What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Glycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingJuniperus Communis Fruit Oil
MaskingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingFerula Galbaniflua Resin Oil
AntimicrobialPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientArtemisia Capillaris Extract 50%
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlycol
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningLinum Usitatissimum Seed Extract
PerfumingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCetearyl Olivate
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPropanediol
SolventCitric Acid
BufferingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingLimonene
PerfumingCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDextrin
AbsorbentPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingPolyglycerin-3
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingMentha Suaveolens Leaf Extract
AstringentCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingChrysanthemum Boreale Flower Extract
AntioxidantDioscorea Oppositifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientLavandula Hybrida Oil
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientGlycyrrhetinic Acid
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Vulgaris Oil
PerfumingSalvia Hispanica Seed Extract
EmollientMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingElettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
MaskingTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingMadecassoside
AntioxidantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantGlycerin, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Allantoin, Panthenol, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Disodium EDTA, Xanthan Gum, Water, Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Ferula Galbaniflua Resin Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Caprylyl Glycol, Artemisia Capillaris Extract 50%, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glycol, Sodium Citrate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Extract, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Citric Acid, Caffeine, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Methylpropanediol, Asiatic Acid, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Limonene, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipropylene Glycol, Dextrin, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Polyglycerin-3, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Mentha Suaveolens Leaf Extract, Ceramide NP, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Malt Extract, Chrysanthemum Boreale Flower Extract, Dioscorea Oppositifolia Root Extract, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Artemisia Vulgaris Oil, Salvia Hispanica Seed Extract, Madecassic Acid, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Cholesterol, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Carbomer, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside
Centella Asiatica Extract
CleansingGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHyacinthus Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Multiflorum Extract
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingBetaine
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCitrus Paradisi Peel Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hyacinthus Orientalis Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Extract, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Arginine, Allantoin, Disodium EDTA, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Betaine, Panthenol, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 AllantoinButylene 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 GlycolCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene 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 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 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 PanthenolPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil is the pressed oil of the Rose Geranium plant. It is volatile, meaning it evaporates off the skin.
Fragrant components of Rose Geranium include citronellol and geraniol. These may cause allergies and skin-sensitivity. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
The scent of Rose Geranium closely resembles traditional roses.
Learn more about Pelargonium Graveolens Flower OilPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate is a cleansing agent and emulsifier.
It rounds up dirt, oil, and grime, so they can be rinsed off easily as a cleanser.
On the emulsifier side, it keeps your formula smooth and well-mixed by playing peacekeeper for ingredients that don't naturally get along (like oil and water).
Because it has a C12 (lauric acid) fatty acid chain, this ingredient can potentially feed the Malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne. The Malassezia yeast prefers esters with C11-C24 fatty acids.
This ingredient is an ester of lauric acid and Polyglycerin-10.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-10 LauratePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil is an essential oil also known as rosemary essential oil. In skincare, it is a skin conditioning agent and also acts as a natural fragrance that gives products a fresh/herby smell.
The oil is a mix of over 100 volatile compounds with 1,8-cineole, α-pinene, camphor, and verbenone usually leading the pack.
Lab studies credit this oil with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity. Some research even show rosemary compounds calming acne-related inflammation.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has concluded rosemary-derived ingredients to be safe when formulated to be nonsensitizing.
Since this is a fragrant essential oil, the main concern is for fragrance-sensitive folks.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil