What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningIsostearyl Palmitate
EmollientCetyl Ricinoleate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantSqualane
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Cetyl Alcohol
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingArginine
MaskingSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientCastanea Sativa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialTrehalose
HumectantSalicylic Acid
MaskingCreatine
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientLecithin
EmollientAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantPetrolatum
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningArginine Ferulate
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-11
Tromethamine
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSodium Rna
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDisodium Nadh
EmollientMicrococcus Lysate
Skin ConditioningLaurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAdenosine Phosphate
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAscorbyl Tocopheryl Maleate
AntioxidantNordihydroguaiaretic Acid
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Sodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantSorbic Acid
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Isostearyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ricinoleate, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Arginine, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Castanea Sativa Seed Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Yeast Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Trehalose, Salicylic Acid, Creatine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Lecithin, Acetyl Glucosamine, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Petrolatum, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Arginine Ferulate, Polysilicone-11, Tromethamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Rna, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycerin, Phospholipids, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium Nadh, Micrococcus Lysate, Laurdimonium Hydroxypropyl Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Xanthan Gum, Adenosine Phosphate, Carbomer, Ascorbyl Tocopheryl Maleate, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sorbic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantOctyldodecyl Myristate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientDi-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate
EmollientIsopropyl Isostearate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
PEG-8
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningTribehenin
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantSucrose
HumectantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSaccharomyces Lysate Extract
HumectantAlgae Extract
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingSalicylic Acid
MaskingCholesterol
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Phosphate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingDimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol
AntioxidantSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingPolysilicone-11
Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingIsohexadecane
EmollientDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Dimethicone, Di-C12-15 Alkyl Fumarate, Isopropyl Isostearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-8, Glycerin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Tribehenin, Cetyl Alcohol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sucrose, Caffeine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Algae Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Yeast Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Salicylic Acid, Cholesterol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Dimethoxytolyl Propylresorcinol, Sorbitan Oleate, Polysilicone-11, Di-C12-18 Alkyl Dimonium Chloride, Hexylene Glycol, Polysorbate 80, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
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Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is an amino acid sugar and is naturally found in our skin.
The cool thing about this ingredient? It helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and boost hydration. It also has antioxidant benefits to protect skin cells.
When paired with niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine has been shown to be effective at reducing discoloration.
Learn more about Acetyl GlucosamineButylene 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 and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinThis extract comes from cucumber. Cucumbers are mostly made up of water (95%), and the other 5% is composed of: vitamin C, caffeic acid, fatty acids, amino acids, and other minerals.
Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory, barrier repair, and hydrating properties.
They contain shikimate dehydrigenase, an enzyme shown to help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
The amino acids found in cucumbers help nourish our skin's natural acid mantle (it's an important part of our skin barrier). This slightly acidic film acts as a barrier to protect us from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
Unless you have an allergy to cucumbers, this is generally a non-irritating ingredient.
Fun fact: Cucumis Sativus is native to South Asia and can now be found on every continent.
Learn more about Cucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractDimethicone 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract comes from sunflower seeds.
Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E. Studies show sunflowers contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed ExtractHexylene Glycol is a surfactant. Glycols are a class of alcohols. Hexylene Glycol is a surfactant and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, Hexylene Glycol helps gather dirt and oil on your skin to be washed away.
As an emulsifier, Hexylene Glycol helps keep water and oil together. This prevents them from separating in a product. Hexylene Glycol also thins out the texture of a product by lessening viscosity.
Hexylene Glycol has a small molecular weight.
Learn more about Hexylene GlycolWe don't have a description for Hordeum Vulgare Extract yet.
Peg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
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.
Polysilicone-11 is a film-forming silicone that creates a non-tacky and matte finish on the skin. It's commonly used to improve texture, absorb excess oil, and help active ingredients spread evenly.
Due to its "rubber-like" structure, it stays on the skin's surface instead of being absorbed. On the skin, it creates a flexible layer that enhances wearability and stability.
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 SorbatePropylene Glycol Dicaprate is an emollient and emulsifier. It is created from a mixture of fatty acids.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidSodium 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 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. 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 GumYeast extract is a silky, clear liquid derived from yeast (usually Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Torula yeast).
This ingredient has plenty of skin benefits:
Bioferments of yeast and soy have been found to reduce hyperpigmentation at low levels.
Due to its fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Yeast Extract