What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.49%
UV AbsorberBenzophenone-3 2%
UV AbsorberCera Alba
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Decyl Esters
Emulsion StabilisingVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientParfum
MaskingCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningRibes Nigrum Seed Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantSucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate
EmollientCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantPolyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantPropyl Gallate
AntioxidantLimonene
PerfumingBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingBHT
AntioxidantCitral
PerfumingCitronellol
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 7.49%, Benzophenone-3 2%, Cera Alba, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Decyl Esters, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Parfum, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Persea Gratissima Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Ribes Nigrum Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Tocopherol, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, CI 15985, CI 77891, CI 15850, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, CI 77491, CI 77499, Propyl Gallate, Limonene, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, BHT, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, CI 19140, CI 42090, CI 45410, CI 77492
Cocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCera Alba
EmollientCandelilla Cera
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingOctocrylene
UV AbsorberEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientHydrogenated Coco-Glycerides
EmollientButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberCopernicia Cerifera Cera
EmollientGarcinia Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningLimonene
PerfumingTocopherol
AntioxidantXimenia Americana Seed Oil
EmollientCitrus Medica Limonum Peel Extract
EmollientStevia Rebaudiana Extract
Alumina
AbrasivePEG-8
HumectantLauroyl Lysine
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientCitral
PerfumingAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCocos Nucifera Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cera Alba, Candelilla Cera, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Garcinia Indica Seed Butter, Squalane, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Limonene, Tocopherol, Ximenia Americana Seed Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum Peel Extract, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract, Alumina, PEG-8, Lauroyl Lysine, Glycine Soja Oil, Citral, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, CI 77891, Mica, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 45410, CI 73360, CI 15850, CI 17200, CI 77120, CI 19140
Reviews
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 a fat-soluble form of vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) made by combining it with palmitic acid.
It is able to blend easily into creams and oil-based formulas because it dissolves in oils rather than water.
As you may know, regular vitamin C is notorious for breaking down when exposed to sunlight and air. Ascorbyl Palmitate is more stable and degrades at a slower rate.
Research on whether it converts efficiently into active vitamin C once it's applied on your skin is still limited.
Some in-vitro studies suggest it may support collagen production, but it is not considered one of the stronger vitamin C derivatives, like:
Due to the palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Comedogenic studies have also shown this ingredient to have a rating of 2.
It's also worth keeping in mind that comedogenic and irritancy ratings are tested on individual ingredients, not finished formulas. The final product's formulation, concentration, and other ingredients all play a role in how something actually behaves on your skin.
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateCera alba is beeswax, or the wax used by bees to make honeycombs. It is a texture-enhancer and emollient. A study from 2003 found beeswax to be a stronger emollient than ingredients such as petroleum jelly.
As an emollient, beeswax helps hydrate the skin by creating a barrier on top. This barrier traps moisture in.
Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating. This helps create consistent texture.
The structure of beeswax is mainly long-chain alcohols and the esters of fatty acids.
There are three types of beeswax: yellow, white, and absolute. Yellow is pure beeswax taken from the honeycomb. White beeswax is created by filtering or bleaching yellow beeswax. Absolute beeswax is created by treating beeswax with alcohol. Beeswax used in cosmetics are purified.
Beeswax has been used throughout history and even in prehistoric times. Some common uses for beeswax still used today are making candles, as a waterproofing agent, and polish for leather.
Learn more about Cera AlbaCi 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850CI 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 19140CI 45410 is a synthetic red-pigment and dye.
It often goes by both Red 28 or Red 27; manufacturers label both ingredients as CI 45410.
This dye is commonly found in makeup because it imparts a vivid color. Some types of this dye change color based on pH level and interaction with moisture:
Your skin has a natural pH of around 4.5 - 5.5.
According to the FDA, CI 45410 is not permitted for use in eye products.
Red 27 is a flourescein dye and commonly used as a fluorescent tracer in medicine.
Learn more about CI 45410Ci 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Citral is the molecule responsible for the fresh lemon scent in lemon, lime, and lemongrass. It is a fragrance ingredient that can be created from plant essential oils or synthetically.
Though Citral has documented antimicrobial activity against acne bacteria (which is where the marketing claims about it being good for acne-prone skin originate), real formulas use it at fragrance-level concentrations under 1% so there's likely no skin benefit.
You should know this ingredient is a known EU fragrance allergen.
Animal studies classifies this ingredient as a weak-to-moderate skin sensitizer and clinical patch testing on eczema patients confirmed it to be both a contact allergen and irritant.
The term 'citral' is a collective term for two geometric isomers: geranial/Citral A and neral/Citral B.
The term '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.
Learn more about CitralEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is an organic compound that provides UVB protection. It often goes by the more common name of octinoxate. It is created from methoxycinnamic acid and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate absorbs UVB rays with wavelengths between 280-320 nm. UV absorbers protect your skin by using chemical reactions to convert UV rays into heat and energy.
UVB (290-320 nm) rays emit more energy than UVA rays. They are capable of damaging DNA, causing sunburns and are thought to be linked to skin cancer.
The state of Hawaii has banned sunscreens containing octinoxate due to its potential impact on coral reefs. More research is needed to bridge gaps in this research. The European Union allows higher levels of octinoxate in sunscreens than the US and Australia.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate is oil soluble. It is not stable and may lose efficacy when exposed to sunlight.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl MethoxycinnamateHelianthus 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 OilLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant. This oil is non-fragrant and is an emollient. As an emollient, meadowfoam seed oil helps soften and hydrate the skin.
Meadowfoam seed oil is stable and has a long shelf life due to its chemical structure. It has the highest concentration of stable fatty-acids among plant oils, preventing it from degrading once exposed to oxygen.
Due to the fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Meadowfoam is native to California and Oregon.
Learn more about Limnanthes Alba Seed OilLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneRicinus Communis Seed Oil is the INCI name for castor oil.
Castor Oil helps moisturize the skin. It is rich in a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid helps prevent moisture loss on the skin. This helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. Ricinoleic acid also has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties.
Besides hydrating the skin, castor oil is also used to hydrate hair. By keeping the hair shaft moisturized, breakage is decreased. More studies are needed to show castor oil's effective on stimulating hair growth.
Castor oil is created by cold-pressing castor seeds and then purifying the oil with heat. It was used in Ancient Egypt as fuel in lamps and to help treat eye irritation.
The term '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.
Learn more about Ricinus Communis Seed OilTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about Tocopherol