What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingPCA Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningTriethylhexanoin
MaskingSqualane
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
C14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPalmitic Acid
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Centella Asiatica Extract
CleansingMelia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Olivate
Stearic Acid
CleansingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethiconol
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTromethamine
Buffering1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPhytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantGlucose
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantWater, Dipropylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Methyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Niacinamide, PCA Dimethicone, Triethylhexanoin, Squalane, PEG-100 Stearate, C14-22 Alcohols, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Palmitic Acid, Ceramide NP, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Centella Asiatica Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Cetearyl Olivate, Stearic Acid, Sorbitan Olivate, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethiconol, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phytosteryl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Glucose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantBiosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientCaprylyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientSucrose Polystearate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPoncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningBis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Olive Oil
Skin ConditioningStearyl Alcohol
EmollientC14-22 Alcohols
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-100 Stearate
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
EmollientPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningDipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningPhellinus Linteus Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingParfum
MaskingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Cetearyl Olivate
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientC12-20 Alkyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningChrysanthellum Indicum Extract
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningVelvet Extract
HumectantMica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPoria Cocos Sclerotium Extract
AstringentLycium Chinense Fruit Extract
AntioxidantRehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantAngelica Gigas Extract
Skin ConditioningCornus Officinalis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTrichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract
Skin ProtectingGardenia Florida Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAtractylodes Japonica Rhizome Extract
Skin ConditioningLedebouriella Divaricata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnolia Officinalis Bark Extract
AntimicrobialCyperus Rotundus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCnidium Officinale Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCuscuta Australis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Tenuissima Root Extract
Skin ConditioningForsythia Suspensa Fruit Extract
AntioxidantViscum Album Extract
Skin ConditioningDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningOphiopogon Japonicus Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSesamum Indicum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningOyster Shell Extract
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Skin ProtectingGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Acutiloba Root Extract
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
PerfumingZiziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPlantago Asiatica Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningNelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract
AntimicrobialBrassica Campestris Extract
Skin ConditioningPlatycodon Grandiflorus Root Extract
AntioxidantPolygonum Multiflorum Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Gigas Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAllium Tuberosum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantEucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract
AntioxidantPolygala Tenuifolia Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTribulus Terrestris Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningAchyranthes Bidentata Root Extract
Skin ConditioningEpimedium Koreanum Extract
AntimicrobialCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingEucommia Ulmoides Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTrisodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
HumectantGold
Cosmetic ColorantPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Biosaccharide Gum-1, 1,2-Hexanediol, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Caprylyl Trimethicone, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sucrose Polystearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceramide NP, Poncirus Trifoliata Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Dimethicone, Methyl Trimethicone, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Stearyl Alcohol, C14-22 Alcohols, PEG-100 Stearate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Parfum, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Cetearyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Sorbitan Olivate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Chrysanthellum Indicum Extract, Olea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Velvet Extract, Mica, CI 77891, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Angelica Gigas Extract, Cornus Officinalis Fruit Extract, Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root Extract, Gardenia Florida Flower Extract, Atractylodes Japonica Rhizome Extract, Ledebouriella Divaricata Root Extract, Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract, Cyperus Rotundus Root Extract, Cnidium Officinale Root Extract, Cuscuta Australis Seed Extract, Angelica Tenuissima Root Extract, Forsythia Suspensa Fruit Extract, Viscum Album Extract, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Extract, Oyster Shell Extract, Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Extract, Angelica Acutiloba Root Extract, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Plantago Asiatica Seed Extract, Nelumbo Nucifera Seed Extract, Brassica Campestris Extract, Platycodon Grandiflorus Root Extract, Polygonum Multiflorum Root Extract, Angelica Gigas Root Extract, Allium Tuberosum Seed Extract, CI 77491, Eucommia Ulmoides Bark Extract, Polygala Tenuifolia Root Extract, Tribulus Terrestris Fruit Extract, Achyranthes Bidentata Root Extract, Epimedium Koreanum Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Eucommia Ulmoides Leaf Extract, Trisodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Gold, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract
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
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.
AAVC is able to increase the consistency and viscosity of products due to its large molecule size. It also prevents ingredients from separating.
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 GlycolWe don't have a description for C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside yet.
C14-22 Alcohols is made up of synthetic fatty alcohols. More specifically, these fatty alcohols contain 14 to 22 carbons in the alkyl chain.
Its main purpose is to stabilize products. As an emulsifier, it helps prevent waters and oils from separating.
This ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCeramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCetearyl Olivate is an emulsifier and texture enhancer. It is derived from the fatty acids of olive oil and Cetearyl alcohol, and is biodegradable.
As an emulsifier, it is used to prevent oils and waters from separating. It can also
Manufacturers use the name Olivem 1000. This ingredient has been found to preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria. This ingredient is grouped with Sorbitan Olivate under the name Olivem 1000.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateMethyl Trimethicone is a type of silicone. It is a solvent and emulsifier.
Solvents are used to keep ingredients together in a product. They can help dissolve ingredients to stable bases or help evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product.
Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. It does this by preventing certain ingredients from separating.
Methyl Trimethicone does not get absorbed into the skin.
Learn more about Methyl TrimethiconePeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Sorbitan Olivate is created from the fatty acids in olive oil and sorbitol.
This ingredient is an oil in water emulsifier. It helps stabilize a product by preventing oils and waters from separating. Sorbitan Olivate also helps hydrate the skin.
Manufacturers sell sorbitan olivate under the name OliveM 1000. OliveM 1000 a multifunctional ingredient. It is self-emulsifying. According to a manufacturer, OliveM 1000 does not disrupt natural skin biome.
Due to its olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateSqualane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but it’s technically not; it’s a hydrocarbon, meaning it’s only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term “oil-free” isn’t regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. It’s worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneWater. 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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water