What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCoco-Caprylate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingAlthaea Officinalis Callus Culture Extract
AntioxidantChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingMyrica Pubescens Fruit Wax
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientSodium PCA
HumectantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingLactic Acid
BufferingWater, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate, Glycerin, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Althaea Officinalis Callus Culture Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Myrica Pubescens Fruit Wax, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Sodium PCA, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Allantoin, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Lactic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Sulfate
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialRosa Gallica Flower Extract
AstringentVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
AntimicrobialBellis Perennis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningViola Odorata Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingEchinacea Purpurea Root Extract
MoisturisingViola Tricolor Extract
EmollientCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningHoney
HumectantOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientSodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
PreservativeLactic Acid
BufferingRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingSd Alcohol 40-A
AstringentCitrus Grandis Seed Extract
AstringentTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Ascorbate
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningArachis Hypogaea Oil
Skin ConditioningSymphytum Officinale Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeTocopherol
AntioxidantLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingEugenol
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCitral
PerfumingWater, Dicaprylyl Ether, Glycerin, Persea Gratissima Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Beeswax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Sorbitan Oleate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Magnesium Sulfate, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Rosa Gallica Flower Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Bellis Perennis Flower Extract, Viola Odorata Flower/Leaf Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract, Viola Tricolor Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Lauroyl Lysine, Honey, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Lactic Acid, Retinyl Palmitate, Parfum, Sd Alcohol 40-A, Citrus Grandis Seed Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Ascorbate, Allantoin, Arachis Hypogaea Oil, Symphytum Officinale Root Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Citronellol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Eugenol, Benzyl Benzoate, Citral
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 AllantoinCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract comes from the common Marigold plant part of the Asteraceae family. This ingredient is a skin conditioner.
Marigolds contain flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of substances found naturally in plants. They possess antioxidant and inflammation properties.
This ingredient soothes skin inflammation by inhibiting inhibiting a part of the inflammation process.
Marigolds have been used in traditional medicine throughout Asia and Europe.
Learn more about Calendula Officinalis Flower ExtractThis 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 ingredientâs final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.
Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.
Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower ExtractGlycerin (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 GlycerinLactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the âglueâ that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they donât penetrate as deeply. This means theyâre less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skinâs microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the productâs pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidOenothera Biennis Oil is the fixed oil derived from the seeds of the Evening Primrose.
Evening primrose oil is rich in fatty acids. These fatty acids include linoleic (60-85%), oleic (5-12%), palmitic (4-10%), and stearic (2-4%).
The fatty acid composition makes it a great ingredient for soothing and moisturizing skin. However, it may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne safe.
Further research is needed on the role of evening primrose in treating eczema.
Evening primrose is native to North America.
Learn more about Oenothera Biennis OilPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Retinyl palmitate is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the superstar class of anti-aging ingredients that include tretinoin and retinol.
This particular ingredient has had a bumpy year with its rise and fall in popularity.
First, Retinyl palmitate is created from palmitic acid and retinol. It is a retinol ester and considered one of the weaker forms of retinoid.
This is because all retinoids have to be converted to Tretinoin, AKA retinoic acid. Retinyl Palmitate is pretty far down the line and has to go through multiple conversions before its effects are seen.
Due to this long and ineffective conversion line, the benefits of Retinyl Palmitate are debated.
Studies show Retinyl Palmitate to help:
Dermatologists say this ingredient is ineffective because it isn't used in high enough concentrations in cosmetics.
This ingredient used to be found in sunscreens to boost the efficacy of sunscreen filters.
The downfall of Retinyl Palmitate was due to released reports about the ingredient being correlated to sun damage and skin tumors.
While there is a study showing this ingredient to cause DNA damage when exposed to UV-A, there is no concrete proof of it being linked to skin cancer. It is safe to use when used correctly.
All retinoids increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun in the first few months of usage. Be especially careful with reapplying sunscreen when using any form of retinoid.
Currently, this ingredient is still allowed in cosmetics all over the world. In Canada, cosmetics must have a warning label stating the product to contain Retinyl Palmitate
Fun fact: This ingredient is often added to low-fat milk to increase the levels of Vitamin A.
Learn more about Retinyl PalmitateJojoba oil is one of the most well-studied plant-derived ingredients in cosmetics. It is an emollient with a special structure.
Because it is made up of 97-98% wax esters, it closely mirrors the linear monoesters found in human sebum. This makes it skin compatible, non-greasy, and lightweight.
Unlike other plant oils, jojoba wax doesn't easily penetrate skin. It mostly works in the uppermost layers as an emollient. This just means it forms a light barrier on the skin to help retain moisture.
Formulations with jojoba esters up to 90% reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and increased barrier recovery by 81% (outperforming bisabolol at 47%).
Besides barrier support, the science also suggests jojoba to have anti-inflammatory effects and potential applications for skin infections, aging, and wound healing.
Fun fact: Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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