What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingPolyisobutene
Glycine Soja Oil
EmollientCopernicia Cerifera Cera
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
AstringentCamellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentDictyopteris Membranacea Extract
AntioxidantMagnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract
AntimicrobialCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningSchinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil
EmollientVaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
AntioxidantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientTribehenin
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingLauryl Alcohol
EmollientLinoleic Acid
CleansingLinolenic Acid
CleansingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCocos Nucifera Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Beeswax, Ozokerite, Polyisobutene, Glycine Soja Oil, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Dictyopteris Membranacea Extract, Magnolia Grandiflora Bark Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Schinziophyton Rautanenii Kernel Oil, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dicaprylyl Ether, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lauryl Alcohol, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingHydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides
EmollientHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
HumectantPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingSclerocarya Birrea Seed Butter
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Sodium PCA
HumectantEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantEpigallocatechin Gallate
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantSodium Lactate
BufferingOleic Acid
EmollientPCA
HumectantAlanine
MaskingArginine
MaskingGlycine
BufferingHistidine
HumectantIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
MaskingProline
Skin ConditioningSerine
MaskingThreonine
Valine
MaskingPalmitic Acid
EmollientDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantLinoleic Acid
CleansingLinolenic Acid
CleansingAspartic Acid
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningTribehenin
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingLactic Acid
BufferingWater
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Persea Gratissima Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Butter, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Sodium PCA, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Epigallocatechin Gallate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Lactate, Oleic Acid, PCA, Alanine, Arginine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Valine, Palmitic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Linoleic Acid, Linolenic Acid, Aspartic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Tribehenin, Stearic Acid, Tocopherol, Pentylene Glycol, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lactic Acid, Water, Ethylhexylglycerin
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is lipid-based synthetic skin-conditioning agent derived from adipic acid and a mixture of fatty acids. It is often called a lanolin substitute.
As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate the skin. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in.
Due to its fatty acid base, it may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2This ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterDipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateEthylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateLinoleic Acid is also known as Vitamin F. It is a fatty acid with emollient and skin conditioning properties. Our top layer of skin, or epidermis, contains high amounts of linoleic acid naturally.
Your body uses linoleic acid to build ceramides and prostaglandins. Ceramides keep your skin's barrier hydrated and strong while prosaglandins help control inflammation and healing. Needless to say, linoleic acid is crucial for having a strong skin barrier.
One study found applying linoleic acid rich sunflower oil to be more effective at repairing the skin barrier than oleic rich olive oil.
Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, meaning our bodies cannot create it on its own. We need to get linoleic acid through foods such as nuts and vegetable oils.
Acne-prone skin tends to have linoleic acid and high levels of oleic acid.
Linoleic acid can also help treat acne by softening sebum to prevent clogged pores. Another study found using 2.5% linoleic acid gel for 4 weeks showed a 25% reduction in small comedones.
This ingredient can also help lighten hyperpigmentation or sun spots by disrupting the melanin production process. It also helps your skin shed melanin pigment from your skin caused by UV exposure.
Due to its role in the production of the fatty acid prostaglandin, linoleic acid can also help reduce inflammation and support wound healing.
Linoleic acid is not always fungal-acne safe; it may trigger flare-ups in sensitive individuals.
Learn more about Linoleic AcidLinolenic Acid is also known as "ALA" or alpha-linolenic acid. It is a key fatty acid.
Our skin uses this ingredient for maintaining a healthy skin barrier, regulating inflammation, and supporting keratinocyte function.
ALA is a great skin hydrator because it has the ability to restore lipids in our stratum corneum, or outermost layer of our skin; it also helps prevent transepidermal water loss.
This ingredient also helps soothe irritated skin by downregulating inflammation.
Chia seed oil is one of the highest natural sources of ALA. Research shows topical chia seed oil significantly improves skin hydration, reduces itch, and strengthens the barrier in both healthy and extremely dry skin.
Additionally, in-vivo and in-vitro studies show ALA exhibits antioxidant properties, reduces UV-induced inflammation, and supports wound healing.
Early research showed a fatty-acid deficiency in animals leads to abnormal skin barrier function. It is believed a deficiency in linolenic acid may be linked to skin disorders like eczema.
Fun fact: This ingredient is considered an essential fatty acid for humans. This means our bodies cannot naturally produce it and we must get it from food. Some foods rich in linolenic acid include walnuts, fish oils, soy, and canola.
Learn more about Linolenic AcidPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is also known as pal-GHK. It is made up of 3 amino acids and palmitic acid, a fatty acid that helps it absorb into skin more easily.
This peptide is as a signal peptide, meaning it tells the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is the key protein that helps form the skin's structure and keep it plump, firm, and hydrated.
By boosting collagen production, this ingredient supports a stronger skin barrier and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
You'll most likely see this ingredient paired with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex. While results from in-house testing should be viewed cautiously, this peptide duo is among the most studied and widely used in modern skincare.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Persea Gratissima Oil is also known as avocado oil.
Avocado Oil has antioxidant properties. It is mostly made up of the glycerides of fatty acids. About 67% of these fatty acids is made up of oleic acid. Palmitic acid and linoleic acid are also present.
These fatty acids help hydrate and soften the skin. It may increase collagen content in the skin. Collagen helps keep your skin plump and firm. This ingredient helps reduce inflammation and has not shown to clog pores.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe due to its high fatty acid content.
Avocados also have B vitamins, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin E, and potassium.
Learn more about Persea Gratissima OilSclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of the Marula plant. In South Africa, Marula is called "an elephant's favorite treat".
Marula seed oil is a non-fragrant oil. It is rich in fatty acids, such as oleic, linoleic, palmitic, stearic, and more. These fatty acids help hydrate the skin.
Other components of marula seed oil include vitamin E and antioxidants such as flavonoids.
Due to the fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sclerocarya Birrea Seed OilSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, it keeps the water and oil ingredients from separating. This keeps formulas stable and smooth.
In a 24 hour occlusive patch test on 56 subjects, 10% sorbitan isostearate was completely non-irritating. Most formulas use less than 10%.
Because it's a fatty acid ester, it may not be fungal acne safe since the Malassezia yeast can utilize it as a nutrient source.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateTribehenin comes from glycerin and behenic acid.
It is used as an emollient, or moisturizer. Emollients form a thin barrier on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Tribehenin