What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Zinc Oxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Arbutin
Antioxidant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Talc
Abrasive
Sodium Chloride
MaskingBeeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
PEG-10 Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Stabilising
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
Absorbent
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialBetaine
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
CI 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
Humectant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Skin Conditioning
Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Glycerin
Humectant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Sodium Chloride
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientC13-15 Alkane
SolventStearic Acid
Cleansing
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
Emollient
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Propanediol
Solvent
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Hexyl Laurate
Emollient
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Benzoate
Masking
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Quaternium-90 Bentonite
Propylene Carbonate
SolventCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Disiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Citrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Lecithin
Emollient
Trimethylsiloxysilicate/Dimethiconol Crosspolymer
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Propolis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Water, 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 a purine nucleoside that your body already makes in every cell. In skincare, it acts mainly as a skin conditioning and anti-aging agent.
The way it works is fairly well mapped out:
Your skin has cells called fibroblasts that build collagen (the stuff that keeps skin firm and smooth). Adenosine basically flips a switch on these cells that tells them to get to work making more collagen and other proteins. These cells slow down on their own as skin ages, so Adenosine helps give them a little nudge to keep going.
The clinical backing is pretty solid too.
A blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 126 women aged 45-65 tested a 0.1% cream twice daily and found real improvements in crow's feet and frown lines using a precise 3D skin-mapping technique; these changes showed up by week 3 and held at 2 months.
A later study using Adenosine-loaded dissolving microneedle patches reported gains in wrinkle depth, dermal density, elasticity, and hydration.
On concentrations, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has set 0.04% as the approved functional anti-wrinkle level. You'll typically see this ingredient used somewhere in the 0.04-0.1% range since it works at low doses.
This ingredient has been found safe for cosmetics with the data showing no irritation or sensitization.
Overall, this is a great ingredient for any anti-aging routine and has no photosensitizing effect, so it suits both AM and PM use.
Learn more about AdenosineAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract is a botanical extract pulled from the leaves of aloe vera and one of the most studied plant ingredients in cosmetics.
The inner leaf gel it comes from is mostly water (~99-99.5%) and the remaining fraction is made up of pretty good stuff: polysaccharides, vitamins, phenolics, and enzymes.
Its headline job is hydration.
The star polysaccharide in aloe, acemannan, is a humectant that retains moisture and helps reduce trans-epidermal water loss.
Aloe also has real soothing credentials; it contains anti-inflammatory compounds like bradykinase and C-glucosyl chromone that help calm irritation and redness.
On the repair side, lab work shows that acemannan wakes up your skin's repair cells (fibroblasts), prompting them to multiply and speed up healing.
There's some human data for cosmetic benefit too: a cream containing 10% Aloe Barbadensis leaf extract improved skin hydration and elasticity in a real-use study.
Safety-wise, this ingredient is well-regarded with just one rare downside; there have been some case reports of acute eczema, contact urticaria, and dermatitis in people who applied aloe-derived ingredients topically. Those with a known aloe or Liliaceae sensitivity should patch test.
Typical use levels range widely, from under 1% up to 90%+ depending on the format and the effect you are after.
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.
Beeswax's wax esters are derived primarily from palmitic and oleic acid (C16 and C18:1). Both of these fall within the C11-C24 feeding window.
The Malassezia yeast can potentially cleave these esters and release usable fatty acids, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. However, not everyone will react to this ingredient.
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 pretty 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 (D5) is a lightweight silicone that mostly acts as an emollient and solvent in cosmetics. Its the reason your products feel silky, fast-spreading, and non-greasy.
Since D5 is volatile, it does its thing and then evaporates off the skin quickly.
The safety profile of this ingredient is reassuring; the US CIR Expert Panel concluded D5 is safe as used in cosmetics and Health Canada concluded that D5 is not harmful to human health or the environment as currently used in cosmetics
There's a study that people mention about D5 in a rat study showing tumors. This study is related to long-term inhalation of high D5 levels.
Regulatory bodies have judged this study to be not applicable in topical skincare since skin absorption of D5 is very low and we're not really inhaling huge amounts of D5.
The only restriction for this ingredient is environmental. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) restricted D5 in wash-off cosmetics at or above 0.1% due to their persistence in water.
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 due to the oleic acid. In vitro studies have shown that Oleic Acid is one of the fatty acids that induce rapid Malassezia growth in lab settings.
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
