What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientEthylhexyl Hydroxystearate
EmollientPEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
EmollientPEG-10 Isostearate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Wax
AbrasivePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantParfum
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantAspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Archangelica Root Extract
MaskingMalpighia Glabra Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingZea Mays Oil
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCetyl Ethylhexanoate, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Synthetic Wax, Phenoxyethanol, Water, Butylene Glycol, Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Glycerin, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract, Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Zea Mays Oil, Panthenol, Beta-Carotene, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
EmollientHydrogenated Castor Oil/Dimer Dilinoleic Acid Copolymer
PEG-10 Isostearate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningHoney
HumectantRuby Extract
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
MaskingPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Juice
Skin ConditioningCitrus Grandis Fruit Extract
AstringentCitrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCrataegus Monogyna Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Skin ProtectingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantZea Mays Oil
EmulsifyingMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantSorbitol
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingEthylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil/Dimer Dilinoleic Acid Copolymer, PEG-10 Isostearate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Synthetic Wax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Honey, Ruby Extract, Propolis Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Tocopherol, Panthenol, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Juice, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Fruit Extract, Crataegus Monogyna Fruit Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Zea Mays Oil, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Sorbitol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. It has emollient and skin conditioning properties that help soften skin and reinforce the lipid barrier.
The fatty acid profile of argan oil is roughly 45-55% oleic acid, 28-36% linoleic acid, 10-15% palmitic acid, and 5-7% stearic acid. It also contains vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and polyphenols like ferulic acid.
Two clinical studies in postmenopausal women found that applying argan oil for 60 days significantly improved skin elasticity and moisturization (reduced transepidermal water loss and increased epidermal water content).
Since it is high in oleic and linoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Both of these fall in the C11-C24 range that Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilButylene 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 GlycolPanthenol 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 ParfumPEG-10 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.
It is an emollient, emulsifier, and gentle cleanser. As an emollient, it helps trap moisture to keep skin soft and hydrated. Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating.
This ingredient is common in oil-based products. This is because it helps oil-ingredients be easily washed away without leaving a residue.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about PEG-20 Glyceryl TriisostearatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Synthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
It has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTocopherol 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 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. Remember to stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterZea Mays Oil is refined oil. It is created from the process of wet milling corn, or zea mays. Zea Mays Oil is fragrance ingredient, hair conditioning agent, occlusive skin conditioning agent, surfactant, and emulsifying agent.
It is composed of several fatty acids, including myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic.