What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking
Corylus Avellana Seed Oil
Emollient
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Nigella Sativa Seed Oil
Emollient
Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil
Emollient
Cucurbita Pepo Seed Oil
Emollient
Copaifera Officinalis Resin
MaskingSalicylic Acid
Masking
Curcuma Longa Root Oil
Perfuming
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil
Skin Conditioning
Bixa Orellana Seed Extract
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Corylus Avellana Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Cucurbita Pepo Seed Oil, Copaifera Officinalis Resin, Salicylic Acid, Curcuma Longa Root Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Tocopherol, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil, Bixa Orellana Seed Extract
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 called hazelnut oil. It is rich in fatty acids and has emollient properties.
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 OilThis ingredient is also known as black seed oil or black cumin. It has emollient, skin conditioning, and perfuming properties.
It is rich in linoleic and oleic acids, making it a great skin hydrator or emollient. Other compounds found in black seed oil include thymoquinone, sterols, and various terpenes; these compounds give it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Studies show thymoquinone helps reduce oxidative stress and dampens the inflammatory pathways. Combining this with the oils makes this ingredient great for barrier repair and moisturization.
Other studies have found this ingredient to have antimicrobial activity against several acne-causing bacteria.
Learn more about Nigella Sativa Seed OilSalicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic AcidJojoba 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 OilTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about Tocopherol
