What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Madecassoside
Antioxidant
Lecithin
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Water, Propanediol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Madecassoside, Lecithin, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Trehalose
Humectant
Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Phytosteryl Isostearyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientOctyldodecyl Myristate
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Jojoba Esters
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Propanediol
Solvent
PEG-100 Stearate
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone
BufferingMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Polyacrylate-13
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Emulsifying
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Glyceryl Linoleate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Emollient
Glycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Polyisobutene
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Hexyl Laurate
Emollient
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins
Skin ConditioningCopernicia Cerifera Cera
Emollient
Tocopheryl Linoleate
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Pantethine
EmollientSalicylic Acid
Masking
Dimethiconol
Emollient
Glyceryl Linolenate
Emollient
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Parfum
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Arachidonate
Emollient
Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningLauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract
Antioxidant
Dextrin
AbsorbentPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Isostearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dodecene
MaskingSodium Chloride
MaskingAscorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate
Emollient
Honey
Humectant
Myristic Acid
Cleansing
Arachidic Acid
Cleansing
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Linalool
Perfuming
Panax Ginseng Flower Extract
Antioxidant
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLilium Candidum Bulb Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract
Skin ConditioningEugenol
Perfuming
Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyaspartate
HumectantTbhq
Antioxidant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate
CleansingAcetyl Heptapeptide-4
Humectant
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingAcetyl Octapeptide-3
Humectant
Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trehalose, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Phytosteryl Isostearyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Cyclohexasiloxane, PEG-40 Stearate, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Jojoba Esters, Stearic Acid, Propanediol, PEG-100 Stearate, Palmitic Acid, Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Polyacrylate-13, Glycine Soja Oil, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Linoleate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Glycine Soja Sterols, Propylene Glycol, Polyisobutene, Acetyl Glucosamine, Polyquaternium-51, Hexyl Laurate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Ginseng Saponins, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Tocopheryl Linoleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pantethine, Salicylic Acid, Dimethiconol, Glyceryl Linolenate, Alcohol, Persea Gratissima Oil, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Arachidonate, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Lauryl PEG/PPG-18/18 Methicone, Vitis Vinifera Leaf Extract, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Beta-Glucan, Disodium EDTA, Retinol, Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract, Dextrin, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Isostearyl Alcohol, Dodecene, Sodium Chloride, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate, Honey, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root Extract, BHT, Linalool, Panax Ginseng Flower Extract, Benzyl Benzoate, Hexyl Cinnamal, Paeonia Lactiflora Root Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome Extract, Eugenol, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Sodium Polyaspartate, Tbhq, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Hydroxide, Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
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 GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinHelianthus 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 OilHydrogenated Vegetable Oil is created by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil in order to give it more stability. This process also raises the melting point of vegetable oil. In cosmetics, it is an emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. They do this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
The term "Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil" is an umbrella term and can refer to a variety of vegetable oils and blends of: sunflower oil, soybean oil, olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, and more.
Due to the differences in vegetables, the benefits may vary.
Learn more about Hydrogenated Vegetable OilPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolTocopherol 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 TocopherolWater. 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 Water
