What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientMeadowfoam Delta-Lactone
Skin ConditioningGamma-Docosalactone
Skin ConditioningPolyquaternium-64
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientSqualane
EmollientGlucosyl Ceramide
Skin ConditioningPlatinum
AntimicrobialPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Honey Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Silk
HumectantHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantHydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
EmollientSoluble Collagen
HumectantLysine Lauroyl Glutamate
CleansingMalic Acid
BufferingCystine
MaskingGlutamic Acid
HumectantLeucine
Skin ConditioningArginine
MaskingSerine
MaskingThreonine
Proline
Skin ConditioningGlycine
BufferingValine
MaskingAlanine
MaskingPhenylalanine
MaskingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningLysine
Skin ConditioningLysine Hcl
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantMethionine
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientTryptophan
MaskingHydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate
Sodium Hyaluronate
HumectantAbies Alba Seed Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium PCA
HumectantPCA
HumectantBetaine
HumectantPolyglyceryl-10 Oleate
Skin ConditioningSodium Bicarbonate
AbrasiveSodium Citrate
BufferingButylene Glycol
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Meadowfoam Delta-Lactone, Gamma-Docosalactone, Polyquaternium-64, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Squalane, Glucosyl Ceramide, Platinum, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Honey Protein, Hydrolyzed Silk, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin Protein, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Soluble Collagen, Lysine Lauroyl Glutamate, Malic Acid, Cystine, Glutamic Acid, Leucine, Arginine, Serine, Threonine, Proline, Glycine, Valine, Alanine, Phenylalanine, Isoleucine, Lysine, Lysine Hcl, Histidine, Methionine, Lecithin, Tryptophan, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Abies Alba Seed Extract, Tocopherol, Sodium PCA, PCA, Betaine, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Citrate, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Water, Parfum
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientHoney
HumectantRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningHoney Extract
HumectantPropolis Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Honey Protein
Skin ConditioningGluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningKeratin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Keratin
HumectantGamma-Docosalactone
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningMeadowfoam Delta-Lactone
Skin ConditioningCoco-Glucoside
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBisabolol
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantWater
Skin ConditioningPPG-4-Ceteth-20
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeParfum
MaskingCyclopentasiloxane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone, Honey, Royal Jelly Extract, Honey Extract, Propolis Extract, Hydrolyzed Honey Protein, Gluconobacter/Honey Ferment Filtrate, Keratin, Hydrolyzed Keratin, Gamma-Docosalactone, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ceramide Ng, Meadowfoam Delta-Lactone, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bisabolol, Butylene Glycol, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, PPG-4-Ceteth-20, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
You may know this ingredient as argan oil. It has emollient and skin conditioning properties that help soften skin and reinforce the lipid barrier.
The fatty acid profile of argan oil is roughly 45-55% oleic acid, 28-36% linoleic acid, 10-15% palmitic acid, and 5-7% stearic acid. It also contains vitamin E, sterols, squalene, and polyphenols like ferulic acid.
Two clinical studies in postmenopausal women found that applying argan oil for 60 days significantly improved skin elasticity and moisturization (reduced transepidermal water loss and increased epidermal water content).
Since it is high in oleic and linoleic acid, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Both of these fall in the C11-C24 range that Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Argania Spinosa Kernel OilButylene 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 TriglycerideCyclopentasiloxane (D5) is a lightweight silicone that mostly acts as an emollient and solvent in cosmetics. Its the reason your products feel silky, fast-spreading, and non-greasy.
Since D5 is volatile, it does its thing and then evaporates off the skin quickly.
The safety profile of this ingredient is reassuring; the US CIR Expert Panel concluded D5 is safe as used in cosmetics and Health Canada concluded that D5 is not harmful to human health or the environment as currently used in cosmetics
There's a study that people mention about D5 in a rat study showing tumors. This study is related to long-term inhalation of high D5 levels.
Regulatory bodies have judged this study to be not applicable in topical skincare since skin absorption of D5 is very low and we're not really inhaling huge amounts of D5.
The only restriction for this ingredient is environmental. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) restricted D5 in wash-off cosmetics at or above 0.1% due to their persistence in water.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeWe don't have a description for Gamma-Docosalactone yet.
Glycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinWe don't have a description for Hydrolyzed Honey Protein yet.
Hydrolyzed Keratin is derived from keratin. Keratin is a large protein that is naturally found in our hair and skin.
Studies show keratin is able to seal broken hair cuticles, helping to prevent split ends and breakage.
As a humectant, hydrolyzed keratin helps draw moisture from the air to your hair and skin. This helps keep your skin and hair hydrated.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed KeratinWe don't have a description for Meadowfoam Delta-Lactone yet.
This oil comes from the outer layer (bran) of rice grains. It is packed with skin-friendly fatty acids to soften and condition the skin while supporting your moisture barrier.
What makes it stand out from other plant oils is its naturally high concentration of gamma-oryzanol, a potent antioxidant. This antioxidant has shown some UV-absorptive properties in research.
Other antioxidants found in this oil include tocopherols, tocotrienols, and ferulic acid.
According to manufacturers, this oil has a lightweight texture that absorbs nicely.
The CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in cosmetics and it has not shown to be a skin sensitizer in testing (unless you have a known rice allergy).
Due to the fatty acids (primarily Oleic Acid ~40%, Linoleic Acid ~30%, and some Palmitic Acid), this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
In vitro studies have shown that Oleic Acid is one of the fatty acids that induce rapid Malassezia growth in lab settings.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa Bran OilParfum 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.
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 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