What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPropylene Glycol
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBeta Vulgaris Root Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningMilk Lipids
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
BufferingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCeramide Eos
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Potassium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPEG-9 Diglycidyl Ether/Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningSphingolipids
EmollientBacillus
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Oligopeptide-2
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-1
Skin ConditioningSh-Polypeptide-11
Sh-Polypeptide-9
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPolyacrylamide
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCeteareth-20
CleansingPEG-40 Stearate
EmulsifyingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingTetrasodium EDTA
Disodium Phosphate
BufferingAcetyl Glutamine
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLecithin
EmollientSodium Citrate
BufferingBHT
AntioxidantSodium Chloride
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient2,3-Butanediol
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate
Skin ConditioningPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCholesterol
EmollientCeteareth-25
CleansingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBehenic Acid
CleansingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprooyl Phytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCaprooyl Sphingosine
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeChlorhexidine Digluconate
AntimicrobialPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingWater, Centella Asiatica Extract, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Panthenol, Beta Vulgaris Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Milk Lipids, Lactic Acid, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide Eos, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, PEG-9 Diglycidyl Ether/Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Phytosphingosine, Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Bacillus, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Sh-Oligopeptide-2, Sh-Polypeptide-1, Sh-Polypeptide-11, Sh-Polypeptide-9, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Xanthan Gum, Ceteareth-20, PEG-40 Stearate, Laureth-7, Tetrasodium EDTA, Disodium Phosphate, Acetyl Glutamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Lecithin, Sodium Citrate, BHT, Sodium Chloride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Behenyl Alcohol, 2,3-Butanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Ceteareth-25, Ethylhexylglycerin, Behenic Acid, Carbomer, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate
Water
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientUrea
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantPEG-100 Stearate
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Dimethicone
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientGalactomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingSqualane
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTropolone
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingWater, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Urea, Glycerin, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 60, Allantoin, Panthenol, Bisabolol, Squalane, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Phytosphingosine, Carbomer, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tropolone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cholesterol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
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.
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 preservatives
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 GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Ceramide AP is formally known as Ceramide 6.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide NP
Ceramide EOP
Ceramide EOP is formally known as Ceramide 1 and Ceramide 1 A.
EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin. They bind dead skin cells together to create a barrier. The ceramides in our skin have the ability to hold water to keep our skin hydrated.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A strong skin barrier helps with:
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Learn more about Ceramide EOPCeramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
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 AlcoholCholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolDimethicone 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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearatePanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin as a building block for ceramides.. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
Phytosphingosine contributes to your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for hydration, a strong barrier, and plasticity. Our NMF decreases with age. Increasing NMF leads to more healthy and hydrated skin.
Studies show products formulated with NMF ingredients help strengthen our skin's barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier reduces irritation and increases hydration. Our skin barrier is responsible for having plump and firm skin. It also helps protect our skin against infection, allergies, and inflammation.
Fun fact: Phytosphingosine is abundant in plants and fungi.
More ingredients that help boost collagen in skin:
Learn more about PhytosphingosineSodium Lauroyl Lactylate is the lauric acid sodium salt of lactyl lactate.
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is an emulsifier and surfactant.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. They do this by preventing ingredients from separating, such as oils and water which do not mix naturally. Surfactants reduce surface tension, making it easier to rinse pollutants off skin.
Due to its relation to lauric acid, it may provide antimicrobial benefits.
Learn more about Sodium Lauroyl LactylateWater. 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