What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientTridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientHydrogenated Styrene/Methylstyrene/Indene Copolymer
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Wax
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientParfum
MaskingEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningDiethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate
Skin ProtectingDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingTocopherol
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantGlyceryl Behenate
EmollientPropylene Carbonate
SolventHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantBis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Hydrogenated Styrene/Methylstyrene/Indene Copolymer, Diisostearyl Malate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Microcrystalline Wax, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Octyldodecanol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Synthetic Wax, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Parfum, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Tocopherol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glyceryl Behenate, Propylene Carbonate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, CI 77891, CI 77492, CI 15850, CI 77499, CI 77491
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate
EmulsifyingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater
Skin ConditioningStevia Rebaudiana Extract
Acmella Oleracea Extract
Skin ProtectingButylene Glycol
HumectantStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingPropylene Carbonate
Solvent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantDiisostearyl Malate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Microcrystalline Wax, Synthetic Wax, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Parfum, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Phenoxyethanol, Water, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Butylene Glycol, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, CI 15850, CI 77891
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 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 ButterThis ingredient is a lightweight 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. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCi 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850Ci 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 77891Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilThough this ingredient might sound like a juicy fruit extract, it's actually the fat pressed from the mango seed kernel (or the pit). In skincare, it behaves more like shea butter and cocoa butter than like a plant active.
The fatty acid makeup of mango seed butter makes it special; it's typically rich in stearic acid and oleic acid, with small amounts of palmitic and linoleic acid. This combo helps it melt on skin, feel creamy, and leave behind a protective "seal" that slows down water loss.
It also contains a small amount of "extras" like tocopherols (vitamin E) and phytosterols, which are often used to support skin soothing.
Due to its fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Mangifera Indica Seed ButterMicrocrystalline Wax is derived from petroleum through a de-oiling process, then highly refined and purified before use in cosmetics.
In skincare formulations, it is used to improve texture and create a smooth, even consistency. It also helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating.
Parfum 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 ParfumThis ingredient is a solvent. It helps dissolve active ingredients and alter the texture of products.
Propylene Carbonate is commonly used in makeup and with clay, such as montmorillonite or bentonite.
Studies show this ingredient to be safe for cosmetics. When it is undiluted, it can cause skin irritation. (It is always diluted in skincare and makeup). This ingredient is water-soluble.
Propylene Carbonate is created from propylene glycol and carbonic acid.
Learn more about Propylene CarbonateJojoba oil is one of the most well-studied plant-derived ingredients in cosmetics. It is an emollient with a special structure.
Because it is made up of 97-98% wax esters, it closely mirrors the linear monoesters found in human sebum. This makes it skin compatible, non-greasy, and lightweight.
Unlike other plant oils, jojoba wax doesn't easily penetrate skin. It mostly works in the uppermost layers as an emollient. This just means it forms a light barrier on the skin to help retain moisture.
Formulations with jojoba esters up to 90% reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and increased barrier recovery by 81% (outperforming bisabolol at 47%).
Besides barrier support, the science also suggests jojoba to have anti-inflammatory effects and potential applications for skin infections, aging, and wound healing.
Fun fact: Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilSynthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
It has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTocopherol 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 Tocopherol