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 ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSqualane
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialIsododecane
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Butylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativePropylene Carbonate
SolventTriethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantCitrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyglutamic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Phytate
Hydrogen Dimethicone
Citric Acid
BufferingAlcohol
AntimicrobialCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Squalane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Propanediol, Alcohol Denat., Isododecane, Pentylene Glycol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Propylene Carbonate, Triethoxysilylethyl Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Hexyl Dimethicone, Parfum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Polyglutamic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Citric Acid, Alcohol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
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 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 77891Citric 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 AcidDimethicone 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 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 ParfumPropanediol 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 PropanediolThis ingredient is an emollient designed to leave a non-greasy feel. It is also a skin conditioning agent and viscosity modifier.
Skin irritation studies for this ingredient (up to 80%) showed mimimal to no irritation.
One thing worth knowing: this ingredient may enhance the skin penetration of other ingredients.
Overall, this ingredient is a well-tolerated and lightweight emollient.
Learn more about Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/DicaprateSodium 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 HyaluronateSynthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteTocopheryl 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