What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant2,3-Butanediol
HumectantHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingNiacinamide
SmoothingBetaine
HumectantVinyldimethicone
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientJojoba Esters
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Rapeseed Oil
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHexyldecyl Laurate
EmollientHexyldecanol
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
C14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantAllantoin
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningSucrose Distearate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantGlucose
HumectantMyristic Acid
CleansingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, 2,3-Butanediol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Centella Asiatica Extract, Niacinamide, Betaine, Vinyldimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Jojoba Esters, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hexyldecyl Laurate, Hexyldecanol, Silica, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, C14-22 Alcohols, Arachidyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Dipropylene Glycol, Allantoin, Stearic Acid, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Carbomer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Disodium EDTA, Panthenol, Sucrose Distearate, Butylene Glycol, Glucose, Myristic Acid, Ceramide NP, Madecassoside, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Phytosphingosine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantButylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientVinyldimethicone
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingArginine
MaskingPalmitic Acid
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasivePolyacrylate-13
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Tocopherol
AntioxidantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCholesterol
EmollientSqualane
EmollientBisabolol
MaskingMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientGlucose
HumectantBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientOleic Acid
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingT-Butyl Alcohol
PerfumingArachidic Acid
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantRibes Nigrum Seed Oil
EmollientMyristic Acid
CleansingGlutathione
Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingAsiaticoside
AntioxidantMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientKappaphycus Alvarezii Extract
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Vinyldimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, C14-22 Alcohols, Phenyl Trimethicone, Behenyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Stearic Acid, Arachidyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Carbomer, Arginine, Palmitic Acid, Allantoin, Silica, Polyacrylate-13, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Ceramide NP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cholesterol, Squalane, Bisabolol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Octyldodecanol, Glucose, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Oleic Acid, Sorbitan Isostearate, T-Butyl Alcohol, Arachidic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil, Myristic Acid, Glutathione, Caesalpinia Spinosa Fruit Extract, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Kappaphycus Alvarezii Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cardiospermum Halicacabum Flower/Leaf/Vine Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizingg properties. Because of this, it is often added to products with strong active ingredients.
Studies show higher concentrations of this ingredient can promote wound healing.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Learn more about AllantoinAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
AAVC is able to increase the consistency and viscosity of products due to its large molecule size. It also prevents ingredients from separating.
Arachidyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol made from peanut oil. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and thickener.
You'll most likely find this ingredient as an emulsifier in water-based cosmetics.
We don't have a description for Arachidyl Glucoside yet.
Asiatic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Studies show Asiatic Acid is able to block the pathway for skin inflammation receptors, helping to soothe skin.
As an antioxidant, asiatic acid helps protect our skin against damaging environmental factors.
Learn more about Asiatic AcidAsiaticoside comes from the super popular skin-soothing ingredient, Centella asiatica. It is one of four active compounds found in the extract of Centella Asiatica.
Asiaticoside is an antioxidant and helps with wound healing. It has been shown to increase antioxidant activity during the wound healing process.
Behenyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol (these are different from the drying, solvent alcohols).
Fatty Alcohols have hydrating properties and are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils; behenyl alcohol is derived from the fats of vegetable oils.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholButylene 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 GlycolWe don't have a description for C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside yet.
C14-22 Alcohols is made up of synthetic fatty alcohols. More specifically, these fatty alcohols contain 14 to 22 carbons in the alkyl chain.
Its main purpose is to stabilize products. As an emulsifier, it helps prevent waters and oils from separating.
Carbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.
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
Cetyl 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.
Ethylhexylglycerin (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.
Glucose is a simple sugar and is the most important source of energy in all organisms.
In skincare, glucose is used to hydrate the skin. It also acts as a prebiotic for our natural biome.
Glucose is hydrating due to its humectant property. As a humectant, glucose draws moisture from the air and from deeper levels in the skin.
Our skin contains many sugars that act as prebiotics and help strengthen our natural microbiome. Having a healthy microbiome helps protect our skin from harmful bacteria and other contaminants.
Studies show glucose may help with fading discoloration and pigmentation. This is because our skin metabolizes glucose into lactic acid. Lactic acid is an AHA that helps exfoliate the top layer of skin.
Learn more about GlucoseGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil is the fixed oil obtained from Macadamia nut.
Macadamia seed oil is rich in fatty acids, including oleic acid (45-75%), palmitoleic acid (7-33%), and palmitic acid (6-12%). They also contain various B vitamins, iron, and magnesium.
Palmitoleic acid has been shown to help soothe inflammation and promote wound healing. It is also naturally found in the fat of our skin.
Macadamia seed oil may not be malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne, safe.
Learn more about Macadamia Ternifolia Seed OilMadecassic Acid is a major component of Centella Asiatica Extract. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It is a triterpenoid, meaning it naturally acts as an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect your skin against damage from environmental factors such as pollution and UV.
Studies show Madecassic Acid helps soothe the skin due to its ability to block inflammation pathways.
Learn more about Madecassic AcidMyristic Acid is a saturated fatty acid. It is naturally found in milk fat. Other sources include palm oil, coconut oil, and butter fat.
Myristic Acid is an emulsifer and cleanser. As an emulsifer, it stabilizes a product by preventing ingredients from separating. Myristic Acid helps clean your skin by acting as a surfactant. It tends to gather oil and dirt on your skin to be easily rinsed away.
One study from 2021 found Myristic Acid to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Learn more about Myristic AcidNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePalmitic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in our skin and in many plant and animal sources. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It serves many purposes in skincare, acting as a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.
As an emollient, palmitic acid helps soften and smooth the skin by preventing water loss. In cleansers, it helps remove oil and dirt while creating foam.
Its emulsifying properties help stabilize products by keeping water and oil-based ingredients from separating.
This may not be suitable for fungal acne-prone skin, as fatty acids like this can sometimes trigger breakouts in sensitive individuals.
Learn more about Palmitic AcidSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer and cleaning agent. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, Sorbitan Isostearate prevents oils and water from separating.
Due to its isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidVinyldimethicone is a type of silicone.
Water. 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