What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientPolyisobutene
Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Synthetic Wax
AbrasiveEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Parfum
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantAnemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingDiisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Polyisobutene, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Microcrystalline Wax, Panthenol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Synthetic Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Parfum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Propolis Extract, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool
Paraffinum Liquidum
EmollientPolyisobutene
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientParfum
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Cetearyl Olivate
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingBHT
AntioxidantHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingCinnamyl Alcohol
PerfumingMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientBixa Orellana Seed Oil
EmollientRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
HumectantCollagen
Moisturising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialParaffinum Liquidum, Polyisobutene, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Parfum, Glycerin, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Sorbitan Olivate, Water, Glycine Soja Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Propolis Extract, Panthenol, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, BHT, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Cinnamyl Alcohol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Bixa Orellana Seed Oil, Royal Jelly Extract, Honey Extract, Collagen, 1,2-Hexanediol, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is a high-molecular weight synthetic polymer. It is used to modify the viscosity of a formula, improve slip, and create a more "cushiony" texture.
Due to its large molecular size, this ingredient is not absorbed into the skin.
This ingredient is also known as Bhringaraj extract or False Daisy. It is a skin conditioning ingredient that keeps skin soft and hydrated.
Research shows it has antioxidant properties; lab studies have found it can protect skin cells from UV-induced damage and help suppress inflammation.
There's also some interesting research on its potential to support hair growth by promoting the growth phase of the hair cycle.
Those with an allergy to plants in the daisy family may want to patch test this ingredient. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated otherwise.
Learn more about Eclipta Prostrata ExtractThis is a synthetic polymer used to thicken formulas, improve texture, and enhance spreadability.
Due to its large molecule size, this ingredient does not penetrate the skin and is considered well-tolerated.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilHexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a similar scent to jasmine. It can be naturally found in chamomile essential oil.
This ingredient is a known EU allergen and may sensitize the skin. The EU requires this ingredient to be listed separately on an ingredients list.
Hexyl Cinnamal is not water soluble but is soluble in oils.
Learn more about Hexyl CinnamalLinalool 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 LinaloolMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.
The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Moringa oleifera plant. It is more commonly known as Moringa seed oil.
Moringa seeds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin hydrating properties. These seeds are rich in oils, proteins, monounsaturated fats, and tocopherols.
As an emollient, moringa seed oil helps trap moisture in the skin by creating a film on top. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Many compounds in moringa seed oil are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. These compounds include Vitamin E. , catechins, ferulic acid, and more.
Another compound found in Moringa seed oil is oleic acid.
Moringa trees are native to the Himalayan mountains.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Moringa Oleifera Seed OilPanthenol 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 PanthenolParfum 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 ParfumPolyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.
It is a film-forming agent and helps bind ingredients together.
Polyisobutene is not absorbed by the skin.
Learn more about PolyisobutenePropolis Extract is a natural ingredient derived from propolis (also known as bee glue). Bees make propolis by mixing their saliva and beeswax with resins collected from tree buds and plants.
This ingredient is packed with bioactive compounds like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and amino acids that give it antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Research shows it can help:
It also pairs nicely with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides.
Just so you know, Propolis Extract is recognized as a contact allergen. In patch tests done in the EU, roughly 1-6% of patients react to it. Be sure to steer clear of this ingredient if you have a known allergy to bee products.
Since it is an animal-derived product, this ingredient is not considered vegan. For vegan alternatives, check out Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate or Centella Asiatica Extract.
Learn more about Propolis ExtractTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate