What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientIsopropyl Isostearate
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSqualane
EmollientPEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantOlea Europaea Fruit Extract
BleachingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Water
MaskingPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningTriticum Vulgare Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSorbitol
HumectantSodium Polyaspartate
HumectantPetrolatum
EmollientTrehalose
HumectantLactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingPyridoxine Dipalmitate
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCholesterol
EmollientSucrose
HumectantPolysilicone-11
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
PEG-150
HumectantPEG-8
HumectantHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantBHT
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Sodium Hexametaphosphate
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isopropyl Isostearate, Dipropylene Glycol, Squalane, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Olea Europaea Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Triticum Vulgare Bran Extract, Caffeine, Methyl Trimethicone, Sorbitol, Sodium Polyaspartate, Petrolatum, Trehalose, Lactis Proteinum, Linoleic Acid, Pyridoxine Dipalmitate, Butylene Glycol, Cholesterol, Sucrose, Polysilicone-11, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, PEG-150, PEG-8, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Hydroxyacetophenone, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester
EmulsifyingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Ricinoleate
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientAlgae Extract
EmollientTuber Melanosporum Extract
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPrunus Persica Flower Extract
MoisturisingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingNarcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
AstringentHydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Skin ConditioningSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningGold
Cosmetic ColorantPearl Powder
Squalane
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seed Oil
MaskingCordyceps Sinensis Extract
AntioxidantCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Distichon Extract
Skin ProtectingPhoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract
EmollientYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Oil
EmollientFuscoporia Obliqua Sclerotium Extract
Skin ConditioningBoswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantArtemia Extract
Skin ConditioningGlucose
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCellulose
AbsorbentTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantLecithin
EmollientPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningLaureth-8
EmulsifyingPEG-100 Stearate
Parfum
MaskingBHT
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Cetyl Alcohol, Algae Extract, Tuber Melanosporum Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Hyaluronate, Prunus Persica Flower Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Gold, Pearl Powder, Squalane, Caffeine, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Coffea Arabica Seed Oil, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hordeum Distichon Extract, Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract, Yeast Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil, Fuscoporia Obliqua Sclerotium Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Artemia Extract, Glucose, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Lecithin, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Carbomer, Tromethamine, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Disodium EDTA, Hexylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Laureth-8, PEG-100 Stearate, Parfum, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, CI 17200, CI 19140
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 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 GlycolCaffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.
While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.
Learn more about CaffeineDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium 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 Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
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".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides 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.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneTocopheryl 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 Water