What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPropanediol
SolventButyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantMethylpropanediol
SolventHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientPentaerythrityl Distearate
EmulsifyingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningEctoin
Skin ConditioningVinyldimethicone
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient2,3-Butanediol
HumectantSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
Cleansing1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSpent Grain Wax
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTheobroma Cacao Seed Extract
AntioxidantPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingCholesterol
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Glyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientDextrin
AbsorbentSalvia Officinalis Oil
MaskingCitronellol
PerfumingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract, Betaine, Methylpropanediol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dipropylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Ether, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Panthenol, Ectoin, Vinyldimethicone, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, 2,3-Butanediol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Spent Grain Wax, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide AP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide As, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Theobroma Cacao Seed Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Cholesterol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Behenyl Alcohol, Dextrin, Salvia Officinalis Oil, Citronellol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopherol, CI 19140
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPentaerythrityl Distearate
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingMacrocystis Pyrifera Extract
Skin ConditioningNasturtium Officinale Leaf Extract
MaskingMalt Extract
Skin ProtectingBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningAzadirachta Indica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningFructooligosaccharides
HumectantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBisabolol
MaskingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
MaskingOcimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantCoral Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Speciosum Flower Oil
MaskingSucrose Distearate
EmollientPyracantha Fortuneana Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantEctoin
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningGlycosphingolipids
EmollientGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Eos
Skin ConditioningCaprooyl Phytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCaproyl Sphingosine
Skin ConditioningSalvia Apiana Oil
PreservativeParfum
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantMethylpropanediol
SolventAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingTromethamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDextrin
AbsorbentHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCeteareth-25
CleansingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientBehenic Acid
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativePhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantWater, Propanediol, Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Ceramide NP, Cetearyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Nasturtium Officinale Leaf Extract, Malt Extract, Beta-Glucan, Ethylhexylglycerin, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Adenosine, Azadirachta Indica Leaf Extract, Fructooligosaccharides, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Bisabolol, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Coral Extract, Lilium Speciosum Flower Oil, Sucrose Distearate, Pyracantha Fortuneana Fruit Extract, Cholesterol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ectoin, Ceramide AP, Ceramide As, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide Ng, Glycosphingolipids, Glycolipids, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide Eos, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caproyl Sphingosine, Salvia Apiana Oil, Parfum, Tocopherol, Methylpropanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Dipropylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Dextrin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyquaternium-51, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-25, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Phytosphingosine, Ascorbyl Palmitate
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
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 OilThis 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 TriglycerideCeramide 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 AS is formally known as Ceramides 4 and 5.
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.
Ceramide NG is a type of Ceramide. The NG stands for a sphinganine base.
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
Ceramide NP
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
Ceramide NS is formally known as Ceramide 2. It is one of the major ceramides in the stratum corneum (outermost layer of skin) plays a role in forming a protective barrier.
Due to its structure, skin lipids can be packed tightly and in turn, this strengthens the barrier and reduces water loss.
Studies show conditions like atopic dermatitis can worsen when ceramide NS levels are low.
Learn more about Ceramide NsCetearyl 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 AlcoholCholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the oil from the bergamot orange. It is native to Italy.
This ingredient is used to add fragrance to products. It contains limonene, linalool, and linalyl acetate.
The term '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.
When used topically, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is a photosensitizer due to its furanocoumarins. Photosensitizers make the skin and eyes much more sensitive to sunlight. Photosensitizers are linked to skin cancer.
However, more cosmetics using Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil are removing the furanocoumarins.
Bergamot oil was also found to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Learn more about Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit OilDextrin is used to thicken a product and helps bind ingredients together. It is created from starch and glycogen.
As an emulsifier, dextrin prevents ingredients from separating. This helps elongate a product's shelf life.
Studies show coating UV filters with dextrin prevents these ingredients from being absorbed. This helps UV ingredients last longer on the skin.
Learn more about DextrinDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolEctoin is a compound found naturally in some species of bacteria. It can be synthetically created for skincare use.
This ingredient is an osmolyte; Osmolytes help organisms survive osmotic shock (it protects them from extreme conditions). It does this by influencing the properties of biological fluids within cells.
When applied to the skin, ectoin helps bind water molecules to protect our skin. The water forms a sort of armor for the parts of our skin cells, enzymes, proteins, and more.
Besides this, ectoin has many uses in skincare:
A study from 2004 found ectoin to counteract the damage from UV-A exposure at different cell levels. It has also been shown to protect skin against both UV-A, UV-B rays, infrared light, and visible light.
Studies show ectoin to have dual-action pollution protection: first, it protects our skin from further pollution damage. Second, it helps repair damage from pollution.
In fact, ectoin has been shown to help with:
Fun fact: In the EU, ectoin is used in inhalation medication as an anti-pollution ingredient.
Ectoin is a highly stable ingredient. It has a wide pH range of 1-9. Light, oxygen, and temperature do not affect this ingredient.
Learn more about EctoinEthylhexylglycerin (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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateHydrogenated 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.
Methylpropanediol is a synthetic solvent and humectant.
As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients, helping to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. This ingredient has also been shown to have antimicrobial properties which makes it a preservative booster.
Methylpropanediol is able to add a bit of moisture to the skin. It also helps other ingredients be better absorbed into the skin, such as salicylic acid.
Learn more about MethylpropanediolPentaerythrityl Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Propanediol 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 PropanediolSodium 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 HyaluronateSodium Stearoyl Glutamate is an emulsifier and helps condition the skin. It is amino acid-based.
In higher amounts, it may act as a cleansing agent.
Tocopherol (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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water