What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingPEG-8
HumectantPEG-40 Stearate
EmulsifyingSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientC12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylamide
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientBisabolol
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
C13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientFagus Sylvatica Bud Extract
TonicPropylene Glycol
HumectantChondrus Crispus Powder
AbrasiveSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantLaureth-7
EmulsifyingLimonene
PerfumingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentSambucus Nigra Flower Extract
RefreshingBacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingPentadecalactone
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingChlorhexidine Digluconate
AntimicrobialSodium Citrate
BufferingTocopherol
AntioxidantBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantLactose
HumectantAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeLactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingBenzoic Acid
MaskingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantLactic Acid
BufferingWater, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, PEG-8, PEG-40 Stearate, Saccharide Isomerate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, C12-20 Acid PEG-8 Ester, Ethylhexylglycerin, Carbomer, Polyacrylamide, Caprylyl Glycol, Bisabolol, Disodium EDTA, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Fagus Sylvatica Bud Extract, Propylene Glycol, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Laureth-7, Limonene, Sodium Polyacrylate, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Bacillus Ferment, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Pentadecalactone, Citric Acid, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Sodium Citrate, Tocopherol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Lactose, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Potassium Sorbate, Lactis Proteinum, Sodium Benzoate, Benzoic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Lactic Acid
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Glycerides
EmollientVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientPolyacrylamide
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientMica
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Citrate
BufferingC13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientSodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantLaureth-7
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingPropanediol
SolventErythritol
HumectantLecithin
EmollientCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantHibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAphanizomenon Flos-Aquae Extract
HumectantDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCI 75130
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientTin Oxide
AbrasiveSodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Cyclohexasiloxane, Polyacrylamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Mica, Sodium Citrate, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 77891, Glycine Soja Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Laureth-7, Citric Acid, Propanediol, Erythritol, Lecithin, CI 77491, Titanium Dioxide, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, CI 75130, Tocopherol, Potassium Sorbate, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Tin Oxide, Sodium Benzoate
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Benzyl Alcohol is most commonly used as a preservative. It also has a subtle, sweet smell. Small amounts of Benzyl Alcohol is not irritating and safe to use in skincare products. Most Benzyl Alcohol is derived from fruits such as apricots.
Benzyl Alcohol has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These properties help lengthen the shelf life of products. Benzyl Alcohol is a solvent and helps dissolve other ingredients. It can also improve the texture and spreadability.
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is an astringent alcohol.
Using high concentrations of these alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Learn more about Benzyl AlcoholThis ingredient is also known as "C13-14 Isoalkane".
C13-14 Isoparaffin is created from petroleum-based mineral oils. It is an emollient and helps thicken a product.
As an emollient, it helps keep the skin soft and smooth by creating a barrier on top. This barrier traps moisture in, keeping the skin hydrated.
C13-14 Isoparaffin may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about C13-14 IsoparaffinCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneGlycerin (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 GlycerinLaureth-7 is created by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol using ethylene oxide. Lauryl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with hydrating properties.
This ingredient is an emulsifier and cleansing ingredient. As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent ingredients from separating. It also helps cleanse the skin by gathering dirt, oil, and pollutants to be rinsed away.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Polyacrylamide is a synthetic polymer. It is used to stabilize products and bind ingredients. When hydrated, Polyacrylamide forms a soft gel.
Polyacrylamide is low-toxicity. If source properly, it is deemed safe to use in cosmetics.
It should be noted the precursor to Polyacrylamide is acrylamide. Acrylamide is a carcinogen. Most reputable sources of Polyacrylamide will screen for residual acrylamide to make sure the count is in a safe range. Acrylamide is not able to be absorbed through the skin.
We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about PolyacrylamidePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium 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 CitrateTocopherol 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 TocopherolVitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.
The components of grape seeds have many skin benefits. Research has found it to be antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It also contains many potent antioxidants such as Vitamin E , Vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Proanthocyanidin has been shown to help even out skin tone.
Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. Grape seed extract may help reduce the signs of aging.
The antimicrobial properties of grape seed may help treat acne. However, more research is needed to support this claim.
Grape seed has also been found to help absorb UV rays. Grape seed extract should not replace your sunscreen.
The fatty acids of grape seed oil give it emollient properties. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by creating a film. This film traps moisture within, keeping your skin hydrated.
Learn more about Vitis Vinifera Seed OilWater. 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