What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-4 Stearate
Emulsifying
Silica
Abrasive
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Myristyl Myristate
Emollient
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
S-Mu-Conotoxin Cniiic Acetate
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Oil
Emollient
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Oil
Emollient
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Polyglutamic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Betula Alba Bark Extract
Masking
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Polysilicone-11
Glycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Punica Granatum Sterols
Skin Conditioning
Cocos Nucifera Water
Masking
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Juice
Emollient
Sucrose
Humectant
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Coconut Alkanes
Emollient
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Dicaprylyl Ether
Emollient
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingSqualane
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSorbic Acid
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Lecithin
Emollient
Ormenis Multicaulis Oil
Masking
Salvia Sclarea Oil
Masking
Hydroxyacetophenone
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Glyceryl Undecylenate
Emollient
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Mica, Polyglyceryl-4 Stearate, Silica, Isononyl Isononanoate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Myristyl Myristate, Acetyl Glucosamine, S-Mu-Conotoxin Cniiic Acetate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Oil, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Polyglutamic Acid, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Stearyl Alcohol, Polysilicone-11, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Niacinamide, Caffeine, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Punica Granatum Sterols, Cocos Nucifera Water, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Juice, Sucrose, Linoleic Acid, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Cetyl Alcohol, Coconut Alkanes, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Dicaprylyl Ether, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Squalane, Propanediol, Sodium Citrate, Sorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Benzoate, Lecithin, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Salvia Sclarea Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlyceryl Stearate Se
Emulsifying
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polyester-7
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientHydrogenated Rapeseed Oil
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Steareth-21
CleansingAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethiconol
Emollient
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract
Skin ProtectingAllantoin
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Rosa Damascena Extract
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Michelia Alba Leaf Oil
Masking
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
PEG-8
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCoco-Glucoside
Cleansing
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningCitronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Polyester-7, Phenoxyethanol, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Steareth-21, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Carbomer, Dimethiconol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Chlorphenesin, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Rosa Damascena Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Michelia Alba Leaf Oil, Sodium Lactate, PEG-8, Ethylhexylglycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCaprylyl 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 or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholCitric 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 AcidDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinWe don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein yet.
Isononyl Isononanoate is a synthetic skin-conditioner and texture enhancer. It is created from nonanoic acid, a fatty acid found in cocoa and lavender oil.
As an emollient, Isononyl Isononanoate helps keep your skin soft and smooth. This is because emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Isononyl Isononanoate helps give products a velvet feel and improves spreadability.
Learn more about Isononyl IsononanoateLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolPotassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.
Learn more about Potassium Cetyl PhosphateSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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
