What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Tridecyl Isononanoate
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPEG-12 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Polyethylene
Abrasive
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Emollient
Water
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
CI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Palmitate, Tridecyl Isononanoate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-12 Diisostearate, Polyethylene, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water, Phenoxyethanol, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Parfum, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, CI 17200, CI 42090
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPEG-12 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Glucosylrutin
Antioxidant
Charcoal Extract
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Malic Acid
Buffering
Lactobionic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Parfum
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Bixa Orellana Seed Extract
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-12 Diisostearate, Polyethylene, Phenoxyethanol, Water, Caprylyl Glycol, Glucosylrutin, Charcoal Extract, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Malic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Parfum, Tocopherol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateParfum 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-12 Diisostearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.
It is an emollient, emulsifier, and gentle cleanser. As an emollient, it helps trap moisture to keep skin soft and hydrated. Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating.
This ingredient is common in oil-based products. This is because it helps oil-ingredients be easily washed away without leaving a residue.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about PEG-20 Glyceryl TriisostearatePhenoxyethanol 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.
Polyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
It is also typically used within product formulations to help bind solid ingredients together and thicken oil-based ingredients. When added to balms and emulsions, it helps increase the melting point temperature.
Sodium 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 HyaluronateWater. 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
