What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantFructan
Skin ConditioningInulin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSaponins
CleansingSoluble Proteoglycan
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-5
HumectantNonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tetrapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-8
Skin ConditioningDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningPentapeptide-3
Skin ConditioningHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingEclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingElaeis Guineensis Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyglycerin-3
HumectantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingStearyl Dimethicone
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantVinyldimethicone
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantOctadecene
SolventEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPolyacrylate-13
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentTocopherol
AntioxidantPropanediol
SolventSodium Phosphate
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAlgin
MaskingBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningDextran
Mineral Salts
Skin ConditioningDisodium Phosphate
BufferingParfum
MaskingWater, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Diisostearyl Malate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Fructooligosaccharides, Fructan, Inulin, Panthenol, Betaine, Beta-Glucan, Adenosine, Saponins, Soluble Proteoglycan, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Nonapeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Copper Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Pentapeptide-3, Hexapeptide-9, Oligopeptide-2, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract, Malt Extract, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglycerin-3, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Sorbitan Olivate, Stearyl Dimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Vinyldimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Octadecene, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyacrylate-13, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sorbitan Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Disodium EDTA, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, Arginine, Carbomer, Maltodextrin, Tocopherol, Propanediol, Sodium Phosphate, Caprylyl Glycol, Algin, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Dextran, Mineral Salts, Disodium Phosphate, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningTrimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningVp/Va Copolymer
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientHydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingAmodimethicone
Polysorbate 80
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantCanola Oil
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningC12-14 Sec-Alketh-5
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningIllicium Verum Fruit Extract
PerfumingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingRetinol
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingAlcohol
AntimicrobialPEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol
CleansingBrassica Alcohol
EmollientCeteareth-5
EmulsifyingCeteareth-3
EmulsifyingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingBHT
AntioxidantCholesterol
EmollientDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientLecithin
EmollientSodium Phosphate
BufferingSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sponge
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningSoluble Collagen
HumectantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Parfum
MaskingCoumarin
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Niacinamide, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Vp/Va Copolymer, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Amodimethicone, Polysorbate 80, Butylene Glycol, Canola Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Oleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, C12-14 Sec-Alketh-5, Adenosine, Illicium Verum Fruit Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Retinol, Propylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Alcohol, PEG-5 Rapeseed Sterol, Brassica Alcohol, Ceteareth-5, Ceteareth-3, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, BHT, Cholesterol, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Lecithin, Sodium Phosphate, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Hydrolyzed Sponge, Tocopheryl Acetate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Beta-Carotene, Soluble Collagen, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Coumarin, Linalool
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
Adenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineButylene 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 GlycolThis 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 TriglycerideCaprylyl 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 GlycolThis ingredient is a silicone elastomer that works as a texture enhancer, adds a silky slip, and also helps absorb excess oil.
Because it's a large macromolecule that's insoluble in water and chemically inert, it's not expected to penetrate or be absorbed into skin.
Human patch tests with a facial lotion containing 1% of this ingredient found no sensitization.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerDisodium 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 EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidParfum 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 ParfumSodium Phosphate is is behind-the-scenes formulation helper. Its main job is buffering, or locking in the product's pH.
This helps ensure the formula stays at its intended acidity through manufacturing, shipping, and sitting on your shelf. Many active ingredients like vitamin C or retinoids are pH sensitive so maintaining their happy pH range matters.
It is synthetic and reported use concentrations are very low (up to 0.086% in face powders).
Learn more about Sodium PhosphateWater. 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