What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone
EmollientHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Mangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningChrysanthellum Indicum Extract
Skin ConditioningDunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningAscophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasivePanthenol
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Butylene Glycol
HumectantCoconut Alkanes
EmollientDilinoleic Acid/Propanediol Copolymer
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitol
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialJojoba Alcohol
EmollientPotassium Jojobate
Skin ConditioningSteareth-20
CleansingHesperidin Methyl Chalcone
AntioxidantBisabolol
MaskingSodium Phytate
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingAsparagopsis Armata Extract
Skin ProtectingSilica
AbrasivePalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantN-Hydroxysuccinimide
Skin ConditioningDipeptide-2
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningChrysin
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingGlucose
HumectantChlorhexidine Digluconate
AntimicrobialSodium Citrate
BufferingPantolactone
HumectantSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Pentylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Mica, Caffeine, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Panthenol, Saccharide Isomerate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Coconut Alkanes, Dilinoleic Acid/Propanediol Copolymer, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chlorphenesin, Jojoba Alcohol, Potassium Jojobate, Steareth-20, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Bisabolol, Sodium Phytate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Citric Acid, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Silica, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Sodium Hyaluronate, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, T-Butyl Alcohol, Glucose, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Sodium Citrate, Pantolactone, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Biotin, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 16035, CI 19140
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlycerin
HumectantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate
EmulsifyingAcetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientBidens Pilosa Extract
HumectantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicBisabolol
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingChrysin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningInonotus Obliquus Extract
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningLinum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
PerfumingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientMyosotis Sylvatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningN-Hydroxysuccinimide
Skin ConditioningNephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingPunica Granatum Extract
AstringentSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantSodium Phytate
Steareth-20
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantChlorhexidine Digluconate
AntimicrobialChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glycerin, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Pentylene Glycol, Dipentaerythrityl Hexa C5-9 Acid Esters, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Biotin, Bisabolol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Chrysin, Citric Acid, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Inonotus Obliquus Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Maltodextrin, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Myosotis Sylvatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Nephelium Lappaceum Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Polysorbate 60, Propanediol, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Punica Granatum Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Phytate, Steareth-20, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
AAVC is able to increase the consistency and viscosity of products due to its large molecule size. It also prevents ingredients from separating.
Biotin is a B vitamin that is naturally produced by our bodies. It is also called Vitamin H.
Our bodies use biotin in the metabolism process. It also helps our bodies use enzymes and move nutrients around. A biotin deficiency can lead to brittle hair and nails.
More research is needed on applying biotin topically. However, taking biotin orally has been shown to help nourish the skin, hair, and nails. They play a role in forming skin-hydrating fatty acids.
Biotin is water-soluble. It can be found in foods such as fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and meat. Vitamin H stands for "haar" and "haut". These are the German words for hair and skin.
Learn more about BiotinBisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
This ingredient also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Learn more about BisabololThis ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateCaprylyl 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 AlcoholCetearyl Glucoside is a surfactant and emulsifier. It can be produced from synthetic of natural sources of cetearyl alcohol and glucose.
Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters. It can also be used to enhance the texture of products.
As a surfactant, Cetearyl Glucoside helps during the cleansing process. By gathering all the dirt and oils, it allows these molecules to be washed away easily.
Learn more about Cetearyl GlucosideChlorhexidine Digluconate is a preservative.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinWe don't have a description for Chrysin yet.
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 StearateWe don't have a description for N-Hydroxysuccinimide yet.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (formerly Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3) is a lab-made peptide with anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing benefits. It's made up of four amino acids (glycine, glutamine, proline, and arginine) and palmitic acid (which helps it penetrate skin more effectively).
This ingredient helps reduce inflammation by limiting the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a chemical that triggers inflammatory responses, particularly after UV exposure.
Less inflammation = slower collagen breakdown and a longer-lasting, youthful appearance.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 also stimulates collagen production and supports a healthier skin barrier.
Over time, this can improve skin firmness, hydration, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Itβs commonly paired with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex for enhanced anti-aging effects.
This ingredient has been shown to be effective and safe in cosmetic use and you'll typically find it in small amounts (less than 0.01%).
Due to its palmitic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is also known as pal-GHK. It is made up of 3 amino acids and palmitic acid, a fatty acid that helps it absorb into skin more easily.
This peptide is as a signal peptide, meaning it tells the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is the key protein that helps form the skin's structure and keep it plump, firm, and hydrated.
By boosting collagen production, this ingredient supports a stronger skin barrier and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
You'll most likely see this ingredient paired with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex. While results from in-house testing should be viewed cautiously, this peptide duo is among the most studied and widely used in modern skincare.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Pentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPolysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Potassium 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 SorbateSaccharide Isomerate comes from sugars found in corn. It is a skin hydrator.
The structure of this ingredient can be altered to be more similar to the carbohydrates found in our skin. This ability to mimic our skin gives it hydrating properties.
Specifically, saccharide Isomerate is a humectant. Humectants draw moisture from the air to our skin.
Research shows Saccharide Isomerate to be an effective moisturizer.
Learn more about Saccharide IsomerateSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
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.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Steareth-20 is a waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients. It is created from stearyl alcohol.
It possesses surfactant properties. This means it reduces surface tension and helps oils, dirt, and pollutants to be washed away.
The 20 stands for the number of ethylene oxide used to create this ingredient.
Learn more about Steareth-20Tocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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