What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientPropanediol
SolventTripelargonin
EmollientBetaine
HumectantSea Water
HumectantPullulan
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientGardenia Jasminoides Meristem Cell Culture
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract
Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingPolymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice
Skin ConditioningPanax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientCarnosine
Skin ConditioningCollagen
MoisturisingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialSerine
MaskingAlanine
MaskingGlycine
BufferingLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningN-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate
Skin ConditioningGlutamic Acid
HumectantCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningLysine Hcl
Skin ConditioningThreonine
Heptapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientAcetyl Hexapeptide-49
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingTetrapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningOligopeptide-68
BleachingAcetyl Heptapeptide-4
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningProline
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-8
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningDextran
Phytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingSodium PCA
HumectantGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPentaerythrityl Distearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingSodium Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingButylene Glycol
HumectantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
BufferingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingPCA
HumectantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTribehenin
EmollientDipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingLactic Acid
BufferingSodium Oleate
CleansingParfum
MaskingCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Propanediol, Tripelargonin, Betaine, Sea Water, Pullulan, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Gardenia Jasminoides Meristem Cell Culture, Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Polymnia Sonchifolia Root Juice, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Carnosine, Collagen, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Serine, Alanine, Glycine, Lactobacillus, N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate, Glutamic Acid, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Lysine Hcl, Threonine, Heptapeptide-7, Lecithin, Acetyl Hexapeptide-49, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Arginine, Tetrapeptide-4, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-68, Acetyl Heptapeptide-4, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Proline, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Dextran, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Lauryl Glucoside, Sodium PCA, Glycine Soja Oil, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Phenoxyethanol, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Lactate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sodium Carbomer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Xanthan Gum, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Carbomer, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Maltodextrin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Polysorbate 20, PCA, Caprylyl Glycol, Tribehenin, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid, Sodium Oleate, Parfum, CI 17200, CI 19140
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientIsopropyl Palmitate
EmollientTripelargonin
EmollientBetaine
HumectantLauryl Glucoside
CleansingPentaerythrityl Distearate
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningSea Water
HumectantHydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract
Avena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveCichorium Intybus Leaf Extract
MaskingSqualane
EmollientRetinol
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningPullulan
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingBakuchiol
AntimicrobialTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingParfum
MaskingHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Citric Acid
BufferingCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Tripelargonin, Betaine, Lauryl Glucoside, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Sea Water, Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Cichorium Intybus Leaf Extract, Squalane, Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate, Pullulan, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Bakuchiol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Sodium Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, CI 15985, CI 19140
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.
Aloe is packed with good stuff including Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are antioxidants, which help fight free-radicals and the damage they may cause. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also contains sugars. These sugars come in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, and choline. These sugars are able to help bind moisture to skin.
It also contains minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.
Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceBetaine is a humectant. Like hyaluronic acid, it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. It’s known for being gentle and for helping the skin maintain balanced hydration.
Betaine is mainly used to improve hydration and support calmer skin. It helps skin cells regulate water balance because it functions as an osmolyte.
Some studies suggest betaine may support making skin tone more even.
Fun fact: Betaine naturally exists in the skin and the body. In cosmetic products, it can be either plant-derived (most commonly from sugar beets) or synthetically produced for consistency and stability.
Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineThis 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 ButterThis ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl 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 GlycolCI 19140 is also known as Tartrazine. Tartrazine is a synthetic dye used in cosmetics, foods, and medicine to add a yellow color.
Tartrazine is created from petroleum and is water-soluble.
Some people may experience allergies from this dye, especially asthmatics and those with an aspirin intolerance.
Learn more about CI 19140Citric 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 AcidDisodium 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 EDTAEthylhexyl Stearate mainly acts as an emollient that also helps reduce the greasiness of oils in a formula. As an emollient, it softens and hydrates your skin by locking moisture in.
Because Ethylhexyl Stearate contains a C18 fatty acid chain, it may not be Malassezia/fungal acne safe. This is because the Malassezia yeast potentially feeds on C11-C24 fatty acids. If you're prone to flare-ups, you might want to patch-test or skip this one.
This ingredient is an ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and stearic acid.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl StearateEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae Extract yet.
Hydroxyacetophenone is antioxidant with skin conditioning and soothing properties. It also boosts the efficiency of preservatives.
Though naturally occuring in Norwegian spruce needles, this ingredient is usually synthetically created.
This ingredient is not irritating or sensitizing. Recent research also suggests it may have skin-brightening effects through tyrosinase inhibition.
Learn more about HydroxyacetophenoneThis ingredient is used in skincare as a delivery system.
It works by "encapsulating" active ingredients with its unique ring shape that is water-loving on the outside and oil-loving on the inside. This improves the stability and absorption of the product into the skin.
According to a manufacturer, it also offer some moisturizing effects.
Learn more about Hydroxypropyl CyclodextrinIsopropyl Palmitate is a texture enhancer and emollient. It is an ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
Palmitates are emollients. Emollients help keep your skin soft and smooth by creating a barrier that traps moisture in.
When added to cosmetics, Isopropyl Palmitate creates a silky texture and improves spreadability.
Isopropyl Palmitate may not be fungal acne safe. It can worsen acne prone skin.
Learn more about Isopropyl PalmitateLauryl Glucoside sugar- and lipid-based cleansing agent. It is created from glucose and lauryl alcohol.
This ingredient is a surfactant, making it easier to rinse oil, dirt, and other pollutants away.
A British study found lauryl glucoside to cause skin sensitivity for some people. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have concerns.
Other names for this ingredient include "Lauryl Polyglucose", "Lauryl glycoside", and "D-Glucopyranoside".
Learn more about Lauryl GlucosideParfum 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 ParfumPentaerythrityl Distearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Phenoxyethanol 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.
Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is the potassium salt of a mixture. This mixture consists of the esters from phosphoricacid and cetyl alcohol.
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
As a cleansing agent, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate helps gather oils, dirts, and pollutants from your skin. This makes it easier to rinse them away with water.
Learn more about Potassium Cetyl PhosphatePotassium 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 PropanediolPullulan is a low viscosity polysaccharide (a long chain carbohydrate) with binding and film forming properties when dissolved in water. It is used to create a "silicone-like" or silky feel in cosmetics without adding viscosity.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient's ability to easily dissolves makes it a great carrier for active ingredients.
Due to it being edible and tasteless, you'll likely find this ingredient in breath freshener strips. This ingredient is produced from the starch of the fungus, Aureobasidium pullulans.
Pullulan is stable over a broad-range of pH.
Learn more about PullulanSodium 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 Carbomer is used to thicken products and create a gel-like consistency.
It is synthetically created from carbomer and sodium salt.
Tocopheryl 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 AcetateWe don't have a description for Tripelargonin yet.
Water. 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