What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingArbutin
AntioxidantDimethicone
EmollientTalc
AbrasiveSodium Chloride
MaskingBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
StabilisingStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialBetaine
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingDimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Zinc Oxide, Butylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Arbutin, Dimethicone, Talc, Sodium Chloride, Beeswax, PEG-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Ozokerite, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Betaine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
Water
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientC13-15 Alkane
SolventStearic Acid
CleansingBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingHexyl Laurate
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Benzoate
MaskingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingQuaternium-90 Bentonite
Propylene Carbonate
SolventCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeParfum
MaskingPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingDisiloxane
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
MaskingPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientChenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, CI 77891, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Sodium Chloride, CI 77492, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Silica, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, C13-15 Alkane, Stearic Acid, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Propanediol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Panthenol, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hexyl Laurate, CI 77491, Sodium Benzoate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Beeswax, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Propylene Carbonate, CI 77499, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Persea Gratissima Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Disiloxane, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Propolis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Tocopherol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 AdenosineAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the aloe, Aloe barbadensis, Liliaceae.
Aloe is one of the most well-known natural soothing ingredients, and for good reason. It’s full of water and has a cooling, calming effect on the skin, especially when it’s sunburned, itchy, or irritated. Aloe also helps your skin stay hydrated and smooth by mimicking what healthy skin naturally produces. On top of that, it contains vitamins and nutrients that support skin recovery.Â
It doesn’t protect you from the sun, but it can help your skin bounce back after too much time in it.
Let’s get into the details:
Aloe contains antioxidant Vitamins A, C, and E, which help fight off free radicals (unstable molecules from things like pollution that can damage your skin).
It’s also rich in polysaccharides, which are natural sugars that help hydrate the skin by acting like the skin’s own moisturizing agents. These, along with other sugars like monosaccharides, help form a protective barrier that locks in moisture.
Aloe works as both a humectant and an emollient. That means it draws water into the skin (humectant) and helps trap it there (emollient), making it an effective natural moisturizer.
You’ll also find a mix of other skin-supporting ingredients in aloe, including folic acid, choline, calcium, amino acids, fatty acids, and even Vitamin B12.
Out of the 420+ species of aloe, Aloe barbadensis is the most widely used in skincare products thanks to its gentle yet effective properties.
There are over 420 species of aloe but Aloe Barbadensis is the most commonly used for topical products.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractBeeswax is natural wax produced by honey bees to build their honeycomb.
Because it forms a protective layer on your skin, it can help lock in moisture and reduce water loss. It is also widely used as a thickener and emulsifier in lip balms and lotions. Research suggests beeswax containing moisturizers can support skin barrier integrity.
In comedogenic testing, Beeswax scored a 0-2, which is on the low end. Whether or not a product clogs your pores really comes down to the formula as a whole (not any single ingredient on its own).
Cera Alba is the white, bleached form of this ingredient.
Just so you know, beeswax is not vegan since it is animal-derived. It cannot be removed with water, but can be taken off with an oil cleanser.
People with a known Propolis allergy also report to have reactions from beeswax.
Learn more about BeeswaxButylene 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 silicone-based emulsifer that helps the water and oil phases play nicely together. It's so effective because one end of the molecule loves oil and the other one loves water.
Besides holding formulas together, it also leaves a silky and lightweight feel on skin without the greasiness. A manufacturer also claims it can help with the controlled release of active ingredients.
The CIR Expert Panel found this ingredient to not be sensitizing in concentrations up to 15% in human maximazation testing and dimethicone-based compounds were not comedogenic.
It has a high molecular weight well above 1,000 g/mol which means it limits meaningful skin penetration.
A 2019 study specifically tested this ingredient and found no observable Malassezia growth in its presence.
Learn more about Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 DimethiconeCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeThis 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 CrosspolymerThis extract comes from Purslane, a succulent. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating properties.
Purslane is very nutritious. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, NMFs, many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The vitamins found in purslane include: Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E.
Fun fact: Purslane is a succulent with an extensive habitat. It is used in traditional Korean medicine to treat irritated skin.
Nowadays, purslane is becoming a superfood due to its highly nutritious content.
Learn more about Portulaca Oleracea ExtractChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.
Specifically, this ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier, meaning it helps water dissolve into oil.
Some studies suggest this ingredient may cause irritation in some people. If you are unsure, it is best to patch test.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan SesquioleateWater. 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