What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Water
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingPropanediol
SolventHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningVinyldimethicone
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningBoswellia Carterii Oil
MaskingAmyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
MaskingPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingVetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil
MaskingMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantDaucus Carota Sativa Extract
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingDaucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientRose Flower Oil
MaskingHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAnemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDiglycerin
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingTranexamic Acid
AstringentAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Cetearyl Olivate
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientArbutin
AntioxidantSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPalmitic Acid
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Biosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientMethylpropanediol
SolventLimonene
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Vinyldimethicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Vetiveria Zizanoides Root Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil, Rose Flower Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, Diglycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Tranexamic Acid, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Arbutin, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Retinyl Palmitate, Tromethamine, Panthenol, Adenosine, Sodium Phytate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Methylpropanediol, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Citral, Caramel
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingStearic Acid
CleansingCetearyl Olivate
Betaine
HumectantBakuchiol
AntimicrobialRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningArachis Hypogaea Oil
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLinalool
PerfumingMyristic Acid
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Palmitic Acid, Carbomer, Arginine, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Olivate, Betaine, Bakuchiol, Retinyl Palmitate, Arachis Hypogaea Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Allantoin, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Limonene, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Xanthan Gum, Linalool, Myristic Acid, Tocopherol, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
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 GlycolCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Sorbitan Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateGlycerin (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 GlycerinLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolPalmitic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in our skin and in many plant and animal sources.
In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It serves many purposes in skincare, acting as a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
Interestingly, topically applied Palmitic Acid can be elongated into longer chain fatty acids and ceramides. A 2019 study found low levels of Palmitic Acid lead to slower development of cells, suggesting it plays a role in keeping your skin's renewal process on track.
The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) panel determined it safe as used in cosmetics at concentrations up to 13%. It is non-irritating and non-sensitizing in clinical studies.
The culprit behind fungal acne, the Malassezia yeast, feeds on fatty acids with carbon chain lengths between C11-C24. Palmitic Acid, at C16, falls right into that sweet spot.
In vitro studies have shown that Palmitic Acid is one of the fatty acids that induce rapid Malassezia growth in lab settings.
It's worth noting that what feeds yeast in a lab doesn't necessarily feed it on your face since formulation and your skin's chemistry play a bigger role.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidPanthenol 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 PanthenolRetinyl 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 PalmitateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol 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 TocopherolWater. 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