What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingIsoamyl Cocoate
Coco-Caprylate
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingOleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingTocopherol
AntioxidantBenzyl Salicylate
PerfumingRose Extract
Skin ConditioningSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningPadina Pavonica Thallus Extract
Skin ConditioningPelargonium Graveolens Oil
MaskingRosa Damascena Flower Oil
MaskingRosa Damascena Extract
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isoamyl Cocoate, Coco-Caprylate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Parfum, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Citronellol, Geraniol, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Benzyl Salicylate, Rose Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil, Rosa Damascena Extract
Coco-Caprylate
EmollientIsoamyl Cocoate
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientPapaver Orientale Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningOleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
EmollientCrambe Abyssinica Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingLavandula Hybrida Oil
EmollientPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
MaskingGeraniol
PerfumingEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
PerfumingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingLaminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAnthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
MaskingCitronellol
PerfumingCinnamomum Camphora Wood Oil
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingMentha Arvensis Leaf Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
MaskingParfum
MaskingVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientPadina Pavonica Thallus Extract
Skin ConditioningMenthol
MaskingEugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil
MaskingCitral
PerfumingCoco-Caprylate, Isoamyl Cocoate, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Papaver Orientale Seed Oil, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Linalool, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Geraniol, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Tocopherol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil, Citronellol, Cinnamomum Camphora Wood Oil, Limonene, Mentha Arvensis Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Parfum, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract, Menthol, Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil, Citral
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".
Since the Citronellol molecule is already unstable, Citronellol becomes irritating on the skin when exposed to air.
Citronellol is a modified terpene. Terpenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons found in plants. They make up the primary part of essential oils.
Citronellol is not able to be absorbed into deeper layers of the skin. It has low permeability,
Citronellol is also a natural insect repellent.
Learn more about CitronellolCoco-Caprylate is a lightweight emollient made by combining coconut-derived fatty alcohols (caprylic and capric acid).
Its primary role in formulas is as a skin-softening emollient with excellent spreadability (it's considered a plant-based alternative to silicone oils like dimethicone).
This ingredient is considered safe for use and concentrations range from 0.5-62%.
Caprylic and capric fall outside the C11-24 range that Malassezia feeds on, and a 2020 study found caprylic acid disrupted Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Coco-CaprylateGeraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.
Monoterpenes are naturally found in many parts of different plants.
Geraniol can be found in many essential oils including Rose Oil and Citronella Oil. The scent of Geraniol is often described as "rose-like". Many foods also contain Geraniol for fruit flavoring.
Geraniol can irritate the skin when exposed to air. However, irritation depends on the ability of geraniol to penetrate into the skin. In general, geraniol is not able to penetrate skin easily.
Geraniol is colorless and has low water-solubility. However, it is soluble in common organic solvents.
Like citronellol, it is a natural insect repellent.
2,6-Octadien-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (2E)-
Learn more about GeraniolHelianthus 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 OilIsoamyl Cocoate isn't fungal acne safe. It can be bad for dry skin.
Laminaria Digitata Extract comes from the dark brown seaweed, Laminaria Digitata. It is a potent antioxidant, which also provides soothing and hydrating benefits.
Many studies show the antioxidant components of Laminaria Digitata to help with anti-inflammation.
This ingredient is rich in amino acids, proteins, sugars, and vitamins. Small amounts of minerals such as phosphorous, iron, potassium, and copper are also found the seaweed.
These components help hydrate and nourish your skin's natural barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier leads to more youthful looking skin and may help reduce the signs of aging.
Laminaria Digitata is found in the northern Atlantic Ocean.
What's the difference between algae and seaweed?
Algae is a broad term that includes seaweed. Not all algae is seaweed.
Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides isn't fungal acne safe.
We don't have a description for Padina Pavonica Thallus Extract yet.
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 ParfumJojoba 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.
Fungal acne: The Malassezia yeast is known to metabolize fatty acids in the C11-24 range and jojoba's dominant fatty acid components fall into this range. This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilTocopherol 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