What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
No key ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Ceresin
Emulsion StabilisingEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
Humectant
Water
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Melia Azadirachta Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract
EmollientLinalool
Perfuming
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Hexyl Cinnamal
Perfuming
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Skin Protecting
Rosa Damascena Flower Water
Masking
Citronellol
Perfuming
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
Masking
Fragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract
AstringentPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Ribes Nigrum Fruit Extract
Astringent
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Beeswax, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Octyldodecanol, Ceresin, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Microcrystalline Wax, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Water, Parfum, Melia Azadirachta Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Pentylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Extract, Linalool, Adenosine, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Hexyl Cinnamal, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Citronellol, Butylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Fragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract, Rubus Fruticosus Fruit Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Ribes Nigrum Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tridecyl Trimellitate
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Skin Protecting
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Humectant
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Water
Skin ConditioningMonascus Extract
Skin ConditioningEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
TonicCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Borago Officinalis Extract
Emollient
Beta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Gigas Extract
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycolipids
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Resveratrol
Antioxidant
Collagen Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Beeswax, Octyldodecanol, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Polyethylene, Sorbitan Olivate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Bisabolol, Microcrystalline Wax, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tocopherol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Dehydroacetic Acid, Water, Monascus Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Glycerin, Daucus Carota Sativa Root Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Borago Officinalis Extract, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Angelica Gigas Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Glycolipids, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Resveratrol, Collagen Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen
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
Beeswax is natural wax produced by honey bees to build their honeycomb.
Because it forms a protective layer on your skin, it can help lock in moisture and reduce water loss. It is also widely used as a thickener and emulsifier in lip balms and lotions. Research suggests beeswax containing moisturizers can support skin barrier integrity.
In comedogenic testing, Beeswax scored a 0-2, which is on the low end. Whether or not a product clogs your pores really comes down to the formula as a whole (not any single ingredient on its own).
Cera Alba is the white, bleached form of this ingredient.
Just so you know, beeswax is not vegan since it is animal-derived. It cannot be removed with water, but can be taken off with an oil cleanser.
People with a known Propolis allergy also report to have reactions from beeswax.
Learn more about BeeswaxThis ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractGlycerin (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 GlycerinHelianthus 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 OilHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil comes from the seabuckthorn berry. The seabuckthorn fruit contains carotenoids, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid and vitamin E.
The nutritious content of seabuckthorn fruit oil helps hydrate and nourish the skin. A study from 2018 found seabuckthorn may help with alleviating UV damage due to its anti-inflammatory property.
Carotenoids and Vitamin E help nourish your skin's natural barrier. This barrier protects your skin and is responsible for firm skin.
Learn more about Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit OilMicrocrystalline Wax is derived from petroleum through a de-oiling process, then highly refined and purified before use in cosmetics.
In skincare formulations, it is used to improve texture and create a smooth, even consistency. It also helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating.
Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil is the oil expressed from the seeds of Moringa oleifera plant. It is more commonly known as Moringa seed oil.
Moringa seeds have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin hydrating properties. These seeds are rich in oils, proteins, monounsaturated fats, and tocopherols.
As an emollient, moringa seed oil helps trap moisture in the skin by creating a film on top. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Many compounds in moringa seed oil are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. These compounds include Vitamin E. , catechins, ferulic acid, and more.
Another compound found in Moringa seed oil is oleic acid.
Moringa trees are native to the Himalayan mountains.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Moringa Oleifera Seed OilOctyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate is made by combining ten units of glycerin with oleic acid.
According to a manufacturer, it is a low-irritation and hydrophilic (water loving) skin conditioning agent. It also improves the sensory feel and texture of a product.
The Malassezia yeast survives by eating certain fats, including oleic acid. Since this ingredient is made from oleic acid, it might not be fungal acne safe. However, it should be noted this oleic acid is chemically bound to a large polyglycerol molecule, so it might not trigger fungal acne for everyone.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-10 OleateThis ingredient is a form of glycerin with emulsifying and emollient properties.
As an emulsifier, this ingredient helps keep products together while adding a thick texture. The manufacturer states this ingredient has emollient properties. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is created by reacting diglycerin and isostearic acid. Due to the isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateWater. 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 WaterEuphorbia Cerifera wax comes from a shrub in Northern Mexico. It is used to stabilize formulations and has emollient properties.
Emollients form a thin layer on top of skin to prevent water from evaporating, keeping skin and lips hydrated.
According to a manufacturer, this wax can range from a yellow/brown color to translucent.
Learn more about Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
