What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialPropylene Glycol
HumectantC13-15 Alkane
SolventPEG-100 Stearate
Lactobionic Acid
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantC12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientOctyldodecyl Myristate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientEthoxydiglycol
HumectantPalmitic Acid
EmollientHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingEchinacea Purpurea Extract
MoisturisingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingOctyldodecanol
EmollientMyristic Acid
CleansingCeteareth-20
CleansingSteareth-2
EmulsifyingPolyacrylamide
C13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientSodium Hydroxide
BufferingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingMagnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Disteareth-100 Ipdi
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialParfum
MaskingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingBlue 1 Lake
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Gluconolactone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, C13-15 Alkane, PEG-100 Stearate, Lactobionic Acid, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Ethylhexanoate, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Ethoxydiglycol, Palmitic Acid, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Stearic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Phospholipids, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Phosphatidylcholine, Octyldodecanol, Myristic Acid, Ceteareth-20, Steareth-2, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Sodium Hydroxide, Laureth-7, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Disteareth-100 Ipdi, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Blue 1 Lake, CI 19140
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingCeteareth-20
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantIsocetyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientIsopropyl Myristate
EmollientC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCannabis Sativa Seed Oil
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingOrbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientCopper PCA
HumectantSerica
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCitrus Paradisi Peel Oil
MaskingAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantTriacetin
AntimicrobialPEG-10 Phytosterol
EmulsifyingSodium PCA
HumectantTribehenin
EmollientUrea
BufferingPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantTrehalose
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Tocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantParfum
MaskingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingLactic Acid
BufferingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingBHT
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialGeraniol
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Ceteareth-20, Glycerin, Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isopropyl Myristate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Ceramide Ng, Cholesterol, Adenosine, Squalane, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Copper PCA, Serica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Allantoin, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Triacetin, PEG-10 Phytosterol, Sodium PCA, Tribehenin, Urea, Polyquaternium-51, Butylene Glycol, Trehalose, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Disodium EDTA, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum, Hexylene Glycol, Lactic Acid, Aminomethyl Propanol, Xanthan Gum, BHT, Caprylyl Glycol, Chlorphenesin, Geraniol, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is created by combining pure Vitamin C and palmitic acid. It is an antioxidant and helps reduce hyperpigmentation.
This ingredient is a more stable version of Vitamin C, meaning it does not disintegrate as quickly when exposed to sunlight. However, studies show it does not penetrate skin as well as pure Vitamin C.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is oil soluble.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateButylene 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 GlycolC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is made up of Benzoic Acid and long chain alcohols. It has a low molecular weight.
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate is an emollient and texture enhancer. Due to its solubility, it is often used in sunscreens to help evenly distribute active ingredients.
As an emollient, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate helps soften and hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on your skin that traps moisture within.
This ingredient has been reported to cause eye irritation.
Learn more about C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateCaprylyl 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 GlycolCeteareth-20 is an emulsifier and cleansing agent. It is derived from cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol.
As an emulsifier, Ceteareth-20 prevents oil and water from separating. It is also a surfactant. Surfactants help gather oil, pollution, and dirt to be washed away.
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholChlorphenesin 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 ChlorphenesinDimethicone 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 GlycerinHexyl Cinnamal is a fragrance ingredient with a similar scent to jasmine. It can be naturally found in chamomile essential oil.
This ingredient is a known EU allergen and may sensitize the skin. The EU requires this ingredient to be listed separately on an ingredients list.
Hexyl Cinnamal is not water soluble but is soluble in oils.
Learn more about Hexyl CinnamalParfum 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 âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ 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 ParfumSodium 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 HyaluronateStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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