What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Paraffinum Liquidum
EmollientPetrolatum
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningParaffin
Skin ConditioningBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Water
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningRibes Nigrum Leaf Extract
PerfumingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingCitrus Paradisi Seed Oil
PerfumingHoney Extract
HumectantMangifera Indica Seed Oil
EmollientPunica Granatum Seed Oil
EmollientSolanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil
EmollientAnemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingParaffinum Liquidum, Petrolatum, Microcrystalline Wax, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate, Paraffin, Beeswax, Diisostearyl Malate, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Water, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butylene Glycol, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ribes Nigrum Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi Seed Oil, Honey Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Solanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil, Anemarrhena Asphodeloides Root Extract, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Punica Granatum Fruit Extract 63%
AntioxidantGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTrehalose
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
SurfactantSorbitan Stearate
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
StabilisingPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientSucrose Cocoate
EmulsifyingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Polysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingCitrus Paradisi Seed Oil
PerfumingMangifera Indica Seed Oil
EmollientPunica Granatum Seed Oil
EmollientSolanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil
EmollientCI 14700
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantPunica Granatum Fruit Extract 63%, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Diisostearyl Malate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trehalose, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Water, Glyceryl Caprylate, PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Polyacrylate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Parfum, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sucrose Cocoate, Adenosine, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Trideceth-6, Citrus Paradisi Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Solanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil, CI 14700, Tocopherol
Reviews
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
Butylene 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 GlycolCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that 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. Just 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.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitrus Paradisi Seed Oil is a fragrance, is an oil, and isn't fungal acne safe.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight ester created from coconut oil fatty acids, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is an emollient that helps soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). What sets it apart from heavier emollients is its ultralight, non-greasy feel.
Once applied, this ingredient dries down quickly and leaves a dry, silky finish behind. This also helps improve spreadability and texture.
This ingredient has an excellent safety-record and is non-irritating.
Typical concentrations for cosmetics range from 0.5-62%.
Research on Malassezia growth found no growth on fatty acid esters with chain lengths shorter than 12 carbons (it prefers C11-24).
Since Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is built on C8 and C10 fatty acids, it is out of the range that Malassezia metabolizes, and therefore safe for fungal acne.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateDiisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
Glyceryl Caprylate comes from glycerin and caprylic acid. It is an emollient, co-emulsifier, and preservative booster.
Its short C8 fatty acid chain makes it behave differently from its longer-chain emollient cousins like Glyceryl Stearate. It feels more lightweight, fast-absorbing, and silky instead of rich and waxy.
As a co-emulsifier, its "head" and "tail" sit at the oil-water interface. But overall, the short C8 tail and not being water soluble means it doesn't really have the muscle to emulsify a formula on its own. That's why you'll often see it paired with a primary emulsifier like Cetearyl Glucoside.
Interestingly, Glyceryl Caprylate acts as a preservative booster. This is because its fatty-acid backbone disrupts microbial lipid membranes. It shows excellent activity against bacteria and yeast but is weaker against mold.
Typical concentrations range from 0.5-1% and this ingredient is generally non-irritating.
Because this ingredient has a C8 fatty acid chain, it is outside the range that the Malassezia yeast metabolizes (making it fungal acne safe).
Learn more about Glyceryl CaprylateMangifera Indica Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Parfum 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 ParfumThis ingredient is the oil from the apricot.
Apricot Kernel Oil is an emollient and helps soften skin. This is due to its fatty acid components. Some of these fatty acids include linoleic and oleic acid.
This ingredient also has antioxidant properties from Vitamins A, C, and E. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. Besides being antioxidants, these vitamins provide plenty of skin benefits as well.
Learn more about Prunus Armeniaca Kernel OilPunica Granatum Seed Oil is created from the seeds of the pomegranate. Pomegranate seed oil helps hydrate the skin, is anti-inflammatory, and contains antioxidants.
Pomegranates are rich in fatty acids, including an unsaturated fatty acid by the name of Punicic acid. Other components of pomegranates include Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and bioactive lipids such as phytosterols, phospholipids, and triterpenes. Punicic acid helps soothe inflammation.
As an emollient, pomegranate oil creates a thin film on the skin. This film helps prevent moisture loss, keeping your skin hydrated.
Learn more about Punica Granatum Seed OilSolanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Tocopherol 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 TocopherolVitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.
The components of grape seeds have many skin benefits. Research has found it to be antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It also contains many potent antioxidants such as Vitamin E , Vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Proanthocyanidin has been shown to help even out skin tone.
Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. Grape seed extract may help reduce the signs of aging.
The antimicrobial properties of grape seed may help treat acne. However, more research is needed to support this claim.
Grape seed has also been found to help absorb UV rays. Grape seed extract should not replace your sunscreen.
The fatty acids of grape seed oil give it emollient properties. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by creating a film. This film traps moisture within, keeping your skin hydrated.
Learn more about Vitis Vinifera Seed OilWater. 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 Water