What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientCoco-Caprylate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Octyldodecyl Oleate
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Inulin
Skin Conditioning
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Carnosine
Skin Conditioning
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
Cleansing
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Mangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
Emollient
Glutathione
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
PEG-75 Stearate
Surfactant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate
CleansingHydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
Pyruvic Acid
MaskingCeteth-20
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Phytic Acid
Sorbitol
Humectant
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantPropanediol
Solvent
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantColloidal Gold
AntimicrobialParfum
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
T-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Coco-Caprylate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Inulin, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carnosine, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Glycine Soja Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Tocopherol, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Glutathione, Ascorbic Acid, PEG-75 Stearate, Propylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Disodium Cetearyl Sulfosuccinate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pyruvic Acid, Ceteth-20, 1,2-Hexanediol, Lactic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Octyldodecanol, Phytic Acid, Sorbitol, Mica, Propanediol, CI 77491, Colloidal Gold, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, CI 77891, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, T-Butyl Alcohol
Water
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
Emollient
Xylitylglucoside
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
Emollient
Anhydroxylitol
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Xylitol
Humectant
Sr-Spider Polypeptide-1
Skin Protecting
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Glycereth-2 Cocoate
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Decylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Water, Carthamus Tinctorius Oleosomes, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Xylitylglucoside, Niacinamide, Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Anhydroxylitol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Xylitol, Sr-Spider Polypeptide-1, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinyl Palmitate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Glycereth-2 Cocoate, Phenoxyethanol, Decylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl 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 GlycolHelianthus 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 OilParfum 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 ParfumPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateThis ingredient is also known as sweet almond oil. It is a lightweight, cold-pressed oil from the ripe seeds of the sweet almond tree.
Sweet almond oil is rich in skin-nourishing fatty acids such as oleic acid (55-86%) and linolenic acid (7-35%).
As an emollient, it softens and hydrates skin by forming a thin barrier that locks in moisture.
Clinical studies have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The CIR Expert Panel has evaluated the available safety data and concluded it is safe for topical use.
Because of the oleic acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis OilSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateTocopherol 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 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
