What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningLauryl Laurate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCarnitine
CleansingPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingLactic Acid
BufferingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCetearyl Olivate
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantHydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Potassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSantalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil
MaskingTeprenone
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingHydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract
Skin ProtectingPolyglyceryl-4 Caprate
EmulsifyingVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hydroxide
BufferingOrmenis Multicaulis Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingDextran
Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin ProtectingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Lauryl Laurate, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Carnitine, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Lactic Acid, Alcohol Denat., Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl Olivate, Mica, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Olivate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Gluconate, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Santalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil, Teprenone, Tocopherol, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Hydrolyzed Myrtus Communis Leaf Extract, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Dextran, Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
HumectantSqualane
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientRosa Canina Seed Oil
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSantalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil
MaskingDisodium Phosphate
BufferingPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningUbiquinone
AntioxidantSodium Phosphate
BufferingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingAdenine
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCarnitine
CleansingPaeonia Albiflora Root Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tributyl Citrate
MaskingAlcohol Denat.
AntimicrobialAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSh-Oligopeptide-1
Skin ConditioningDextran
Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin ProtectingPhenyl T-Butylnitrone
AntioxidantThioctic Acid
AntioxidantWater, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Squalane, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Cetyl Alcohol, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Sodium Gluconate, Xanthan Gum, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Santalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil, Disodium Phosphate, Phospholipids, Ubiquinone, Sodium Phosphate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Adenine, Caprylyl Glycol, Carnitine, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Alcohol Denat., Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sh-Oligopeptide-1, Dextran, Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3, Phenyl T-Butylnitrone, Thioctic Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying - mostly due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue, constricting pores and leaving your skin dried out.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is if this alcohol is near the end of an ingredients list, it will probably not affect your skin much.
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.This ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is an effective skin hydrator and emollient.
Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.
Shea butter is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may harm the body. It is also full of fatty acids including stearic acid and linoleic acid. These acids help replenish the skin and keep skin moisturized.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
Shea butter may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCaprooyl Tetrapeptide-3 is a peptide.
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 TriglycerideThis ingredient is also known as Levocarnitine or L-Carnitine. It is an amino acid derivative naturally found in our bodies.
Biologically, carnitine plays a key role in cellular energy production. It transports fatty acids into the mitochondria (say it with me, "the powerhouse of the cell") where they are converted into cellular fuel.
In skincare, this process helps regulate sebum production. One study found topical L-carnitine can help reduce excess oil and improve skin oil balance. This makes it a great addition for oily or acne-prone skin.
Besides oil control, carnitine supports healthy skin metabolism by boosting lipid breakdown. Research has shown it can improve skin’s resilience against aging and external stressors like UV exposure.
There are no downsides to using this ingredient and it is a great multifunctional ingredient for both sebum regulation and anti-aging care.
Learn more about CarnitineCetearyl 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 AlcoholCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil is oil from the peel of an orange fruit.
Limonene and linalool make up the majority of oils from citrus peels. Limonene has a "citrus" fragrance. Citrus peels also contain flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Citrus peel is also a rich source of flavonoids. Flavonoids are natural antioxidants and help protect your skin against damage. Flavonoids are a group of compounds naturally found in vegetables and fruits.
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 Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel OilDextran is a sugar (polysaccharide) with skin hydrating properties.
Fun fact: Louis Pasteur first discovered this ingredient as a microbial product in wine.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinLavandula Angustifolia Oil is more commonly known as lavender essential oil. It is considered a fragrancing ingredient.
Lavender imparts a famous scent. While the smell is lovely, this ingredient and may sensitize skin in topical products. This is because about 85% of the oil is made up of linalool and linalyl acetate.
When exposed to air, these two compounds become strong allergens. This ingredient exhibits cytotoxicity at low concentrations; amounts of 0.25% have been shown to damage skin cells.
A study from Japan found this ingredient caused lavender sensitivity after widespread exposure.
Lavender essential oil has some antimicrobial, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the cons of this ingredient may outweight the pros.
More research is needed to confirm lavender essential oil's effects when used in aromatherapy.
Lavandula Angustifolia is known as the English Lavender and famous for creating purple fields in Provence, France.
Learn more about Lavandula Angustifolia OilPhenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 60 is used to help stabilize products. It is a surfactant and emulsifier. These properties help keep ingredients together in a product. Surfactants help reduce surface tension between ingredients with different states, such as liquids and solids. Emulsifiers help prevent oils and waters from separating.
Polysorbate 60 is sorbitol-based and created from the ethoxylation of sorbitan. Ethoxylation is a chemical reaction used to add ethylene oxide. Sorbitan is a the dehydrated version of sorbitol, a sugar found in fruits.
In this case, the 60 comes from reacting 60 units of ethylene oxide with sorbitan.
Polysorbates are commonly used in medicine and foods.
Learn more about Polysorbate 60Santalum Austrocaledonicum Wood Oil is a fragrance and is an oil.
This is the synthetic salt of gluconic acid, a form of PHA and mild exfoliant.
It is mainly used to stabilize oil and butter formulations from going bad. Sodium gluconate is a humectant, pH regulator, and chelating agent.
Chelating agents help neutralize unwanted metals from affecting the formulation.
Sodium gluconate is water-soluble.
Learn more about Sodium GluconateSqualane 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum