What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantSqualane
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientDimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Potassium Methoxysalicylate
BleachingStearyl Alcohol
EmollientHydrogenated Palm Oil
EmollientBeheneth-20
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMyristyl Myristate
EmollientDimethicone/Phenyl Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil
EmollientElaeis Guineensis Oil
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingBHT
AntioxidantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantParfum
MaskingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCentaurea Cyanus Flower Extract
AstringentOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
PerfumingIris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGeraniol
PerfumingSanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract
CleansingCrataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialSerine
MaskingInositol
HumectantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantRetinyl Acetate
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPotentilla Erecta Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientZea Mays Oil
EmulsifyingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTheanine
EmollientRosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract
TonicSophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningBenzoic Acid
MaskingHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantRubus Suavissimus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningBupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Squalane, Isododecane, Dipropylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Microcrystalline Wax, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Trehalose, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, Potassium Methoxysalicylate, Stearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Beheneth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Myristyl Myristate, Dimethicone/Phenyl Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Sodium Citrate, BHT, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Parfum, Sodium Metabisulfite, Citric Acid, Sodium Metaphosphate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, CI 77492, Limonene, Linalool, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Geraniol, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract, Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract, Benzyl Benzoate, Serine, Inositol, CI 77491, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Potentilla Erecta Root Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Zea Mays Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Theanine, Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Benzoic Acid, Hydrolyzed Silk, Rubus Suavissimus Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantParaffinum Liquidum
EmollientPetrolatum
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantParaffin
PerfumingPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingSqualane
EmollientGlyceryl Oleate
EmollientSodium PCA
HumectantGlutamic Acid
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCarnosine
Skin ConditioningBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAlcohol
AntimicrobialPolyethylene
AbrasiveMethylparaben
PreservativeTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylparaben
PreservativePhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingTrisodium EDTA
Tocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningPPG-3 Dipivalate
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingSapindus Mukorossi Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningCitronellol
PerfumingUncaria Gambir Extract
AstringentGeraniol
PerfumingAngelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingSanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract
CleansingCrataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantHydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCitrus Junos Seed Extract
AntioxidantCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
MaskingZiziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningEucheuma Serra/Grateloupia Sparsa/Saccharina Angustata/Ulva Linza/Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Lactate
BufferingBHT
AntioxidantCurcuma Longa Rhizome Extract
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSaccharina Angustata/Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
EmollientPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningWater, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum, Petrolatum, Butylene Glycol, Paraffin, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Squalane, Glyceryl Oleate, Sodium PCA, Glutamic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Carnosine, Beeswax, Microcrystalline Wax, Sodium Hydroxide, Alcohol, Polyethylene, Methylparaben, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylparaben, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Parfum, Trisodium EDTA, Tocopherol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Caffeine, CI 77492, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, PPG-3 Dipivalate, Linalool, Limonene, Sapindus Mukorossi Peel Extract, Citronellol, Uncaria Gambir Extract, Geraniol, Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract, Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Hydroxyproline, CI 77491, Citrus Junos Seed Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Eucheuma Serra/Grateloupia Sparsa/Saccharina Angustata/Ulva Linza/Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, BHT, Curcuma Longa Rhizome Extract, Polysorbate 20, Saccharina Angustata/Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is a fragrance. It can be synthetically created or naturally occurring.
The scent of Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone is described as "flowery" but can also be "woody".
Naturally occurring Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone may be found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or the yeast used to make wine and bread.
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 Alpha-Isomethyl IononeBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTButylene 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 77492Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolWe don't have a description for Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract yet.
Dipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolGlycerin (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 GlycerinLimonene 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 LinaloolMicrocrystalline Wax is derived from petroleum through a de-oiling process, then highly refined and purified before use in cosmetics.
In skincare formulations, it is used to improve texture and create a smooth, even consistency. It also helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating.
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 ParfumWe don't have a description for PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether yet.
We don't have a description for Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate yet.
We don't have a description for Sanguisorba Officinalis Root Extract yet.
Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate is a type of Hyaluronic Acid.
Hyaluronic Acids help moisturize, soothe, and protect the skin.
Read about common types of Hyaluronic Acid here:
Learn more about Sodium Acetylated HyaluronateSodium metabisulfite is also known as Sodium Pyrosulfite. It is a preservative, antioxidant, and disinfectant.
As a preservative, it helps stabilize cosmetic formulas without affecting their color or scent.
Squalane is the hydrogenated and shelf-stable form of squalene (a lipid that naturally occurs in human sebum).
It is an emollient and skin conditioning agent that is able to integrate seamlessly into the skin's lipid barrier without clogging pores.
This is due to how structurally similar it is to what your skin already produces.
Though it is mostly an emollient that helps soften and hydrate skin, it also has some humectant and occlusive action. Humectants help the skin retain moisture while occlusives seal it in, making squalane a triple-threat moisturizer.
Research shows it has antioxidant capabilities that help protect against stressors like UV exposure, specifically UVA induced oxidative stress. This study also found that it supports collagen biosynthesis in human dermal fibroblasts.
No clinical study has reported significant adverse effects and irritation reactions are very rare from this ingredient (even at 100% concentration).
Overall, it's a fantastic ingredient for hydration and is suitable for all skin types.
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Though squalane is often called an oil, it’s technically not one. It is a hydrocarbon, meaning it is only made of carbon and hydrogen. True oils are triglycerides and made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
Squalane has a comedogenic rating of 1 from the original 1972 study that tested raw ingredients under occlusion on rabbit ears. This system is not standardized or peer-reviewed, and using the raw ingredients is very different from how diluted cosmetic formulations are used on human skin.
A comedogenic rating of 1 means it is "unlikely to clog pores" according to the original rating system.
The overall formula of a product matters more than the individual ingredients on whether or not it will cause clogged pores.
Learn more about SqualaneTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTocopheryl 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