What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPolyglycerin-3
HumectantOctyldodecanol
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Squalane
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantTremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCoptis Japonica Extract
AntimicrobialXylitylglucoside
HumectantIndigofera Tinctoria Extract
MaskingAnhydroxylitol
HumectantAgave Tequilana Leaf Extract
AstringentMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientXylitol
HumectantHemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantMyosotis Sylvatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantWater, Glycerin, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyglycerin-3, Octyldodecanol, Cetearyl Olivate, Squalane, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Carbomer, Butylene Glycol, Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide, Tromethamine, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Allantoin, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Coptis Japonica Extract, Xylitylglucoside, Indigofera Tinctoria Extract, Anhydroxylitol, Agave Tequilana Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Xylitol, Hemerocallis Fulva Flower Extract, Ceramide NP, Glucose, Myosotis Sylvatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Phytosphingosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Beta-Glucan, Hyaluronic Acid
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingPropanediol
SolventDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantGlycereth-26
HumectantLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPhytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingVinyldimethicone
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Elaeis Guineensis Oil
EmollientCholesterol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Oenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningSafflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Methyl Trimethicone, Squalane, Glycerin, Glycereth-26, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Behenyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Vinyldimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Cholesterol, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Ceramide NP, Disodium EDTA, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Safflower Oil/Palm Oil Aminopropanediol Esters, Allantoin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Reviews
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
Think of it as a supportive ingredient that helps your gel-creams feel silky, "cloud cream-like", and spread evenly without being greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated it (along with 22 other acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers) and concluded it's:
Due to its large molecular size, it sits on the surface of skin rather than penetrating it.
Learn more about Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredientās final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCeramide NP (formerly known as Ceramide 3) is one of the skin's naturally occurring lipids.
Since ceramides are the major lipid components of the skin, they are crucial for maintaining skin barrier and hydration. Ceramide NP most closely mirrors the dominant kind in human skin amongst ceramide subtypes.
This ceramide works by slotting into gaps within the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to limit trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and shield the skin against external irritants.
A study with 312 patients found that using a ceramide-containing routine for 4 weeks reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis by over 61%.
Another clinical study in subjects aged 60 and older found that a ceramide body wash and moisturizer improved skin dryness and itchy skin in 15 days.
Overall, ceramides are considered non-irritating and safety tests have found little to no observable adverse effects from using this ingredient.
Ceramide NP is usually sourced from plants (like soybean or rice bran), or produced synthetically.
Learn more about Ceramide NPCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Sorbitan Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinPanthenol 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 PanthenolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Ā
Itās 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 PropanediolSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateSqualane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum).
It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores.
This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces.
Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer.
Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.
No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration).
Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types.
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Though squalane is often called an oil, itās technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen. True oils are triglycerides and made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term āoil-freeā isnāt regulated so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 1 from the original 1972 study that tested raw ingredients under occlusion on rabbit ears. This system is not standardized or peer-reviewed, and using the raw ingredients is very different from how diluted cosmetic formulations are used on human skin.
A comedogenic rating of 1 means it is "unlikely to clog pores" according to the original rating system.
The overall formula of a product matters more than the individual ingredients on whether or not it will cause clogged pores.
Learn more about SqualaneXanthan 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