What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polybutene
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientOctyldodecanol
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Aroma
Parfum
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
Benzyl Benzoate
Antimicrobial
Limonene
Perfuming
Polybutene, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Octyldodecanol, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Aroma, Parfum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Unsaponifiables, BHT, Benzyl Benzoate, Limonene
Triisostearyl Citrate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPunica Granatum Sterols
Skin Conditioning
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingRicinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Phytosterols
Skin Conditioning
Linolenic Acid
Cleansing
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
Lauryl PCA
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Oleic Acid
Emollient
Lecithin
Emollient
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77163
Cosmetic Colorant
CI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 75470
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45380
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantTriisostearyl Citrate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Microcrystalline Wax, Punica Granatum Sterols, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Persea Gratissima Oil, Phytosterols, Linolenic Acid, Linoleic Acid, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Lauryl PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Caprylyl Glycol, Oleic Acid, Lecithin, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77163, CI 42090, CI 75470, CI 15850, CI 45380, CI 45410, CI 73360, CI 17200, CI 19140, CI 15985
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This 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 ButterHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneOctyldodecanol 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.
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.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THD) is a stable and oil-soluble form of Vitamin C.
THD is special in that it has the ability to travel deeper into skin than traditional ascorbic acid while maintaining the same skin benefits (double win!).
Because it’s oil-soluble, THD dives deep into your skin’s fatty layers (think ceramides and cholesterol) to fight off the kind of free radicals that mess with your skin barrier. This makes it a great pair with water-based vitamin C (ascorbic acid) that mainly works on the surface.
Even at just 0.1%, THD is already showing great antioxidant activity. When used up to 2%, it helps keep your skin happy and calm, especially when it’s stressed from pollution or sun.
Want to fade dark spots or tackle hyperpigmentation? You’ll want 5% or more. Pairing it with brightening buddies like niacinamide or licorice root gives even better results. One study even used 30% THD with other brighteners and saw real results on stubborn discoloration, even in melasma-prone skin.
A note on THD: It’s has a slightly silky, oily texture and usually shows up colorless or pale yellow (though the exact shade can vary by supplier).
While you can sneak it into water-based formulas, it really shines when paired with silicones or oils, which help your skin soak it up better.
THD is pretty stable, but it’s still vulnerable to degradation like ascorbic acid. Too much light or heat (above 113°F / 45°C) can break it down over time. Go for dark and opaque packaging that keeps it safe and shady!
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateTocopheryl 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 Acetate
