What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingLauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolysilicone-11
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantHexapeptide-9
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Skin ConditioningSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingPhoenix Dactylifera Fruit Extract
EmollientHydrolyzed Algin
Bambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seed Oil
MaskingSpinacia Oleracea Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Oleracea Italica Extract
AstringentVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingDaucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCrithmum Maritimum Callus Culture Filtrate
Skin ProtectingPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientSqualane
EmollientGlycine 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
EmollientCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientGlucosamine Hcl
Potassium Gluconate
Skin ProtectingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingLactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientMethyl Gluceth-20
HumectantIsohexadecane
EmollientSodium PCA
HumectantPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningTriolein
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantSodium Polyacrylate Starch
AbsorbentUrea
BufferingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingTriacetin
AntimicrobialAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Polyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPEG-8
HumectantPhytosteryl Canola Glycerides
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingOleic Acid
EmollientPalmitic Acid
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSilica
AbrasiveCalcium Chloride
AstringentTocopherol
AntioxidantStearic Acid
CleansingSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeMica
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 ConditioningPEG-8
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientGlycolic Acid
BufferingMandelic Acid
AntimicrobialSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSalicylic Acid
MaskingLactic Acid
BufferingPyruvic Acid
MaskingTartaric Acid
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantEucalyptus Globulus Leaf Powder
AbrasiveEucalyptus Globulus Leaf
Skin ConditioningCharcoal Powder
AbrasiveAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveAlgae Extract
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Polymethyl Methacrylate
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingUrea
BufferingParfum
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingBHT
AntioxidantDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeSorbic Acid
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantWater, PEG-8, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid, Pyruvic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Trehalose, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Powder, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf, Charcoal Powder, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Algae Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Extract, Lecithin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Acetyl Glucosamine, Dimethicone, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Beheneth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Urea, Parfum, Linalool, BHT, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Chlorphenesin, CI 77891, CI 42090, CI 14700
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acetyl Glucosamine is an antioxidant and humectant. It is an amino acid sugar and is naturally found in our skin.
The cool thing about this ingredient? It helps the skin produce hyaluronic acid and boost hydration. It also has antioxidant benefits to protect skin cells.
When paired with niacinamide, Acetyl Glucosamine has been shown to be effective at reducing discoloration.
Learn more about Acetyl GlucosamineAlgae Extract is a confusing name. This is because algae is an informal term for a group of 30,000 aquatic organisms that can photosynthesize.
The term 'algae extract' can refer to any one, or a blend of, the 30,000 types.
Algae is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Algae can also help with soothing and hydrating skin.
Many different types of algae have different benefits.
Learn more about Algae ExtractBHT is a synthetic antioxidant and preservative.
As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.
As a preservative, it is used to stabilize products and prevent them from degrading. Specifically, BHT prevents degradation from oxidation.
The concerns related to BHT come from oral studies; this ingredient is currently allowed for use by both the FDA and EU.
However, it was recently restricted for use in the UK as of April 2024.
Learn more about BHTBis-Peg-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane belongs to the siloxanes and silicones classes. It is synthetically created and has a waxy composition.
This ingredient is a humectant and emollient, meaning it helps hydrate the skin. Humectants draw moisture to your skin, while emollients prevent moisture from escaping.
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 GlycolChlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinCi 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinParfum 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 ParfumPEG-8 is a synthetic polymer used as a humectant and solvent.
This ingredient is able to help dissolve active ingredients, including water. This gives it humectant properties.
It is soluble in water. The number '8' stands for the molecular weight of the ingredient.
Learn more about PEG-8Phenoxyethanol 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 made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Silica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
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 HydroxideTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateTrehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.
As a humectant, trehalose helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.
Due to its antioxidant properties, trehalose may help with signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, unstable molecules that may damage your skin.
In medicine, trehalose and hyaluronic acid are used to help treat dry eyes.
Some animals, plants, and bacteria create trehalose as a source of energy to survive freeze or lack of water.
Learn more about TrehaloseUrea is also called carbamide and is the diamide of carbonic acid. In cosmetics, urea is used to hydrate the skin. It also provides exfoliation in higher concentrations.
As a humectant, urea helps draw moisture from the air and from deep within the skin. This helps hydrate your skin. Studies show urea is an effective moisturizer for dry skin conditions. 40% urea is typical in medications for treating eczema and other skin conditions.
Urea has the strongest exfoliation effect in concentrations higher than 10%. It is a keratolytic agent, meaning it breaks down the keratin protein in the top layer of skin. This helps remove dead skin cells and flaking skin.
In medicine, urea has been shown to help increase the potency of other ingredients, such as fungal treatments.
Humans and animals use urea to metabolize nitrogen-containing compounds. Urea is highly soluble in water. Once dissolved, it is neither acidic nor alkaline.
Learn more about UreaWater. 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. 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