What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveStearyl Heptanoate
EmollientTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientGlyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningStearyl Caprylate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-2 Oleate
EmulsifyingBisabolol
AntioxidantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientVinyldimethicone
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingLauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialSodium Chloride
MaskingPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning2,3-Butanediol
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingCoccinia Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-6
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-29
AntioxidantOligopeptide-32
AntiseborrhoeicHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningNonapeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Water, Ceresin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Butylene Glycol, Synthetic Wax, Stearyl Heptanoate, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Stearyl Caprylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate, Bisabolol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Vinyldimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Glycerin, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Sodium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Allantoin, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, 2,3-Butanediol, Ceramide NP, Adenosine, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Glyceryl Stearate, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Coccinia Indica Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Oligopeptide-6, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Oligopeptide-29, Oligopeptide-32, Hexapeptide-9, Nonapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Polysorbate 20, Carbomer, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
AstringentButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Seed Oil
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientCandida/Garcinia Cambogia Ferment
Oryza Sativa Germ Oil
EmollientSchisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingLithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCanola Oil
EmollientCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientAlthaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSoluble Proteoglycan
Skin ConditioningSodium Dna
Skin ConditioningBHT
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButylphenyl Methylpropional
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingHydroxycitronellal
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Pyrus Malus Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Microcrystalline Wax, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Candida/Garcinia Cambogia Ferment, Oryza Sativa Germ Oil, Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Canola Oil, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Tocopherol, Adenosine, Water, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beta-Carotene, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Soluble Proteoglycan, Sodium Dna, BHT, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzyl Benzoate, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hydroxycitronellal, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
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.
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 GlycolCurcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant. Antioxidants help neutralize unstable free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules may damage your skin's cells and DNA. Curcumin may help with anti-aging.
Curcumin also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe skin and reduce irritation. On top of that, curcumin has been shown to help prevent hyperpigmentation from sun damage.
The anti-microbial property of turmeric can make it effective in treating acne. This property has also been shown to help regulate the production of sebum.
Learn more about Curcuma Longa Root ExtractThis ingredient is also known as Bhringaraj extract or False Daisy. It is a skin conditioning ingredient that keeps skin soft and hydrated.
Research shows it has antioxidant properties; lab studies have found it can protect skin cells from UV-induced damage and help suppress inflammation.
There's also some interesting research on its potential to support hair growth by promoting the growth phase of the hair cycle.
Those with an allergy to plants in the daisy family may want to patch test this ingredient. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated otherwise.
Learn more about Eclipta Prostrata ExtractEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilHydrolyzed collagen has a misleading name because it is actually a mixture of various proteins/peptides. This ingredient has skin hydrating properties.
Collagen is the most abundant type of structural protein found in your body. In your skin, it is responsible for keeping it firm and youthful.
Hydrolyzed Collagen is created by breaking up proteins into smaller peptide bonds. These peptides act as humectants and emollients.
Humectants are great at holding onto water, keeping skin hydrated. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
There is ongoing debate about whether hydrolyzed collagen works because it increases skin hydration. Skin hydration is also linked to elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
Collagen or peptide ingredients can be used in the morning or night. They will not increase sun sensitivity, but you should always wear sunscreen during the day.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient is a great hair conditioner as well.
This ingredient can be extracted from different sources, including:
Vegan collagen is derived from yeast, bacteria, or plant sources. Vegan collagen would go by a different INCI name, such as hydrolyzed soy protein.
The results are varied.
A study from 2021 found hydrolyzed collagen increased elasticity and improved wrinkles in 1,125 participants between age 20 and 70. Another study found increased skin thickness in participants between the ages of 45 to 59.
However, It is difficult to prove that oral collagen will end up working on your skin. Many of the studies using hydrolyzed collagen also add several vitamins and nutrients into the test mixture as well.
Further studies are needed at this time.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed CollagenMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is extract from the neem plant.
The leaves of this tree contain flavonoids and polyphenols. These two compounds are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial. Further research is needed as to their effects when applied on skin.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is a lightweight oil from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree. In cosmetics, it's an emollient that forms a light film to slow water loss and soften skin.
Its fatty acid composition is dominated by oleic acid (70-78%), with smaller amounts of behenic, palmitic, and stearic acids (this profile is actually pretty similar to olive oil).
Notably, this ingredient is oxidatively stable for an oil and resists going rancid as fast as other oils.
A small, in vivo study on 32 participants found a cream with this ingredient increased skin hydration with no reported skin irritation. It also found the tocopherol content gave it some antioxidant activity as well.
One thing to flag for fungal acne:
Because this oil is so high in oleic acid, Malassezia can use it as a food source and this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
For everyone else, this ingredient is well-tolerated and nourishing with a good safety track record.
Learn more about Moringa Oleifera Seed OilParfum 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 ParfumPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is a plant-derived emulsifier and pigment-dispersing agent with a non-sticky skin feel.
It helps products glide on smoothly and prevents oil and water from separating in a formula, making it suitable for sunscreen and makeup formulations.
The EU inventory of cosmetics has no use restrictions on this ingredient and it is considered well-tolerated.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is derived from isostearic acid.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateTocopherol 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 TocopherolTocopheryl 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