What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Dimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Marrubium Vulgare Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Isohexadecane
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Surfactant
Cetearyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Steareth-2
EmulsifyingSteareth-21
CleansingRetinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Lycopene
Antioxidant
Water, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Phospholipids, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Polyacrylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Isohexadecane, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Methicone, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-40 Stearate, Steareth-2, Steareth-21, Retinyl Palmitate, Linoleic Acid, Lycopene
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Cyclotetrasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Isododecane
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Hexyl Laurate
Emollient
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Petrolatum
Emollient
Sodium Chloride
MaskingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Polysilicone-11
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Squalane
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Sea Water
HumectantPunica Granatum Seed Oil
Emollient
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Mangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Coffea Arabica Seed Extract
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
Masking
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Masking
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Arbutin
Antioxidant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water
Masking
Lactobacillus
Skin ConditioningIllite
Abrasive
Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin Conditioning
Perfluorohexane
SolventHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCaviar Extract
Skin ConditioningSnail Secretion Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
Olea Europaea Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cholesteryl Chloride
Skin ConditioningCholesteryl Isostearate
EmollientCholesteryl Nonanoate
EmollientAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract
AstringentAnanas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningActinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract
EmollientPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantPerfluorodecalin
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Sprout Extract
EmollientDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin Protecting
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPentafluoropropane
MaskingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Achillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingSteareth-20
CleansingMarrubium Vulgare Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Gentiana Lutea Root Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Absinthium Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Veronica Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPrimula Veris Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMalva Sylvestris Extract
AstringentHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Colloidal Oatmeal
Absorbent
Hydrolyzed Silk
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Algae Extract
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
N-Hydroxysuccinimide
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Thiamine Hcl
MaskingRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantRetinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Pantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Oligopeptide
Cleansing
Niacin
SmoothingFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningChrysin
Skin ConditioningCarnitine Hcl
HumectantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Antimicrobial
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hexyl Laurate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ozokerite, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Petrolatum, Sodium Chloride, Caprylyl Methicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-11, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Olivate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Ubiquinone, Squalane, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sea Water, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Caffeine, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Arbutin, Adenosine, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Lactobacillus, Illite, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Perfluorohexane, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Caviar Extract, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Cholesteryl Chloride, Cholesteryl Isostearate, Cholesteryl Nonanoate, Alcohol, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Perfluorodecalin, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract, Glycine Soja Sprout Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Pentafluoropropane, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Steareth-20, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Primula Veris Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Colloidal Oatmeal, Hydrolyzed Silk, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Tocopherol, Thiamine Hcl, Riboflavin, Retinyl Palmitate, Pantothenic Acid, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Niacin, Folic Acid, Chrysin, Carnitine Hcl, Biotin, Ascorbic Acid, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, CI 77891, Mica
Alternatives
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.
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 preservatives
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 GlycolCaprylyl 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 or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCyclopentasiloxane, 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 DimethiconeGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidWe don't have a description for Marrubium Vulgare Extract yet.
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Polymethylsilsesquioxane 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 PolymethylsilsesquioxaneRetinyl palmitate is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the superstar class of anti-aging ingredients that include tretinoin and retinol.
This particular ingredient has had a bumpy year with its rise and fall in popularity.
First, Retinyl palmitate is created from palmitic acid and retinol. It is a retinol ester and considered one of the weaker forms of retinoid.
This is because all retinoids have to be converted to Tretinoin, AKA retinoic acid. Retinyl Palmitate is pretty far down the line and has to go through multiple conversions before its effects are seen.
Due to this long and ineffective conversion line, the benefits of Retinyl Palmitate are debated.
Studies show Retinyl Palmitate to help:
Dermatologists say this ingredient is ineffective because it isn't used in high enough concentrations in cosmetics.
This ingredient used to be found in sunscreens to boost the efficacy of sunscreen filters.
The downfall of Retinyl Palmitate was due to released reports about the ingredient being correlated to sun damage and skin tumors.
While there is a study showing this ingredient to cause DNA damage when exposed to UV-A, there is no concrete proof of it being linked to skin cancer. It is safe to use when used correctly.
All retinoids increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun in the first few months of usage. Be especially careful with reapplying sunscreen when using any form of retinoid.
Currently, this ingredient is still allowed in cosmetics all over the world. In Canada, cosmetics must have a warning label stating the product to contain Retinyl Palmitate
Fun fact: This ingredient is often added to low-fat milk to increase the levels of Vitamin A.
Learn more about Retinyl PalmitateSorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateWater. 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
