What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientCocoglycerides
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Distearate
EmulsifyingGlycerin
HumectantCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingJojoba Esters
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBeheneth-25
CleansingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientPolyglycerin-3
HumectantSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentParfum
MaskingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientXylitylglucoside
HumectantSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Anigozanthos Flavidus Extract
Skin ConditioningAnhydroxylitol
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Jojoba Esters
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantLecithin
EmollientXylitol
HumectantAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveDisodium EDTA
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingAcacia Decurrens Flower Wax
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantBetaine
HumectantSorbitol
HumectantGlucose
HumectantMarrubium Vulgare Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientKalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract
MaskingBalanites Roxburghii Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningMitracarpus Scaber Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSteareth-20
CleansingCitric Acid
BufferingFurcellaria Lumbricalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantLapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningWater, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Cocoglycerides, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Glycerin, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Jojoba Esters, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beheneth-25, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Polyglycerin-3, Sodium Polyacrylate, Parfum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Xylitylglucoside, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Anigozanthos Flavidus Extract, Anhydroxylitol, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lecithin, Xylitol, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Sorbitol, Glucose, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract, Balanites Roxburghii Seed Oil, Mitracarpus Scaber Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Steareth-20, Citric Acid, Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract, Potassium Sorbate, CI 15985, Lapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Maris Sal
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingEthylhexyl Olivate
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetearyl Olivate
Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientSodium Lactate
BufferingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientPolyglycerin-6
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantMagnesium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingHeptapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningNicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76
Skin ConditioningEragrostis Tef Seed Extract
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCarnosine
Skin ConditioningAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEpigallocatechin Gallate
AntioxidantPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantLinolenic Acid
CleansingSqualane
EmollientSodium PCA
HumectantTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCetyl Palmitate
EmollientSorbitan Palmitate
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPropanediol
SolventSilica
AbrasiveC9-12 Alkane
SolventPullulan
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTriheptanoin
Skin ConditioningSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCalcium Gluconate
HumectantPolyurethane-10
Lecithin
EmollientGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhytic Acid
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Jojoba Esters, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate, Sodium Lactate, Sorbitan Olivate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polyglycerin-6, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Magnesium Gluconate, Arginine, Heptapeptide-7, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76, Eragrostis Tef Seed Extract, Adenosine, Carnosine, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Linoleic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Linolenic Acid, Squalane, Sodium PCA, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Tocopherol, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Propanediol, Silica, C9-12 Alkane, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Triheptanoin, Sclerotium Gum, Sorbitan Oleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Calcium Gluconate, Polyurethane-10, Lecithin, Gluconolactone, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Phytic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholCitric 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 AcidCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinJojoba Esters is a wax created from Jojoba oil. It is an emollient and film-forming ingredient. In bead form, it is an exfoliator.
This ingredient has high oxidative stability, meaning it doesn't break down when exposed to oxygen.
Its similarity to our skin's natural oils makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soften and soothe our skin by creating a barrier on top. This barrier helps trap moisture in, keeping skin hydrated.
It is created using either the hydrogenation or transesterification processes on jojoba oil.
Learn more about Jojoba EstersLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of mixture of phospholipids.
This ingredient has emollient and emulsifying properties.
As an emollient, lecithen helps soften the skin and creates a barrier to keep moisture in.
As an emulsifier, it also helps prevent water and oil ingredients from separating. Lecithin can also help ingredients be better absorbed by the skin.
This is because the phospholipids in lecithin produce liposomes. Liposomes help other ingredients get through the skin barrier.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that feeds fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Some other names for this ingredient include soy lecithin and deoiled soy lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium 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 SorbateSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateTocopheryl 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water