What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Polysilicone-11
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Hexapeptide-9
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Skin ConditioningSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract
EmollientHydrolyzed Algin
Bambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Coffea Arabica Seed Oil
Masking
Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate
Skin ProtectingPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Algae Extract
EmollientSqualane
Emollient
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningZea Mays Kernel Extract
Hordeum Distichon Extract
Skin ProtectingCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Coffea Arabica Seed Extract
Masking
Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientGlucosamine Hcl
Potassium Gluconate
Skin ProtectingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
Buffering
Lactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientMethyl Gluceth-20
Humectant
Isohexadecane
EmollientSodium PCA
Humectant
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Triolein
Skin Conditioning
Trehalose
Humectant
Sodium Polyacrylate Starch
AbsorbentUrea
Buffering
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Triacetin
AntimicrobialAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-8
HumectantPhytosteryl Canola Glycerides
Skin Conditioning
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Oleic Acid
Emollient
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingParfum
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSilica
Abrasive
Calcium Chloride
AstringentTocopherol
Antioxidant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Sodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
BHT
Antioxidant
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polysorbate 20, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hexapeptide-9, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Phoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Algin, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Oil, Spinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate, Pisum Sativum Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Acetyl Glucosamine, Caffeine, Algae Extract, Squalane, Glycine Soja Protein, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Zea Mays Kernel Extract, Hordeum Distichon Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Glucosamine Hcl, Potassium Gluconate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Lactate, Lactis Proteinum, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Methyl Gluceth-20, Isohexadecane, Sodium PCA, Phospholipids, Triolein, Trehalose, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Urea, Polysorbate 80, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Sorbitan Oleate, Triacetin, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Polyquaternium-51, Dipropylene Glycol, PEG-8, Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides, Pentylene Glycol, Linoleic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Sodium Hydroxide, Silica, Calcium Chloride, Tocopherol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Mica, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycereth-26
Humectant
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingPorphyridium Cruentum Extract
Skin ConditioningCastanea Sativa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Rice Extract
Skin Conditioning
Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Sucrose
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Glycereth-26, Lactobacillus Ferment, Niacinamide, Hexylene Glycol, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Castanea Sativa Seed Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Rice Extract, Punica Granatum Pericarp Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Caffeine, Sucrose, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, Alcohol Denat., Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCaffeine is a naturally occurring plant compound found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, and guarana.
As an antioxidant, caffeine protects your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and envionrmnetal stressors.
Early research also shows that caffeine can help calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and support hair growth by stimulating microcirculation in the scalp.
You might have seen eye creams marketing caffeine as a depuffing ingredient. This is because it is a vasoconstrictor meaning it can temporarily constrict blood vessels, though clinical evidence for this specific use is still limited.
Most skincare products contain this ingredient at concentrations between 1-6%. It is able to penetrate skin easily regardless of skin type or thickness.
Just so you know, a very small number of case reports describe caffeine-induced allergy. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the majority of people.
Learn more about CaffeineCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 20 is a gentle, water-soluble emulsifier and mild surfactant. It stops oil and water from separating to keep your formulas blended and stable.
It also acts as a mild penetration enhancer by helping active ingredients absorb slightly better.
The common safety discussion around this ingredient involves a manufacturing byproduct called 1,4-dioxane.
Trace amounts can form during production but the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has concluded that levels at/below 10 ppm in finished products are safe (commercial products consistently fall within acceptable margins).
True allergic reactions are uncommon and the CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics.
Because it is derived from lauric acid, it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Sodium 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 Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
