What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Bifida Ferment Lysate 62.3%
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingSqualane
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Extract 1%
HumectantBakuchiol 1%
AntimicrobialButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingWater
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Theobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingDextrin
AbsorbentBifida Ferment Lysate 62.3%, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Squalane, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tremella Fuciformis Extract 1%, Bakuchiol 1%, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tromethamine, Water, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Disodium EDTA, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Dextrin
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingTribehenin PEG-20 Esters
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientSqualane
EmollientPropanediol
SolventCoco-Caprylate
EmollientC10-18 Triglycerides
EmollientTricaprylin
MaskingBakuchiol
AntimicrobialCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Callus Conditioned Media
Skin ConditioningLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
HumectantCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Lactate
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Chloride
MaskingSodium Benzoate
MaskingTriethanolamine
BufferingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tribehenin PEG-20 Esters, Dimethicone, Squalane, Propanediol, Coco-Caprylate, C10-18 Triglycerides, Tricaprylin, Bakuchiol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceramide Ng, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Centella Asiatica Callus Conditioned Media, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Triethanolamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken and improve the texture of products. Due to its properties, it can prevent water and oil ingredients from separating.
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived antioxidant (it's vegan!). It is often called the replacement for retinol although it is not part of the same family.
It has similar effects as retinol: skin smoothing, reducing discoloration, and preventing wrinkles. It does not cause as much irritation as traditional retinoids.
Bakuchiol works by breaking down free radicals and stimulating collagen production in skin.
Combining bakuchiol with retinol will not have adverse side effects. Studies show using them will just boost the benefits. Bakuchiol is also found to help stabilize retinol.
While bakuchiol does not make the skin more sun sensitive, we recommend wearing SPF on a daily basis.
Read more about traditional retinol
Learn more about BakuchiolButylene 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 GlycolThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneWater. 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 Water