What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
No concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningC9-12 Alkane
SolventCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientC15-19 Alkane
SolventPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPullulan
Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate
EmulsifyingStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Myristoyl Glutamate
CleansingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingHydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract
Skin ProtectingRosa Multiflora Fruit Extract
MaskingTropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientIsostearic Acid
CleansingLecithin
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, C9-12 Alkane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Propanediol, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, C15-19 Alkane, Pentylene Glycol, Pullulan, Sorbitan Sesquiisostearate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Hydrolyzed Viola Tricolor Extract, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Tropaeolum Majus Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Citric Acid, Tocopherol, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningIsoamyl Laurate
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventEthylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingShea Butter Ethyl Esters
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingGlycerin
HumectantEchinacea Purpurea Extract
MoisturisingAcmella Oleracea Extract
Skin ProtectingOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
PerfumingDimethyl Isosorbide
SolventSqualane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Tetraisostearate
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Phytate
Lauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingGlycine
BufferingLysine
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-177
Oligopeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
MaskingSisymbrium Irio Seed Oil
MaskingHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantGlyceryl Ricinoleate
EmollientLecithin
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantXanthan Gum
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenylpropanol
MaskingSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeSodium Chloride
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Hydroxide
BufferingAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Water, Isoamyl Laurate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbitan Isostearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Mica, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Glycerin, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Squalane, Polyglyceryl-2 Tetraisostearate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Phytate, Lauroyl Lysine, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Arginine, Glycine, Lysine, Oligopeptide-177, Oligopeptide-4, Phenylalanine, Sisymbrium Irio Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Ricinoleate, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenylpropanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Sodium Chloride, Tocopherol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Hydroxide, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77891, Iron Oxides
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Aluminum Hydroxide is a form of aluminum. It can be naturally found in nature as the mineral gibbsite. In cosmetics, Aluminum Hydroxide is used as a colorant, pH adjuster, and absorbent.
As a colorant, Aluminum Hydroxide may add opacity, or reduce the transparency. Aluminum hydroxide is contains both basic and acidic properties.
According to manufacturers, this ingredient is an emollient and humectant. This means it helps hydrate the skin.
In medicine, this ingredient is used to help relieve heartburn and help heal ulcers.
There is currently no credible scientific evidence linking aluminum hydroxide in cosmetics to increased cancer risk.
Major health organizations allow the use of aluminum hydroxide in personal care products and have not flagged it as a carcinogenic risk at typical usage levels.
Learn more about Aluminum HydroxideButylene 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 a lightweight 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. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. 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. Be sure to 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.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl 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 GlycolCi 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateGlycerin (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 GlycerinLecithin is a term for a group of substances found in the cell membranes of plants, animals, and humans. They are made up of phospholipids.
Thanks to its amphiphilic structure (water-loving head and oil-loving tail), it is a true multitasker:
It plays well with most ingredients and is typically used at 0.1-1%. However, concentrations up to 50% have been reported in moisturizers.
Depending on the source of this ingredient, lecithin may not be fungal acne safe. This is because some sources of lecithin come from soybean oil, which may feed the malassezia yeast that causes fungal acne.
We recommend reaching out to the brand you are purchasing from to inquire about the source of their lecithin.
Learn more about LecithinPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolThis ingredient is an emulsifier. It is created from Polyglycerin-3 and Ricinoleic Acid.
As an emulsifier, it prevents waters and oils from separating. According to a manufacturer this ingredient is fully biodegradable.
This ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis due to its Ricinoleic Acid base. Ricinoleic Acid is a fatty acid derived from castor oil.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-3 PolyricinoleatePotassium 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 SorbatePropanediol 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 PropanediolChances are, you eat sodium chloride every day. Sodium Chloride is also known as table salt. This ingredient has many purposes in skincare: thickener, emulsifier, and exfoliator.
You'll most likely find this ingredient in cleansers where it is used to create a gel-like texture. As an emulsifier, it also prevents ingredients from separating.
You might see people debate whether Sodium Chloride is comedogenic, but there actually haven't been any comedogenic tests done on it. Either way, the overall formulation of a product matters a lot more than any single ingredient.
You might see this ingredient used in scrubs as a primary exfoliating ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium ChlorideTocopherol (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 Water