What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingButylene Glycol
HumectantIsododecane
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Silica
AbrasivePanthenol
Skin Conditioning3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantPEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPPG-26-Buteth-26
Skin ConditioningMaltodextrin
AbsorbentAllantoin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide
Skin ConditioningPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Sodium Metabisulfite
AntioxidantCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialPropylene Glycol
HumectantPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningC13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientParfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Polyacrylate-13
Polyisobutene
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
SurfactantPEG-8
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Glycol
SolventHydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Isododecane, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Silica, Panthenol, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Methyl Gluceth-20, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Corallina Officinalis Extract, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Maltodextrin, Allantoin, Tocopheryl Acetate, 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Metabisulfite, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Propylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Laureth-7, Carbomer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-8, Caprylyl Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Benzyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide NP
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventDimethicone
EmollientPropylheptyl Caprylate
EmollientMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantCetearyl Olivate
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Avena Sativa Kernel Oil
Skin ConditioningEctoin
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantSorbitol
HumectantPolyacrylate-13
Glycerin
HumectantGlycerophosphoinositol Choline
Skin ProtectingSophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyisobutene
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingSalvia Miltiorrhiza Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAndrographis Paniculata Leaf Extract
AstringentPhaeodactylum Tricornutum Extract
HumectantChondrus Crispus Extract
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientSargassum Muticum Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Ascorbate
AntioxidantFucus Serratus Extract
Skin ProtectingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientTrehalose
HumectantCetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycosphingolipids
EmollientGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
EmollientDipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningWater, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Methyl Gluceth-20, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Cetearyl Olivate, Panthenol, Carbomer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tromethamine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Sorbitan Olivate, Allantoin, Pentylene Glycol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Avena Sativa Kernel Oil, Ectoin, Squalane, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Sorbitol, Polyacrylate-13, Glycerin, Glycerophosphoinositol Choline, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Polyisobutene, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, Salvia Miltiorrhiza Root Extract, Andrographis Paniculata Leaf Extract, Phaeodactylum Tricornutum Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Sargassum Muticum Extract, Sodium Ascorbate, Fucus Serratus Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cetyl-Pg Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Trehalose, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, Tocopherol, Glycosphingolipids, Glycolipids, Dimethiconol, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Ceramide NP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide As, Ceramide AP, 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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
Think of it as a supportive ingredient that helps your gel-creams feel silky, "cloud cream-like", and spread evenly without being greasy.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel evaluated it (along with 22 other acryloyldimethyltaurate polymers) and concluded it's:
Due to its large molecular size, it sits on the surface of skin rather than penetrating it.
Learn more about Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp CopolymerButylene 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 GlycolCaprylhydroxamic Acid is a chelating agent that helps cosmetics stay fresh, stable, and consistent over time.
Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted reactions and effects from using the product. It also helps prevent the growth of unwanted microbes in products that contain water.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid is often used with natural antimicrobial products as an alternative to preservatives.
Learn more about Caprylhydroxamic AcidCaprylyl 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, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCarbomer is a high-molecular weight polymer of acrylic acid. It is used to form gels and thicken formulas.
Due to its large molecular size, carbomer has minimal skin penetration and is considered an inert ingredient.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Learn more about CarbomerCentella 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 ExtractCeramide AP is is a skin-identical lipid that mimics what your skin already makes naturally. Ceramides help maintain epidermal integrity and barrier function.
You'll often see this ingredient paired with other ceramides (like ceramide NP), cholesterol, or fatty acids because this combination best mimics the natural lipid mix your skin already has.
The skin's ability to produce ceramides gets disrupted in skin conditions like eczema. This in turn weakens the skin barrier and applying ceramides topically has been shown to replenish what's been lost to restore barrier function.
Most of the studies with Ceramide AP test it as part of a multi-ceramide complex; studies reinforce ceramide AP's role in rebalancing ceramides in skin and improving skin hydration.
Learn more about Ceramide APCeramide EOP is formally known as Ceramide 1.
It is naturally found in skin and part of the intercellular "mortar" holding everything together in your outermost layer.
EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.
What makes Ceramide EOP special is its ultra-long fatty acid chain; this unique structure allows it to bridge the lipid layers in your skin barrier to prevent water loss (something no other ceramide can do).
Low levels of Ceramide EOP have been found in people with eczema and psoriasis.
Using it together with other ceramides, cholesterol, and linoleic acid have been shown to meaningfully improve hydration and reduce water loss.
In one clinical study, a regimen using Ceramide EOP, NP, and AP led to significant symptom improvements in patients with eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin in just 4 weeks.
You'll usually see concentrations between 0.1-0.5% in formulations. Overall, this is a well-tolerated and safe ingredient for cosmetic use.
Learn more about Ceramide EOPCeramide NP (formerly known as Ceramide 3) is one of the skin's naturally occurring lipids.
Since ceramides are the major lipid components of the skin, they are crucial for maintaining skin barrier and hydration. Ceramide NP most closely mirrors the dominant kind in human skin amongst ceramide subtypes.
This ceramide works by slotting into gaps within the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to limit trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and shield the skin against external irritants.
A study with 312 patients found that using a ceramide-containing routine for 4 weeks reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis by over 61%.
Another clinical study in subjects aged 60 and older found that a ceramide body wash and moisturizer improved skin dryness and itchy skin in 15 days.
Overall, ceramides are considered non-irritating and safety tests have found little to no observable adverse effects from using this ingredient.
Ceramide NP is usually sourced from plants (like soybean or rice bran), or produced synthetically.
Learn more about Ceramide NPHydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
Though naturally occuring in Norwegian spruce needles, this ingredient is usually synthetically created.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing. Recent research also suggests it may have skin-brightening effects through tyrosinase inhibition.
Learn more about HydroxyacetophenoneMethyl Gluceth-20 is a humectant. Humectants help draw moisture from the air to your skin.
It is created by combining polyethylene glycol with glucose.
Panthenol 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 PanthenolParfum 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 ParfumPentylene 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 GlycolPolyacrylate-13 is a type of acrylate polymer. Acrylate polymers are commonly used as adhesives in cosmetics.
Polyacrylate-13 creates a film to protect the skin. It is also used to thicken and stabilize a product. It works by making water a gel-like consistency. This gel consistency helps suspend particles.
Polyacrylate-13 is a copolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide, sodium acrylate, sodium acryloyldimethyltaurate monomers
Learn more about Polyacrylate-13Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.
It is a film-forming agent and helps bind ingredients together.
Polyisobutene is not absorbed by the skin.
Learn more about PolyisobuteneWater. 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