What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingSqualane
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingPalmitic Acid
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientVinyldimethicone
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingArginine
MaskingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate-13
Hydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantMagnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingSilica
AbrasiveAllantoin
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientCoptis Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientCoco-Glucoside
CleansingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingSodium Dna
Skin ConditioningPolyglycerin-3
HumectantCholesterol
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingSodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantMaltodextrin
AbsorbentHydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantEctoin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning2,3-Butanediol
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingDimethylsilanol Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantPotassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Flower Extract
PerfumingSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantFructooligosaccharides
HumectantWater, Butylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, C14-22 Alcohols, Squalane, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Vinyldimethicone, Panthenol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Phytosterols, Cetearyl Glucoside, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Arginine, Carbomer, Polyacrylate-13, Hydroxyacetophenone, Magnesium Stearate, Ceramide NP, Ethylhexylglycerin, Niacinamide, Silica, Allantoin, Dimethiconol, Stearyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Jojoba Esters, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Coco-Glucoside, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Dna, Polyglycerin-3, Cholesterol, Alcohol Denat., Phosphatidylcholine, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Tocopherol, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Ectoin, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, 2,3-Butanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, Citric Acid, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Fructooligosaccharides
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantSqualane
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearates
EmollientEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningVinyldimethicone
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingColloidal Oatmeal
AbsorbentPalmitic Acid
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingEctoin
Skin ConditioningCetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Seed Extract
HumectantSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Squalane, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearates, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Methyl Trimethicone, Vinyldimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Colloidal Oatmeal, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Olivate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Carbomer, Tromethamine, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetearyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Ceramide NP, Sodium Metaphosphate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ectoin, Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Camellia Sinensis Seed Extract, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Phytosterols, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ceramide Ns, Cholesterol, Ceramide AP, Ceramide As, Ceramide EOP
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
Butylene 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 GlycolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds from the tea plant. This is the same plant we get green, black, and oolong tea from.
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil is rich in oleic acid. This makes it an effective moisturizer. By drawing moisture to the skin, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil helps keep your skin hydrated.
Other components of Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil includes Vitamin E and polyphenols. These are antioxidants that may help slow down the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or unstable molecules that can damage our skin cells.
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil also has anti-inflammatory properties.
The seed oil comes from the dried kernels of the plant.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Seed OilCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Ceramide AP is a type of Ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide NP
Ceramide EOP
Ceramide AS is a type of Ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Ceramide NS is a type of Ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramide NG,Ceramide NS,1,3-Hexadecanediol, 2-Hexadecanamide,Palmitoyl-C16-Dihydrosphingosine,1-Stearoyl-C18-Sphingosine
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCetearyl Glucoside is a surfactant and emulsifier. It can be produced from synthetic of natural sources of cetearyl alcohol and glucose.
Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters. It can also be used to enhance the texture of products.
As a surfactant, Cetearyl Glucoside helps during the cleansing process. By gathering all the dirt and oils, it allows these molecules to be washed away easily.
Learn more about Cetearyl GlucosideCetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Cholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolEctoin is a compound found naturally in some species of bacteria. It can be synthetically created for skincare use.
This ingredient is an osmolyte; Osmolytes help organisms survive osmotic shock (it protects them from extreme conditions). It does this by influencing the properties of biological fluids within cells.
When applied to the skin, ectoin helps bind water molecules to protect our skin. The water forms a sort of armor for the parts of our skin cells, enzymes, proteins, and more.
Besides this, ectoin has many uses in skincare:
A study from 2004 found ectoin to counteract the damage from UV-A exposure at different cell levels. It has also been shown to protect skin against both UV-A, UV-B rays, infrared light, and visible light.
Studies show ectoin to have dual-action pollution protection: first, it protects our skin from further pollution damage. Second, it helps repair damage from pollution.
In fact, ectoin has been shown to help with:
Fun fact: In the EU, ectoin is used in inhalation medication as an anti-pollution ingredient.
Ectoin is a highly stable ingredient. It has a wide pH range of 1-9. Light, oxygen, and temperature do not affect this ingredient.
Learn more about EctoinEthylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is a fatty acid ester.
The fatty acid content of Ethylhexyl Palmitate makes it an emollient. Emollients help soften and hydrate your skin by trapping moisture within.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is also used to help improve the texture of cosmetics. It helps other ingredient dissolve in products and help disperse ingredients more evenly.
You'll likely find this ingredient in sunscreen, as it is often used to mix UV-blocking ingredients such as avobenzone and ethylhexyl triazone.
It can also help stabilize the fragrances in a product as a fragrance fixative.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate can be used to substitute mineral oil.
Due to its high fatty acid content, it may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Palmitic 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.
As an emollient, palmitic acid helps soften and smooth the skin by preventing water loss. In cleansers, it helps remove oil and dirt while creating foam.
Its emulsifying properties help stabilize products by keeping water and oil-based ingredients from separating.
This may not be suitable for fungal acne-prone skin, as fatty acids like this can sometimes trigger breakouts in sensitive individuals.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidPhytosterols come from plants, nuts, and whole grains. These compounds have skin soothing and moisturizing properties.
Fun fact: They are similar to cholesterol and can help lower cholesterol levels.
Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but itās technically not; itās a hydrocarbon, meaning itās only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term āoil-freeā isnāt regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. Itās worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skinās lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolVinyldimethicone is a type of silicone.
Water. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water