What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone
EmollientCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantLauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
SurfactantOctyldodecanol
EmollientPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningTriethylhexanoin
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingNiacinamide
SmoothingTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
CI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantGlyceryl Tribehenate/Isostearate/Eicosandioate
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingAlumina
AbrasivePanthenol
Skin ConditioningCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantEthylcellulose
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
CI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantPolyvinyl Alcohol
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningMadecassoside
AntioxidantAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Eryngium Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Peptide
Skin ConditioningStreptococcus Thermophilus Ferment
HumectantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAsiaticoside
AntioxidantHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningIlex Aquifolium Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAchillea Millefolium Oil
CleansingHedera Helix Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantSilica
AbrasiveCalcium Chloride
AstringentAsiatic Acid
Skin ConditioningMadecassic Acid
Skin ConditioningWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, CI 77891, Dimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Niacinamide, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, CI 77491, Glyceryl Tribehenate/Isostearate/Eicosandioate, Magnesium Sulfate, CI 77492, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Stearic Acid, Alumina, Panthenol, Ceresin, CI 77499, Ethylcellulose, Caprylyl Glycol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, CI 77288, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Madecassoside, Adenosine, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Eryngium Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate, Glycine Soja Peptide, Streptococcus Thermophilus Ferment, Aluminum Hydroxide, Asiaticoside, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Ilex Aquifolium Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Oil, Hedera Helix Extract, Tocopherol, Silica, Calcium Chloride, Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsododecane
EmollientDipropylene Glycol
HumectantDiphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone
EmulsifyingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingPolyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingMagnesium Sulfate
Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningCera Alba
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Centella Asiatica Extract
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientZein
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingZea Mays Starch
AbsorbentCitrus Paradisi Peel Oil
MaskingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingDipotassium Phosphate
BufferingCalcium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantGossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantAnastatica Hierochuntica Extract
AstringentHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningAniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil
AstringentCitral
PerfumingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Aspartate
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialSucrose Laurate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Caprate
EmulsifyingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialArnica Montana Flower Extract
MaskingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningFragaria Vesca Fruit Extract
AstringentCopper Gluconate
Skin ConditioningLysolecithin
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Madecassoside
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Methyl Trimethicone, Isododecane, Dipropylene Glycol, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)Silylethyl Dimethicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Niacinamide, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Magnesium Sulfate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Cera Alba, 1,2-Hexanediol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Centella Asiatica Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Glyceryl Caprylate, Zein, Ethylhexylglycerin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Adenosine, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Zea Mays Starch, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sodium Chloride, Dipotassium Phosphate, Calcium Stearate, Gossypium Herbaceum Seed Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Aniba Rosaeodora Wood Oil, Citral, Pentylene Glycol, Zinc Gluconate, Magnesium Aspartate, Lecithin, Glycerin, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Alcohol, Sucrose Laurate, Polyglyceryl-2 Caprate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract, Copper Gluconate, Lysolecithin, Ceramide NP, Limonene, Linalool, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Madecassoside, Tocopherol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77288
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
Adenosine 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 AdenosineAluminum 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 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 GlycolCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract comes from the leaves of an herb plant native to Southeast Asia. Centella Asiatica is rich in antioxidants and amino acids. It can help reduce irritation and soothe the skin.
Many active components found in centella asiatica, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside, encourage the skin to naturally produce hyaluronic acid. This helps keep our skin hydrated. Many of these components also show antioxidant activity and may help reduce the signs of aging.
Research shows centella asiatica can help increase Type I collagen production by increasing fibroblast production. Fibroblast helps form connective tissue.
The combination of all these properties makes centella asiatica leaf extract effective at soothing the skin.
Other components of centella asiatica leaf extract include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Recent studies found madecassoside may help prevent damage from UV rays by preventing UV-induced inflammation. Further research is needed.
This plant has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica Leaf ExtractCi 77288 is used to add green pigment to products.
Ci 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 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 77891Cyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDisteardimonium Hectorite comes from the clay mineral named hectorite. It is used to add thickness to a product.
It can also help stabilize a product by helping to disperse other ingredients.
Hectorite is a rare, white clay mineral.
Learn more about Disteardimonium HectoriteEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHouttuynia Cordata Extract is more commonly known as Heart Leaf, Fish Mint, or Chameleon plant.
The components found in Heart Leaf give it antioxidant, hydrating, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Heart Leaf is rich in flavonoids such as quercetin, apigenin, and more. It also contains polysaccharides, the most common type of carbs in food.
Flavonoids have been shown to be effective antioxidants. They help neutralize free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are unstable molecules that may damage our skin cells and DNA. The flavonoids in Heart Leaf also help soothe the skin.
Polysaccharides are naturally found in our skin. They play a role in hydrating and repairing the top layer of skin. The polysaccharides in Heart Leaf help moisturize our skin.
Studies show decanoyl acetaldehyde, a component of Heart Leaf oil, is effective at killing bacteria.
The name 'Fish Mint' comes from the herb's natural fishy smell. Is is native to southeast Asia and used throughout the continent for traditional cooking and medicine.
Learn more about Houttuynia Cordata ExtractMadecassoside is one of four active compounds found in Centella asiatica and is one of the main reasons Centella is so effective at calming irritated skin and supporting the moisture barrier.
There's a solid body of peer-reviewed research backing Madecassoside for several skin benefits. Studies have found:
Madecassoside pairs well with other hydrating or antioxidant ingredients like Ascorbic Acid or Hyaluronic Acid.
Learn more about MadecassosideMagnesium Sulfate is a salt. More specifically, it is an epsom salt, or the bath salt used to help relieve muscle aches.
Despite having ‘sulfate’ in the name, it isn’t a surfactant or cleansing agent like sodium lauryl sulfate. Unlike those sulfates, magnesium sulfate doesn’t have the same cleansing or foaming properties (it's simply a type of salt).
In cosmetics, Magnesium Sulfate is used to thicken a product or help dilute other solids. It is a non-reactive and non-irritating ingredient.
One study shows magnesium deficiency may lead to inflammation of the skin. Applying magnesium topically may help reduce inflammation.
You can find this ingredient in sea water or mineral deposits.
Learn more about Magnesium SulfateNiacinamide 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 NiacinamidePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolSynthetic Fluorphlogopite is the synthethic version of mica. It consists of fluorine, aluminum and silicate.
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite is used to add volume to products.
It is considered non-irritating on the skin.
Learn more about Synthetic FluorphlogopiteTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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