What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolyglyceryl-6 Distearate
EmulsifyingSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
EmollientSpiraea Ulmaria Extract
AstringentRosa Canina Fruit Extract
AstringentMyrtus Communis Leaf Extract
PerfumingAllium Cepa Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningCommiphora Myrrha Resin Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantLecithin
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantPropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Saccharide Isomerate, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Jojoba Esters, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract, Allium Cepa Bulb Extract, Commiphora Myrrha Resin Extract, Citric Acid, Glycerin, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Caramel, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Distearate
EmulsifyingIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Dioleate
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningGlycolipids
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialCetyl Stearate
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingIsostearyl Isostearate
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantMyristic Acid
CleansingLauric Acid
CleansingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingParfum
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Isoamyl Laurate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Water, Glycolipids, 1,2-Hexanediol, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Cetyl Stearate, Palmitic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Isostearyl Isostearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Parfum
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
This 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 ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetyl 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 AlcoholCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CapratePolyglyceryl-6 Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Sodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateTocopherol 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 TocopherolWater. 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