What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientCaprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantSteareth-2
EmulsifyingCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPropanediol
SolventSteareth-21
CleansingMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningLimonium Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin ProtectingLactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningTuna Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Seed Oil
EmollientAminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
AntioxidantAlgae Extract
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
EmollientPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningNarcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
AstringentSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSilybum Marianum Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingDextrin Palmitate
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydroxyethyl Urea
HumectantPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientCholesterol
EmollientIsoceteth-20
EmulsifyingLactoperoxidase
StabilisingHelianthus Annuus Seedcake
AbrasiveSodium Polyaspartate
HumectantSorbitol
HumectantGlucose
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientSodium Lactate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium PCA
HumectantGlucose Oxidase
StabilisingPotassium Phosphate
BufferingSodium Chloride
MaskingParfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycine Soja Oil, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Glycerin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Dimethicone, Stearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Steareth-2, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Niacinamide, Propanediol, Steareth-21, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Limonium Vulgare Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Lactis Proteinum, Acetyl Glucosamine, Tuna Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Persea Gratissima Oil, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Algae Extract, Caffeine, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Silybum Marianum Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Dextrin Palmitate, Sodium Hydroxide, Carbomer, Behenyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Cholesterol, Isoceteth-20, Lactoperoxidase, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Sodium Polyaspartate, Sorbitol, Glucose, Cetyl Alcohol, Myristyl Alcohol, Sodium Lactate, Citric Acid, Sodium PCA, Glucose Oxidase, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Chloride, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, CI 19140, CI 14700, CI 77491, CI 77492
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV AbsorberOctocrylene 7%
UV AbsorberWater
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Alcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Distearate
EmulsifyingJojoba Esters
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningAcacia Decurrens Flower Wax
EmollientGuanosine
Skin ConditioningCyathea Medullaris Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Linseed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
CleansingSodium Benzoate
MaskingCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeAdenosine
Skin ConditioningPEG-8 Laurate
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-3 Beeswax
EmulsifyingPolyglycerin-3
HumectantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Steareth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
EmollientLimonene
PerfumingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCinnamic Acid
PerfumingLeontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGeraniol
PerfumingDisodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingDisodium EDTA
Cetyl Alcohol
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
AstringentLevulinic Acid
PerfumingStyrene/Acrylates Copolymer
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientParfum
MaskingButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 7%, Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Propanediol, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Alcohol Denat., Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate, Jojoba Esters, Tocopherol, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Guanosine, Cyathea Medullaris Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Sodium Benzoate, CI 17200, Sodium Levulinate, Phenoxyethanol, Adenosine, PEG-8 Laurate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, Polyglycerin-3, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Steareth-25 Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethiconol, Limonene, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Cinnamic Acid, Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Geraniol, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Disodium EDTA, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Levulinic Acid, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Parfum
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Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholCitric 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 AcidDimethicone 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 GlycerinLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant. This oil is non-fragrant and is an emollient. As an emollient, meadowfoam seed oil helps soften and hydrate the skin.
Meadowfoam seed oil is stable and has a long shelf life due to its chemical structure. It has the highest concentration of stable fatty-acids among plant oils, preventing it from degrading once exposed to oxygen.
Due to the fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Meadowfoam is native to California and Oregon.
Learn more about Limnanthes Alba Seed OilParfum 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium 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 SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSodium 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 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 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water