What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantC13-15 Alkane
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Propanediol
SolventSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Oleate Citrate
EmulsifyingLecithin
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Allantoin
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingBisabolol
AntioxidantDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingGlyceryl Laurate
EmollientPEG-8
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingFructose
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingUrea
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantMaltose
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Lactate
BufferingSodium PCA
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantPectin
Emulsion StabilisingGlucose
HumectantArginine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingCrocus Sativus Flower Extract
MaskingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantChondrus Crispus Powder
AbrasivePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeLinalool
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, C13-15 Alkane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phenyl Trimethicone, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Propanediol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Panthenol, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Allantoin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Bisabolol, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Glyceryl Laurate, PEG-8, Pentylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Fructose, Sodium Hydroxide, Urea, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Maltose, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Trehalose, Butylene Glycol, Ascorbic Acid, Pectin, Glucose, Arginine, Proline, Serine, Crocus Sativus Flower Extract, Caramel, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Phenoxyethanol, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMethyl Gluceth-10
EmulsifyingPropylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicGentiana Scabra Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMenthyl Lactate
MaskingEthyl Menthane Carboxamide
TonicHydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningRoyal Jelly
Castanea Sativa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningViola Tricolor Extract
EmollientGlycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentSea Water
HumectantGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSecale Cereale Seed Extract
AbrasiveEctoin
Skin ConditioningSophora Flavescens Root Extract
AntioxidantFomes Officinalis Extract
Skin ProtectingPyrus Cydonia Seed Extract
MaskingHibiscus Abelmoschus Seed Extract
MaskingAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantPanicum Miliaceum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientParfum
MaskingBis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingWater, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Methyl Gluceth-10, Propylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Allantoin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Pentylene Glycol, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Gentiana Scabra Root Extract, Menthyl Lactate, Ethyl Menthane Carboxamide, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Panthenol, Royal Jelly, Castanea Sativa Seed Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Viola Tricolor Extract, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sea Water, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Secale Cereale Seed Extract, Ectoin, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Fomes Officinalis Extract, Pyrus Cydonia Seed Extract, Hibiscus Abelmoschus Seed Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Panicum Miliaceum Seed Extract, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Disodium EDTA, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate, Xanthan Gum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 AllantoinAscorbyl Palmitate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) made by combining it with palmitic acid.
It is able to blend easily into creams and oil-based formulas because it dissolves in oils rather than water.
As you may know, regular vitamin C is notorious for breaking down when exposed to sunlight and air. Ascorbyl Palmitate is more stable and degrades at a slower rate.
Research on whether it converts efficiently into active vitamin C once it's applied on your skin is still limited.
Some in-vitro studies suggest it may support collagen production, but it is not considered one of the stronger vitamin C derivatives, like:
Due to the palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Comedogenic studies have also shown this ingredient to have a rating of 2.
It's also worth keeping in mind that comedogenic and irritancy ratings are tested on individual ingredients, not finished formulas. The final product's formulation, concentration, and other ingredients all play a role in how something actually behaves on your skin.
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateButylene 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 GlycolCaprylyl 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin (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 GlycerinPanthenol 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 PanthenolParfum 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 GlycolWater. 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 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