What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone
EmulsifyingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantSilica
AbrasivePolysilicone-11
Sodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentPEG-12 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDimethiconol
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPrunus Persica Leaf Extract
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMarrubium Vulgare Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDecyl Glucoside
CleansingPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
AbrasiveKalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingMalpighia Emarginata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingFurcellaria Lumbricalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingEngelhardtia Chrysolepis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningWater, Dimethicone, CI 77891, Glycerin, Propanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, PEG-11 Methyl Ether Dimethicone, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, CI 77492, Butylene Glycol, Silica, Polysilicone-11, Sodium Polyacrylate, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, CI 77491, Parfum, CI 77499, Sodium Hydroxide, Dimethiconol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Prunus Persica Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Decyl Glucoside, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan Gum, Malpighia Emarginata Seed Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Engelhardtia Chrysolepis Leaf Extract, Lapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Maris Sal
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantC9-12 Alkane
SolventOctyldodecyl Myristate
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingJojoba Esters
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientSilica
Abrasive1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientCamellia Japonica Flower Extract
EmollientMaris Aqua
HumectantPolyglycerin-3
HumectantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeParfum
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropanediol
SolventTin Oxide
AbrasiveSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAcacia Decurrens Flower Wax
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearate
CleansingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPhormidium Persicinum Extract
AntioxidantCeteareth-20
CleansingCalcium Chloride
AstringentSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 77007
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, C9-12 Alkane, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Jojoba Esters, Behenyl Alcohol, Silica, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Flower Extract, Maris Aqua, Polyglycerin-3, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Propanediol, Tin Oxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Sodium Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Phormidium Persicinum Extract, Ceteareth-20, Calcium Chloride, Saccharide Isomerate, Tocopherol, CI 77007, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891, Mica
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
Think of it as a supportive ingredient that helps your gel-creams feel silky, "cloud cream-like", and spread evenly without being greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated it (along with 22 other acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers) and concluded it's:
Due to its large molecular size, it sits on the surface of skin rather than penetrating it.
Learn more about Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerCaprylyl 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 GlycolCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Glycerin (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 GlycerinParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPotassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.
Learn more about Potassium Cetyl PhosphatePotassium 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 SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateWater. 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