What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantIsostearyl Neopentanoate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Dimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantAcetyl Octapeptide-3
HumectantAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningLactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantIsohexadecane
EmollientPetrolatum
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlycereth-26
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
PEG-8
HumectantPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Isostearyl Neopentanoate, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Algae Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Lactis Proteinum, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Caffeine, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Cetearyl Glucoside, Tocopheryl Acetate, Isohexadecane, Petrolatum, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycereth-26, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, PEG-8, Polysorbate 20, Hexylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Carbomer, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Sorbitan Oleate, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Pentaerythrityl Distearate
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Myristate
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingParfum
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Benzoate
MaskingAnigozanthos Flavidus Extract
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveDisodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDimethiconol
EmollientBetaine
HumectantSorbitol
HumectantCapsicum Annuum Fruit Meristem Cell
AntioxidantTin Oxide
AbrasiveT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingMarrubium Vulgare Extract
Skin ConditioningLycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
AstringentKalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract
MaskingBalanites Roxburghii Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningMitracarpus Scaber Extract
Skin ConditioningMalpighia Emarginata Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenethyl Alcohol
MaskingCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantFurcellaria Lumbricalis Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeTocopherol
AntioxidantLapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningCoumarin
PerfumingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialWater, Glycerin, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, CI 77891, Phenyl Trimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Myristate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Parfum, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Benzoate, Anigozanthos Flavidus Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethiconol, Betaine, Sorbitol, Capsicum Annuum Fruit Meristem Cell, Tin Oxide, T-Butyl Alcohol, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Kalanchoe Pinnata Leaf Extract, Balanites Roxburghii Seed Oil, Mitracarpus Scaber Extract, Malpighia Emarginata Seed Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, CI 14700, Furcellaria Lumbricalis Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Tocopherol, Lapsana Communis Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Maris Sal, Coumarin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
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 GlycolDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisodium 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 EDTAGlycerin (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 GlycerinPotassium 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 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 HyaluronateTocopheryl 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