What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Dibutyl Adipate
EmollientDiethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
UV Filter
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialNiacinamide
Smoothing
Titanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant
Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate
Emulsifying
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Triazone
UV Absorber
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Silica
Abrasive
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Cetearyl Olivate
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Emulsifying
Methicone
Emollient
Myristyl Alcohol
Emollient
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Lauryl Alcohol
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin Conditioning
Salix Alba Bark Extract
Astringent
Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningChamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningSolanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil
Emollient
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Punica Granatum Seed Oil
Emollient
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Mangifera Indica Seed Oil
Emollient
Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Paradisi Seed Oil
Perfuming
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Parfum
Masking
Water, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Titanium Dioxide, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Stearyl Alcohol, Silica, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Polysorbate 60, Glyceryl Caprylate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sorbitan Olivate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Methicone, Myristyl Alcohol, Adenosine, Sorbitan Isostearate, Lauryl Alcohol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Butylene Glycol, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Propylene Glycol, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Mangifera Indica Fruit Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Garcinia Mangostana Peel Extract, Chamaecyparis Obtusa Leaf Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum Seed Oil, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil, Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Citrus Paradisi Seed Oil, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Parfum
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%
UV Absorber
Homosalate 5%
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%
UV Absorber
Octocrylene 7.2%
UV Absorber
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Dimethicone
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingAnanas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Dicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientTocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingStearic Acid
Cleansing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Steareth-100
Gel FormingPhenylethyl Resorcinol
Antioxidant
PEG-32
HumectantPalmitic Acid
Emollient
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPropanediol
Solvent
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Papain
Skin ConditioningMyristic Acid
Cleansing
Disodium EDTA
Parfum
Masking
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane 3%, Homosalate 5%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5%, Octocrylene 7.2%, Water, Glycerin, Silica, Dimethicone, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Steareth-100, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, PEG-32, Palmitic Acid, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Propanediol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Papain, Myristic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Parfum, Ceramide AP
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Disodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlyceryl Stearate is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (typically sourced from plant oils like palm or coconut). It's an emulsifier, emollient, and mild occlusive.
Emulsifiers help ingredients like oil and water stay mixed so your formula stays nicely blended and uniform in texture.
This ingredient is typically used in concentrations between 1-10%. Studies have found it to be non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, and non-photoallergenic.
A close cousin of this ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate SE ("self-emulsifying"). This just has a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate added so it can emulsify without a co-emulsifier.
Since this ingredient is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast can potentially metabolize within the C11-C24 range.
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateParfum 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopherol 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 TocopherolWater. 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
