What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantVinyldimethicone
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientMethylpropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningOriganum Majorana Leaf Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingYeast Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOriganum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentAnthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingCinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
MaskingHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantLactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentJuniperus Mexicana Oil
MaskingHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
MaskingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Dimethiconol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantTromethamine
BufferingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-2 Stearate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSodium Phytate
Sorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Elastin
EmollientSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientNicotinoyl Dipeptide-23
Skin ConditioningTranexamic Acid
AstringentGlutathione
Bisabolol
AntioxidantHesperidin Methyl Chalcone
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingDipeptide-2
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingSteareth-20
CleansingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialDisodium EDTA
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
AntimicrobialPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, Vinyldimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Methylpropanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Origanum Majorana Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Yeast Ferment Extract, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Juniperus Mexicana Oil, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Pentylene Glycol, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethiconol, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tromethamine, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Panthenol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Adenosine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sodium Phytate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Ceramide NP, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Caprylyl Glycol, Nicotinoyl Dipeptide-23, Tranexamic Acid, Glutathione, Bisabolol, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Citric Acid, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Sodium Citrate, Steareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol Denat., Disodium EDTA, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Limonene, Linalool
Ascorbic Acid
AntioxidantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPropylene Carbonate
SolventEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingBeta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBeta-Sitosterol
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Isododecane, Microcrystalline Wax, Sorbitan Olivate, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Beta-Carotene, Water, Allantoin, Panthenol, Glycerin, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Beta-Sitosterol, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Beta-Glucan, Houttuynia Cordata Extract
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
Beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide. It can be derived from the cell walls of seaweed, oats, yeast, and fungi. It hydrates the skin and helps boost your skin's natural barrier.
As an antioxidant, beta-glucan helps fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Studies show this ingredient may be an effective wrinkle reducer as it can deeply penetrate into skin. It has also been show to help with wound healing.
Learn more about Beta-GlucanThis 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 TriglycerideGlycerin (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 GlycerinHelianthus 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 OilHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinPanthenol 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 PanthenolSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateWater. 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