What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Sodium Chloride
MaskingPropanediol
Solvent
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Sodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningAcmella Oleracea Extract
Skin ProtectingPropylene Carbonate
SolventXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Hydrogenated Polydecene, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Chloride, Propanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Dimethicone/PEG-10/15 Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Levulinate, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Propylene Carbonate, Xanthan Gum, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dipropylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Caprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
C13-15 Alkane
SolventSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Dimethicone
Emollient
Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer
Hydroxyethyl Urea
Humectant
Magnesium Sulfate
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientIsotridecyl Isononanoate
EmollientTriethyl Citrate
Masking
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Polypropylsilsesquioxane
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Quaternium-90 Bentonite
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Propylene Carbonate
SolventEthylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Isopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Isostearic Acid
Cleansing
Lecithin
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Disodium EDTA
Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
Emulsifying
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Amyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Spiraea Ulmaria Extract
Astringent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Squalane
Emollient
Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Mangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Benzyl Glycol
SolventPanax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Convallaria Majalis Bulb/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Candidum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnolia Liliflora Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRaspberry Ketone
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tbhq
Antioxidant
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Iron Oxides
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Methicone, C13-15 Alkane, Sorbitan Isostearate, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Acrylates/Stearyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Isotridecyl Isononanoate, Triethyl Citrate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Quaternium-90 Bentonite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Potassium Sorbate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Myristate, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Propanediol, Disodium EDTA, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Hydroxycitronellal, Geraniol, Maltodextrin, Amyl Cinnamal, Linalool, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Spiraea Ulmaria Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Squalane, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Benzyl Glycol, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Hyaluronic Acid, Convallaria Majalis Bulb/Root Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Lilium Candidum Flower Extract, Magnolia Liliflora Flower Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Raspberry Ketone, Tocopherol, Tbhq, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCyclopentasiloxane, 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 DimethiconeDimethicone Crosspolymer is a silicone created by modifying dimethicone with hydrocarbon side chains. Due to its large size, it does not penetrate skin. It is considered non-occlusive.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer is used to stabilize and thicken products. It also helps give products a silky feel.
Disteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinPEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone is a type of silicone.
Phenyl Trimethicone is a silicon-based polymer. It is derived from silica.
Phenyl Trimethicone is used as an emollient and prevents products from foaming.
As an emollient, it helps trap moisture in the skin. It is considered an occlusive.
Learn more about Phenyl TrimethiconePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePropanediol 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 PropanediolThis ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonateSodium 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 HyaluronateTocopherol 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 TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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
