What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBehentrimonium Methosulfate
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Alcohol
EmollientParfum
MaskingChamaecyparis Obtusa Water
MaskingXylitylglucoside
HumectantPolyquaternium-22
Anhydroxylitol
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantGuar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningXylitol
HumectantSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
BufferingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingSqualane
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydrolyzed Soy Protein
HumectantGlycoproteins
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, Ceramide AP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Alcohol, Parfum, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Water, Xylitylglucoside, Polyquaternium-22, Anhydroxylitol, Butylene Glycol, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Xylitol, Saccharide Isomerate, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Biotin, Ceramide NP, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sodium Citrate, Squalane, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Glycoproteins, Oligopeptide-2
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientIsopentyldiol
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingSorbitol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDimethiconol
EmollientHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Amodimethicone
Lactic Acid
BufferingMaltitol
HumectantParfum
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTrideceth-10
CleansingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Water
Masking1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicTripeptide-13
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantLaminaria Japonica Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Metaphosphate
BufferingAvena Sativa Peptide
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingSerine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantThreonine
Leucine
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningAspartic Acid
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingSoluble Collagen
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantPhenylalanine
MaskingAlanine
MaskingTyrosine
MaskingLysine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantHistidine
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantCaffeine
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientValine
MaskingSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantStearic Acid
CleansingMethionine
Skin ConditioningCystine
MaskingTryptophan
MaskingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isopentyldiol, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Sorbitol, Dipropylene Glycol, Dimethiconol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Amodimethicone, Lactic Acid, Maltitol, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Trideceth-10, Sodium Gluconate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Propanediol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Biotin, Tripeptide-13, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Sodium Metaphosphate, Avena Sativa Peptide, Arginine, Serine, Glutamic Acid, Threonine, Leucine, Proline, Aspartic Acid, Isoleucine, Glycine, Soluble Collagen, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Phenylalanine, Alanine, Tyrosine, Lysine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Histidine, Hyaluronic Acid, Caffeine, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Valine, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Stearic Acid, Methionine, Cystine, Tryptophan, Ceramide NP, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Ceramide Ns, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Ceramide AP, Ceramide As, Ceramide EOP
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.
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 preservatives
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. Argan Oil has antioxidant, hydrating, and soothing properties.
Studies have shown argan oil can help fight again radical damage from the sun. This makes it effective at preventing hyperpigmentation.
Large amounts of vitamin E found in argan oil helps the skin retain water. Argan oil also contains fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. It is also a good source of lipids.
Another benefit of argan oil is skin-soothing. It can help reduce inflammation-related skin symptoms.
Argan Oil is effective at regulating sebum production in pores. This can make it effective at treating hormonal acne.
Traditionally, argan oil was used for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, argan oil contains fatty acids that may make it not fungal-acne safe.
Argan Trees are native to Morocco.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilBiotin is a B vitamin that is naturally produced by our bodies. It is also called Vitamin H.
Our bodies use biotin in the metabolism process. It also helps our bodies use enzymes and move nutrients around. A biotin deficiency can lead to brittle hair and nails.
More research is needed on applying biotin topically. However, taking biotin orally has been shown to help nourish the skin, hair, and nails. They play a role in forming skin-hydrating fatty acids.
Biotin is water-soluble. It can be found in foods such as fish, eggs, dairy, nuts, and meat. Vitamin H stands for "haar" and "haut". These are the German words for hair and skin.
Learn more about BiotinButylene 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 and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCeramide AP is formally known as Ceramide 6.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide NP
Ceramide EOP
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Cetearyl 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 AlcoholCetyl 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 AlcoholGlycerin 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 GlycerinParfum 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 ParfumThis oil comes from the seeds of the desert shrub called Jojoba. It is more commonly known as jojoba oil, a non-comedogenic oil.
Jojoba oil does not contain fragrance and has many fatty-acids, making it a great soothing ingredient.
It also contains Vitamin E, a great moisturizing ingredient. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant and protects your skin against oxidative damage.
This ingredient humectant properties, meaning it helps draw moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
While jojoba has antibacterial properties, it is only able to kill some strains of bacteria.
Studies also show it helps in wound healing. In fact, Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Fun fact: Jojoba oil similar to natural human skin sebum, so it has a great effect on dry skin. It is also promising with helping to regulate sebum production.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilWater. 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