What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Isopropyl Palmitate
Emollient
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Isododecane
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
PEG-100 Stearate
Surfactant
Glycol Distearate
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Emulsion StabilisingSorghum Bicolor Stalk Juice
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSecale Cereale Seed Extract
Abrasive
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Laurate
Emulsifying
Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Hydroxide
Buffering3-Aminopropane Sulfonic Acid
SurfactantCalcium Hydroxymethionine
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingNelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDextran
Water, Glycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, PEG-100 Stearate, Glycol Distearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Xanthan Gum, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Pentylene Glycol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Sorghum Bicolor Stalk Juice, Ethylhexylglycerin, Secale Cereale Seed Extract, Allantoin, Sorbitan Laurate, Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, 3-Aminopropane Sulfonic Acid, Calcium Hydroxymethionine, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Carbomer, Dextran
Water
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Ethylhexyl Olivate
Skin Conditioning
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Cetearyl Olivate
Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate
Emollient
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Polyglycerin-6
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Magnesium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningArginine
Masking
Heptapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76
Skin Conditioning
Eragrostis Tef Seed Extract
EmollientAdenosine
Skin Conditioning
Carnosine
Skin Conditioning
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEpigallocatechin Gallate
Antioxidant
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Squalane
Emollient
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Tremella Fuciformis Extract
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Sorbitan Palmitate
Emulsifying
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingPropanediol
Solvent
Silica
Abrasive
C9-12 Alkane
SolventPullulan
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTriheptanoin
Skin ConditioningSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingMyristyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantPolyurethane-10
Lecithin
Emollient
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Phytic Acid
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Niacinamide, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Jojoba Esters, Glycerin, Cetearyl Olivate, Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate, Sodium Lactate, Sorbitan Olivate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Polyglycerin-6, Cetearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Magnesium Gluconate, Arginine, Heptapeptide-7, Nicotiana Benthamiana Hexapeptide-40 Sh-Polypeptide-76, Eragrostis Tef Seed Extract, Adenosine, Carnosine, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Linoleic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Linolenic Acid, Squalane, Sodium PCA, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Tocopherol, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Propanediol, Silica, C9-12 Alkane, Pullulan, Xanthan Gum, Triheptanoin, Sclerotium Gum, Sorbitan Oleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Calcium Gluconate, Polyurethane-10, Lecithin, Gluconolactone, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Phytic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene 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 GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
A 2019 study has also observed Malassezia growth in the presence of this ingredient, confirming it to be not-fungal acne 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.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. It is a primary fatty alcohol with a chain length above 12 carbons. A study from 2019 show Malassezia can feed on fatty alcohols in this range, so it may trigger fungal acne in those prone to it.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract is extract from Apples. Apples are rich in Vitamin C, sugars, and antioxidants.
The sugar in Apples are humectants and help hydrate the skin. On top of that, apples also contain some acids, such as malic acid. These acids may have a mild exfoliating effect.
Last, the phytochemicals found in apples are strong antioxidants. These antioxidants help with anti-aging as they protect your skin cells against oxidative damage.
Learn more about Pyrus Malus Fruit ExtractSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
