What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingOrbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientPEG-40 Stearate
EmulsifyingArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientTriethanolamine
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientSqualane
EmollientLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
AntioxidantLilium Tigrinum Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract
AntimicrobialChrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMyrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHoney
HumectantRosa Multiflora Fruit Extract
MaskingGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentLigustrum Japonicum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingSodium Citrate
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingBuddleja Davidii Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingWater, Butylene Glycol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Trideceth-6, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Silica, Titanium Dioxide, Sorbitan Stearate, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, PEG-40 Stearate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Beeswax, Diisostearyl Malate, Dimethicone, Squalane, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Lilium Tigrinum Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Myrciaria Dubia Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Honey, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Ligustrum Japonicum Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Citrate, Disodium EDTA, Phaseolus Radiatus Seed Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientSd Alcohol 40-B
AstringentTriethylhexanoin
MaskingPEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientMyristyl Myristate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingTrehalose
HumectantPotassium Methoxysalicylate
BleachingPhytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Polysorbate 60
EmulsifyingPEG-40 Stearate
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeDimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Hydrogenated Palm Oil
EmollientElaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil
EmollientElaeis Guineensis Oil
EmollientSorbitan Tristearate
EmulsifyingTrisodium EDTA
Erythritol
HumectantPEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingParfum
MaskingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningAlcohol
AntimicrobialSilica
AbrasiveXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaffeine
Skin ConditioningLinalool
PerfumingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingPPG-3 Dipivalate
Skin ConditioningHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Tocopherol
AntioxidantCitronellol
PerfumingSodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantGeraniol
PerfumingAngelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCrataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingFructose
HumectantRehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantPrunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningZiziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrola Incarnata Extract
Skin ConditioningPotentilla Erecta Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningBenzoic Acid
MaskingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Sd Alcohol 40-B, Triethylhexanoin, PEG/PPG-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Behenyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Trehalose, Potassium Methoxysalicylate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 60, PEG-40 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethylacrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Palm Oil, Elaeis Guineensis Kernel Oil, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Sorbitan Tristearate, Trisodium EDTA, Erythritol, PEG/PPG-17/4 Dimethyl Ether, Sodium Citrate, Parfum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, 2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Alcohol, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Caffeine, Linalool, Citric Acid, Sodium Metaphosphate, PPG-3 Dipivalate, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Tocopherol, Citronellol, Sodium Metabisulfite, Geraniol, Angelica Keiskei Leaf/Stem Extract, Limonene, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Fructose, Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract, CI 77491, Prunus Yedoensis Leaf Extract, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Pyrola Incarnata Extract, Potentilla Erecta Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Benzoic Acid
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Behenyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol (these are different from the drying, solvent alcohols).
Fatty Alcohols have hydrating properties and are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils; behenyl alcohol is derived from the fats of vegetable oils.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Polydecene is an emollient. It creates a non-occlusive film on the skin that offers extra protection for your skin barrier.
The texture of Hydrogenated Polydecene ranges from light and silky to rich.
Hydrogenated Polydecene is the end compound of controlled hydrogenation of Polydecene.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolydeceneParfum 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 ParfumPeg-40 Stearate is a waxy solid made up of polyethylene glycol and stearic acid. It is an emulsifier and cleanser. Emulsifiers help oils and water mix.
Stearic acid is a a fatty acid. Therefore, Peg-40 stearate may not be fungal-acne safe.
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.
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 SilicaSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateWater. 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