What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialDipropylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveIsostearic Acid
CleansingPEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate
EmulsifyingPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningTriethanolamine
BufferingBehenic Acid
CleansingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeStearic Acid
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBatyl Alcohol
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantPEG-30 Phytosterol
EmulsifyingTheanine
EmollientDisodium EDTA
PEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Trehalose
HumectantPEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPhytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialBHT
AntioxidantSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGinkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingAngelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGeraniol
PerfumingCrataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantGlycine
BufferingOnonis Spinosa Root Extract
AntiseborrhoeicRosa Canina Fruit Extract
AstringentHibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningZanthoxylum Piperitum Peel Extract
AntimicrobialFagus Sylvatica Bud Extract
TonicSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPerilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
TonicBenzoic Acid
MaskingRosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract
TonicIsodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk Extract
MaskingHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningBupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Alcohol Denat., Dipropylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Glycerin, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Silica, Isostearic Acid, PEG-5 Glyceryl Stearate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Triethanolamine, Behenic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Behenyl Alcohol, CI 77891, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Batyl Alcohol, Mica, PEG-30 Phytosterol, Theanine, Disodium EDTA, PEG/PPG-19/19 Dimethicone, Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, Trehalose, PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, Tocopheryl Acetate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Alcohol, BHT, Sodium Metaphosphate, Cellulose Gum, Parfum, Tocopherol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Limonene, Linalool, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Geraniol, Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Benzyl Benzoate, Hydrolyzed Silk, Glycine, Ononis Spinosa Root Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Peel Extract, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, CI 77491, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Benzoic Acid, Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract, Isodonis Japonicus Leaf/Stalk Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Bupleurum Falcatum Root Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialDipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberDimethicone
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningXylitol
HumectantOctocrylene
UV AbsorberDiisopropyl Sebacate
EmollientBis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin ConditioningPhenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid
UV AbsorberMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
AntioxidantAminopropyl Dimethicone
Erythritol
HumectantPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningPEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Peel Extract
AntioxidantRosa Alba Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantMelaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract
PerfumingZiziphus Jujuba Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningPPG-8-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Silica
AbrasiveCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingIsostearic Acid
CleansingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Diphenolic Acid
Tocopherol
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Alcohol Denat., Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Xylitol, Octocrylene, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Erythritol, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Caffeine, Pyrus Malus Peel Extract, Rosa Alba Leaf/Stem Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Extract, Ziziphus Jujuba Seed Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, PPG-8-Ceteth-20, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Silica, Carbomer, Isostearic Acid, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Metaphosphate, Disodium EDTA, Diphenolic Acid, Tocopherol, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, CI 77492
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying - mostly due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue, constricting pores and leaving your skin dried out.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is if this alcohol is near the end of an ingredients list, it will probably not affect your skin much.
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.BHT 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 BHTYou might know this ingredient as Tinosorb S or Bemotrizinol. It is a UV filter that covers both UVA and UVB rays.
This ingredient has two peak UV absorption peaks ( 310 and 340 nm) and is able to absorb both UV-A and UV-B rays. This ingredient works by preventing UV rays from reaching and damaging your skin.
On top of that - it is highly photostable and helps prevent the photodegration of other sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone.
Tinosorb S is allowed in the EU, Australia, and Asia. It is close to being approved by the FDA and we'll hopefully get this ingredient in the U.S. by late 2025.
Fun fact: Tinosorb S is the most effective UV absorber at maximum concentration (measured by SPF) permitted in the EU.
This ingredient is oil-soluble, so your oil-cleansers will take this right off at night.
Learn more about Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl TriazineButylene 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 GlycolWe don't have a description for Diisopropyl Sebacate yet.
Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeDipropylene 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 GlycolDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateGlycerin 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 GlycerinIsostearic acid is a saturated fatty acid. Its structure makes it a great surfactant.
Surfactants help decrease the surface tension between two liquids. This property also makes it an effective emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent waters and oils from separating in a product.
Isostearic Acid is created from oleic acid.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Isostearic AcidParfum 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 PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether yet.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
This ingredient is more commonly known as Ensulizole, a chemical sunscreen ingredient.
Ensulizole mainly protects UV-B (290-340 nm) but offers a little UV-A (320-400 nm) protection. It is often paired with less photo-stable sunscreen ingredients due to its photo-stability.
Due to it being water-soluble, Ensulizole helps give sunscreens a light and non-oily texture.
Ensulizole is approved worldwide:
Learn more about Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic AcidPhytosteryl Macadamiate comes from the fatty acids of Macadamia Seed Oil and an ester of phytosterol. Phytosterols are the plant-versions of cholesterol.
This ingredient helps provide hydration due to its high fatty acid content.
Silica, 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 SilicaWe don't have a description for Sodium Metaphosphate yet.
Tocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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. 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