What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Lecithin
Emollient
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Erythritol
Humectant
Chondrus Crispus
Masking
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Isomerate
Humectant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingBellis Perennis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Pisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingWater, Isononyl Isononanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Lecithin, Sodium PCA, Erythritol, Chondrus Crispus, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Citrate, Bellis Perennis Flower Extract, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Niacinamide, Pisum Sativum Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Xanthan Gum
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Isononanoate
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Glyceryl Oleate Citrate
Emulsifying
Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil
Emollient
C9-12 Alkane
SolventHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Resveratrol
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Gelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Quercus Suber Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingOak Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Propylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingCholesterol
Emollient
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPropylene Glycol Caprylate
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
Buffering
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Laminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingParfum
Masking
Tetrasodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Propanediol, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, C9-12 Alkane, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Resveratrol, Panthenol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Crataegus Monogyna Flower Extract, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Salicylic Acid, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment, Quercus Suber Bark Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Oak Root Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Cholesterol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Propylene Glycol Caprylate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Squalane, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chamomilla Recutita Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Sodium Lactate, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Sodium PCA, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Parfum, Tetrasodium EDTA, BHT, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 14700
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 GlycolCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that it is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid.
In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Just patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideThis ingredient comes from the Chamomile flower.
Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.
Antioxidant components in chamomile help fight free-radical molecules. These unstable molecules may damage your skin cells. By stabilizing them, antioxidants may help reduce the signs of aging.
Ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help with stomach issues.
Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita ExtractEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCAWater. 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 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
