What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCalamine
AbsorbentDimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingMagnesium Sulfate
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthyl Hexanediol
SolventCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningAlumina
AbrasiveLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingUlmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientViola Mandshurica Flower Extract
AntioxidantDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingHydrolyzed Pea Protein
EmollientPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientSqualane
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningWater, Zinc Oxide, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Niacinamide, CI 77891, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Calamine, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Magnesium Sulfate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethyl Hexanediol, Ceresin, Panthenol, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Silica, Lauroyl Lysine, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Alumina, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Viola Mandshurica Flower Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Glycerin, Propanediol, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Hydrolyzed Pea Protein, Phytosterols, Lecithin, Squalane, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Ceramide NP, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Water
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Niacinamide
SmoothingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberTriethylhexanoin
MaskingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingMagnesium Sulfate
Triethanolamine
BufferingBetaine
HumectantSilica
AbrasiveSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientParfum
MaskingPEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantTalc
AbrasiveCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Propylene Carbonate
SolventMica
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPsidium Guajava Leaf Extract
AstringentArtemisia Princeps Extract
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
AntimicrobialMethicone
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAlthaea Rosea Root Extract
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Niacinamide, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Triethylhexanoin, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Ceresin, Magnesium Sulfate, Triethanolamine, Betaine, Silica, Sorbitan Olivate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Allantoin, Panthenol, Dimethicone, Parfum, PEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Talc, CI 77499, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Carbonate, Mica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract, Artemisia Princeps Extract, Morus Alba Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Methicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Althaea Rosea Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Ethylhexylglycerin
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.
Aloe is one of the most well-known natural soothing ingredients, and for good reason. It’s full of water and has a cooling, calming effect on the skin, especially when it’s sunburned, itchy, or irritated. Aloe also helps your skin stay hydrated and smooth by mimicking what healthy skin naturally produces. On top of that, it contains vitamins and nutrients that support skin recovery.Â
It doesn’t protect you from the sun, but it can help your skin bounce back after too much time in it.
Let’s get into the details:
Aloe contains antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight off free radicals (unstable molecules from things like pollution that can damage your skin).
It’s also rich in polysaccharides, which are natural sugars that help hydrate the skin by acting like the skin’s own moisturizing agents. These, along with other sugars like monosaccharides, help form a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
Aloe works as both a humectant and an emollient. That means it draws water into the skin (humectant) and helps trap it there (emollient), making it an effective natural moisturizer.
You’ll also find a mix of other skin-supporting ingredients in aloe, including folic acid, choline, calcium, amino acids, fatty acids, and even Vitamin B12.
Out of the 420+ species of aloe, Aloe barbadensis is the most widely used in skincare products thanks to its gentle yet effective properties.
There are over 420 species of aloe but Aloe Barbadensis is the most commonly used for topical products.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractButylene 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 GlycolButyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.
According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateCeresin is a wax derived from ozokerite. It is an alternative to beeswax.
The most common process of creating ceresin is by using heat and sulfuric acid.
Cyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTADisteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfateNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePanthenol 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 PanthenolSilica, 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 HyaluronateSorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.
Specifically, this ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier, meaning it helps water dissolve into oil.
Some studies suggest this ingredient may cause irritation in some people. If you are unsure, it is best to patch test.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan SesquioleateWater. 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