What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPolyvinyl Alcohol
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingGlycerin
HumectantCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningAlgin
MaskingCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPaullinia Cupana Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningRetinal
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiaticoside
AntioxidantAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCitral
PerfumingWater, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Polysorbate 60, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Polysorbate 20, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Arginine, Caprylyl Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Cellulose Gum, Glycerin, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Allantoin, Algin, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Paullinia Cupana Seed Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Retinal, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Limonene, Linalool, Citral
Honey
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
EmulsifyingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningCitrus Unshiu Peel Powder
MaskingHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantBoswellia Serrata Resin Extract
SmoothingCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract
AstringentEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
PerfumingPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantBambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningSophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientNelumbo Nucifera Flower Water
TonicAloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientBambusa Vulgaris Water
Skin ConditioningCorylus Avellana Seed Oil
EmollientSnail Secretion Filtrate
Skin ConditioningVegetable Oil
Skin ConditioningOlus Oil
EmollientArginine
MaskingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningBee Venom
AstringentEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingHoney, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Water, Citrus Unshiu Peel Powder, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Beeswax, Microcrystalline Wax, Parfum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Boswellia Serrata Resin Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Bambusa Vulgaris Water, Corylus Avellana Seed Oil, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Vegetable Oil, Olus Oil, Arginine, Beta-Glucan, Propolis Extract, Bee Venom, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Linalool
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
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. It has emollient and skin conditioning properties that help soften skin and reinforce the lipid barrier.
The fatty acid profile of argan oil is roughly 45-55% oleic acid, 28-36% linoleic acid, 10-15% palmitic acid, and 5-7% stearic acid. It also contains vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and polyphenols like ferulic acid.
Two clinical studies in postmenopausal women found that applying argan oil for 60 days significantly improved skin elasticity and moisturization (reduced transepidermal water loss and increased epidermal water content).
Since it is high in oleic and linoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Both of these fall in the C11-C24 range that Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilArginine is a semi-essential amino acid. This just means our bodies can product a bit on its own, but sometimes needs a little boost from food sources.
It is a part of your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF), or the water-loving molecules in your outermost layer of skin (stratum corneum) that keeps everything hydrated and happy.
Here's an interesting thing about Arginine: your skin converts it into urea through the Krebs-Henseleit urea cycle. Urea is one of the most effective humectants your skin naturally produces.
A clinical study showed applying 2.5% arginine hydrochloride to atopic dermatitis skin showed significant urea levels in the stratum corneum and improved moisture in just four weeks.
Arginine is also a precursor to nitric oxide; nitric oxide improves microcirculation and supports wound healing and collagen synthesis.
One study found that an amino acid complex containing Arginine reduced skin irritation, improved hydration, and accelerated skin repair in clinical / in-vivo studies.
Arginine itself is an amino acid and not a fatty acid, oil, or ester. On its own, it's not a direct food source for Malassezia, or the yeast that causes fungal acne.
Learn more about ArginineButylene 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 lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideGlycerin (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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolPentylene 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 GlycolPolysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20We don't have a description for Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract yet.
Tocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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