What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Methyl Trimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV Absorber
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Ficus Carica Fruit Extract
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Epilobium Fleischeri Extract
Skin ConditioningEnantia Chlorantha Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Salvia Officinalis Oil
Masking
Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
Masking
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Vp/Eicosene Copolymer
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Trisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingAlumina
Abrasive
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Pvm/Ma Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingT-Butyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Polyether-1
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
AbsorbentMentha Arvensis Powder
MaskingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Sodium Acrylate/Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Oleanolic Acid
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCitronellol
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Titanium Dioxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Methyl Trimethicone, Glycerin, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Gaultheria Procumbens Leaf Extract, Epilobium Fleischeri Extract, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Salvia Officinalis Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Vp/Eicosene Copolymer, Dimethiconol, Trisiloxane, Stearic Acid, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Alumina, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sodium Polyacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Pvm/Ma Copolymer, T-Butyl Alcohol, Polyether-1, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Beta-Glucan, Ceramide NP, Tocopherol, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Mentha Arvensis Powder, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium Acrylate/Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer, Citric Acid, Sodium Acrylic Acid/Ma Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Oleanolic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Propanediol
Solvent
Ethylhexyl Salicylate
UV Absorber
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
Dimethicone
Emollient
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCetearyl Olivate
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientSorbitan Stearate
Emulsifying
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Tromethamine
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Disodium EDTA
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMyristic Acid
Cleansing
Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Morus Alba Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin Protecting
Citric Acid
Buffering
Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water
Skin Conditioning
Helichrysum Italicum Flower Water
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Leaf Water
Skin ConditioningWater, Homosalate, Silica, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, CI 77891, Dipropylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Polysorbate 60, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Butylene Glycol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Olivate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Isohexadecane, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Polysorbate 80, Palmitic Acid, Tromethamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sorbitan Oleate, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Hydroxide, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Myristic Acid, Vp/Hexadecene Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Helichrysum Italicum Flower Water, Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Water
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 GlycolC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is a lightweight emollient made by combinig benzoic acid with fatty alcohols that are 12-15 carbons long.
In cosmetics, it plays several roles:
The Cosmetic Review Expert Panel has concluded the alkyl benzoate group to be safe as used in cosmetics; it wasn't found to be a skin irritant and unlikely to be absorbed due to its low water solubility.
This report recorded almost 1000 reported uses with concentrations up to 59% in leave-on products but your cosmetics will typically use 0.5-15% depending on the product.
It's often called a "SPF booster": this is because it keeps UV filters properly dissolved and evenly distributed to support a sunscreen's performance. It doesn't actually raise SPF on its own.
Overall, this ingredient is well tolerated.
This ingredient is fungal acne safe because it is an ester of benzoic acid.
Think of this ingredient as two parts stuck together: an oily part and an acid part. Malassezia only gets a meal when it can snip off a fatty acid to eat. With C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, the acid part is benzoic acid, which isn't a fatty acid and which the yeast can't use as food.
Benzoic acid is actually used as a preservative to stop yeast from growing.
The oily part is a blend of C12-15 fatty alcohols but fatty alcohols in this size range can support only a little Malassezia growth (mostly for one species of Malassezia as well).
In the ingredient, those alcohols stay locked inside the molecule. The yeast can only reach them by snipping the benzoate bond, and that type of bond is harder for it to cut than a normal fatty bond.
So not much gets released. And whatever does get snipped comes packaged with benzoic acid, which discourages yeast growth.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCitric 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 AcidDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) is a chemical UV-A absorber. It is formulated for high UVA protection (320-400 nm).
DHHB is well-liked for:
DHHB has been approved by the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and South America for use up to 10%. Unfortunately, it has not been approved for use in the US or Canada due to slow regulatory processes.
This ingredient is soluble in oils, fats, and lipids.
Learn more about Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl BenzoateEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinPropanediol 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 PropanediolStearic 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 AcidWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
