What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantPolyglycerin-3
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantOpuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOctyldodeceth-16
EmulsifyingCholesteryl Isostearate
EmollientCholesteryl Chloride
Skin ConditioningCholesteryl Nonanoate
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingEclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantParfum
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningAgar
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningWater, Methylpropanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Polyglycerin-3, 1,2-Hexanediol, Betaine, Niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol, Methyl Gluceth-20, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Fruit Extract, Octyldodeceth-16, Cholesteryl Isostearate, Cholesteryl Chloride, Cholesteryl Nonanoate, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer, Lactobacillus Ferment, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Fructooligosaccharides, Parfum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Beta-Glucan, Agar, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Ceramide NP, Silica, Tocopherol, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate
Morus Bombycis Stem Extract
AntimicrobialWater
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantBetaine
HumectantMethylpropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantOpuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil
EmollientCholesteryl Chloride
Skin ConditioningCholesteryl Isostearate
EmollientCholesteryl Nonanoate
EmollientGlucose
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantFructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructose
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingCyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAgar
MaskingSodium Phytate
Silica
AbrasiveTocopherol
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingHexanediol
SolventCitronellol
PerfumingMorus Bombycis Stem Extract, Water, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Betaine, Methylpropanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil, Cholesteryl Chloride, Cholesteryl Isostearate, Cholesteryl Nonanoate, Glucose, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Trehalose, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructose, Tromethamine, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Agar, Sodium Phytate, Silica, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexanediol, Citronellol
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.
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 preservatives
Agar is the vegan substitute for animal-gelatin. It helps thicken and improve the texture of cosmetics. It comes from cell-walls of red algae.
Betaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Another name for betaine is trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineButylene 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 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.
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
We don't have a description for Cholesteryl Chloride yet.
We don't have a description for Cholesteryl Isostearate yet.
We don't have a description for Cholesteryl Nonanoate yet.
Guar gum is made from the guar bean, a plant native to India. It is considered a form of polysaccharide and naturally contains sugar.
This ingredient is often used to thicken a product or create a gel-like consistency.
It also has emulsion properties to help keep ingredients together.
Learn more about Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba GumEthylhexylglycerin (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.
Fructooligosaccharides is an alternative sweetener. It is often derived from the blue agave plant.
This ingredient is a prebiotic and helps to hydrate the skin. Emerging studies are also showing fructooligosaccharides to have antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, Fructooligosaccharides helps draw moisture to the skin, helping to hydrate the skin.
Bananas, onions, garlic, asparagus, jícama, and leeks also contain fructooligosaccharides.
Learn more about FructooligosaccharidesGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolParfum 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 ParfumPentylene 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 GlycolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopherol (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