingSalvia Sclarea Oil
MaskingEugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil
MaskingStyrax Benzoin Gum
MaskingFerula Galbaniflua Resin Oil
AntimicrobialPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingCananga Odorata Flower Oil
MaskingLitsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol Denat., Diisopropyl Sebacate, Propanediol, Tromethamine, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Phenethyl Benzoate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Lauroyl Lysine, Panthenol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polysilicone-11, Polyamide-8, Adenosine, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Nepeta Cataria Extract, Rubus Idaeus Leaf Extract, Baptisia Tinctoria Root Extract, Stellaria Media Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Urtica Dioica Leaf Extract, Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract, Corchorus Olitorius Leaf Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Jasminum Officinale Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Myristica Fragrans Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Succinoglycan, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantifolia Oil, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Juniperus Virginiana Oil, Illicium Verum Fruit/Seed Oil, Salvia Sclarea Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil, Styrax Benzoin Gum, Ferula Galbaniflua Resin Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Limonene, Linalool
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
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineYou 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 2025.
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 TriazineCaprylyl 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 GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Decyl Glucoside is a glucose-based surfactant and emulsion stabilizer. It is created by reacting glucose with the fatty acids from plants.
Surfactants help clean the skin by trapping oil, sebum, and dirt to be washed away. As an emulsion stabilizer, it stabilizes the ingredients in a product by preventing them from separating.
This ingredient is biodegradable and non-toxic. This ingredient is commonly found in baby shampoos.
Decyl Glucoside is sometimes used to stabilize the UV filter Tinosorb.
Learn more about Decyl GlucosideGlycerin 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 GlycerinJuniperus Virginiana Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the fruits and leaves of the Red Cedar tree. This tree is native to North America.
Niacinamide 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 NiacinamidePolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is created from the diester of stearic acid and the condensation product of methylglucose and Polyglycerin-3.
As an emulsifier, it is used to bind ingredients together. Many ingredients, such as oils and water, separate naturally. Emulsifiers prevent them from separating to ensure even consistency in texture.
One of the manufacturer for this ingredient states it is vegetable-based. It is also claimed to be stable at both high and low temperatures.
This ingredient may not be safe for fungal acne. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose DistearatePropanediol 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 Stearoyl Glutamate is an emulsifier and helps condition the skin. It is amino acid-based.
In higher amounts, it may act as a cleansing agent.
Tocopherol (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 TocopherolTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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 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