What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientEthylhexyl Triazone
UV AbsorberPolyglyceryl-6 Stearate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV FilterBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientParfum
MaskingAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantDimethiconol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPhytic Acid
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantActinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingMarrubium Vulgare Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantCichorium Intybus Leaf Extract
MaskingFurcellaria Lumbricalis Extract
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingArbutus Unedo Fruit Extract
AntioxidantMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningWater, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Butylene Glycol, CI 77891, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Glycerin, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, CI 77492, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Parfum, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, CI 77491, Dimethiconol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phytic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, CI 77499, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Tocopherol, Cichorium Intybus Leaf Extract, Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract, Hexylene Glycol, Arbutus Unedo Fruit Extract, Maris Sal
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
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 CopolymerButylene 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 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 77891Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeDimethiconol is a silicone that resembles the popular dimethicone. Like other silicones, it is an emollient. Emollients create a thin film on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient helps to create a silky texture and improve spreadability. Due to its high molecular weight and thickness, it is often combined with cyclopentasiloxane.
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinWe don't have a description for Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract yet.
Glycerin (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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Maris Sal yet.
We don't have a description for Marrubium Vulgare Extract yet.
Parfum 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 ParfumPhenethyl Alcohol is a colorless and aromatic alohol. It is naturally occuring in essential oils.
The scent of this ingredient is floral and often compared to rose.
Like other alcohols, this ingredient helps prevent the growth of bacteria. However, its main purpose is to impact a fragrance.
Learn more about Phenethyl AlcoholPotassium 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 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 BenzoateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTocopheryl 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum