What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveDipropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberPropanediol
SolventNiacinamide
SmoothingErythritol
HumectantTerephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningMethylpropanediol
SolventTromethamine
BufferingSphingomonas Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialMentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract
TonicThymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPolymethylsilsesquioxane
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingStearyl Heptanoate
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentPolyether-1
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingMethyl Diisopropyl Propionamide
MaskingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingAlbatrellus Confluens Extract
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Bicarbonate
AbrasiveCalcium Chloride
AstringentPotassium Chloride
Glycine
BufferingArginine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Alcohol Denat., Butyloctyl Salicylate, Silica, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Octocrylene, Propanediol, Niacinamide, Erythritol, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Methylpropanediol, Tromethamine, Sphingomonas Ferment Extract, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Stearyl Heptanoate, Dimethiconol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Polyether-1, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Methyl Diisopropyl Propionamide, Cellulose Gum, Albatrellus Confluens Extract, Tocopherol, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bicarbonate, Calcium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Glycine, Arginine, Glutamic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningDibutyl Adipate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberMethylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol
UV FilterButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningDiethylhexyl Butamido Triazone
UV AbsorberGlycerin
HumectantHippophae Rhamnoides Oil
EmollientAnanas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningGarcinia Mangostana Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMorinda Citrifolia Extract
AstringentMusa Sapientum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningNephelium Lappaceum Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPsidium Guajava Fruit Extract
Astringent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPoly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantDecyl Glucoside
CleansingTromethamine
BufferingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylic Acid
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingWater, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Glycerin, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Extract, Musa Sapientum Fruit Extract, Nephelium Lappaceum Branch/Fruit/Leaf Extract, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Decyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyacrylic Acid, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cyanocobalamin, Tocopherol, Behenyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum
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
Behenyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol (these are different from the drying, solvent alcohols).
Fatty Alcohols have hydrating properties and are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils; behenyl alcohol is derived from the fats of vegetable oils.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolButyloctyl Salicylate is a chemical UV filter structurally similar to octisalate. It is a photostabilizer, SPF booster, emollient and solvent. This ingredient helps evenly spread out ingredients.
According to a manufacturer, it is suitable for pairing with micro Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and pigments.
Photostabilizers help stabilize UV-filters and prevents them from degrading quickly.
Learn more about Butyloctyl SalicylateDibutyl Adipate is a lightweight, oil-soluble ester that acts as an emollient and solvent. It helps products spread more easily and leaves a soft, silky, dry-touch finish without being greasy.
You'll likely see this ingredient in sunscreens because it does a nice job dissolving UV filters and keeping them evenly distributed.
This ingredient has been found to be safe as used in cosmetics, wasn't a skin or eye irritant in clinical patch testing, and wasn't phototoxic.
In a clinical comedogenicity test, this ingredient tested negative so it isn't likely to clog pores.
Typical use levels are about 5-8% for sunscreens + nail products, but can range from 0.005%-8% depending on the product.
Learn more about Dibutyl AdipateEthylhexyl Triazone is a modern chemical sunscreen that protects from UV-B radiation.
It is the most effective of existing UV-B filters, as it provides the highest level of photo-stable absorption. It protects from the entire UV-B range (280 to 320nm), with it's highest level of protection at 314nm.
Ethylhexyl Triazone is oil soluble, oderless and colorless, which mean it is able to be incorporated into a variety of different formulations.
It is not currently available within the United States due to slow changing FDA regulations. Outside of the US, it is used in formulations at concentrations up to 5%.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl TriazoneEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolThis ingredient is a polymer made from acrylic acid esters and long-chain (C10–C30) alcohols.
It is used as an emulsion stabilizer and viscosity controlling agent. This helps products maintain a smooth and uniform texture.
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate is a plant-derived emulsifier whose only job is to keep the oily and watery parts of a formula blended so it doesn't separate into layers.
It's compatible with a wide-range of active ingredients and especially good at making emulsions survive heat/freeze cycles.
Typical use concentrations range from 2-3% and it works across a pH of 4.5-8.5.
This ingredient has been found safe to use in cosmetics and has a low irritation profile.
Because it's build on stearic acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. Stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that falls within the range (C11-24) that Malassezia can feed on.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose DistearatePolymethylsilsesquioxane is a silicone used as a film forming agent.
When applied to the skin, this ingredient creates an invisible film on the surface. This film still allows oxygen to pass through, but prevents moisture from escaping. This can help condition and hydrate the skin. It also leaves a silky feel when applied.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane has not been shown to clog pores. It has been deemed safe to use up to 55%, but most cosmetics use much less.
If you have concerns about using this ingredient, we recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about PolymethylsilsesquioxanePropanediol 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 PropanediolSodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an amino-acid based emulsifier. It is made by combining stearic acid with L-glutamic acid and neutralizing it to a sodium salt.
As an emulsifier, it works mainly as an oil-in-water one and helps keep the oil and water in your formulas blended. It also contributes to a smooth, non-greasy skin feel.
This ingredient is biodegradable and commonly available in natural/COSMOS-certified grades.
Learn more about Sodium Stearoyl GlutamateTocopherol 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 TocopherolTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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