What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingCaprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
EmollientIsostearyl Hydroxystearate
EmollientC10-18 Triglycerides
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
EmulsifyingAframomum Angustifolium Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Flower Extract
MaskingAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSodium Tocopheryl Phosphate
AntioxidantPalmaria Palmata Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantParfum
MaskingStearyl Alcohol
EmollientMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentXylitol
HumectantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Surfactin
CleansingCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingTrehalose
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePaeonia Officinalis Flower Extract
TonicTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethiconol
EmollientAlpha-Isomethyl Ionone
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Lauroyl Lysine, Jojoba Esters, Isostearyl Hydroxystearate, C10-18 Triglycerides, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Aframomum Angustifolium Seed Extract, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Adenosine, Sodium Tocopheryl Phosphate, Palmaria Palmata Extract, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Parfum, Stearyl Alcohol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Xylitol, Chlorphenesin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Xanthan Gum, Ceramide NP, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Surfactin, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Benzoate, Trehalose, Potassium Sorbate, Paeonia Officinalis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, CI 14700, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantSqualane
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters
Emulsion StabilisingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningRose Extract
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveSaccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Centifolia Flower Wax
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Wax
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingPolyglycerin-6
HumectantUrea
BufferingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlycine
BufferingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingPolyglycerin-10
HumectantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingTocopherol
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingSilica
AbrasiveCitric Acid
BufferingTin Oxide
AbrasivePotassium Sorbate
PreservativeGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Squalane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Stearyl Esters, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Pentylene Glycol, Rose Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract, Rosa Centifolia Flower Wax, Rosa Damascena Flower Wax, Sodium Hyaluronate, Adenosine, Cetearyl Glucoside, Polyglycerin-6, Urea, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycine, CI 77891, Chlorphenesin, Parfum, Polyglycerin-10, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xanthan Gum, Sorbitan Isostearate, Silica, Citric Acid, Tin Oxide, Potassium Sorbate, Glycine Soja Oil, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 60
Reviews
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, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerAdenosine is in every living organism. It is one of four components in nucleic acids that helps store our DNA.
Adenosine has many benefits when used. These benefits include hydrating the skin, smoothing skin, and reducing wrinkles. Once applied, adenosine increases collagen production. It also helps with improving firmness and tissue repair.
Studies have found adenosine may also help with wound healing.
In skincare products, Adenosine is usually derived from yeast.
Learn more about AdenosineButylene 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, 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 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 ChlorphenesinDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides isn't fungal acne safe.
Parfum 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 ParfumPotassium 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 SorbateSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideStearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Fatty alcohols are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent (ethanol) alcohols.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Stearyl AlcoholTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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