What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Petrolatum
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientJojoba Esters
EmollientBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Mentha Piperita Oil
MaskingMentha Viridis Leaf Oil
AstringentPetrolatum, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Jojoba Esters, Beeswax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Mentha Piperita Oil, Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPetrolatum
EmollientEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Beeswax
Emulsion StabilisingBrassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningTribehenin
EmollientPropylparaben
PreservativeSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingPalmitoyl Oligopeptide
CleansingParfum
MaskingMica
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantIron Oxides
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Petrolatum, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Beeswax, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Glycine Soja Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Ceramide NP, Tribehenin, Propylparaben, Sorbitan Isostearate, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Parfum, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Beeswax is natural wax produced by honey bees to build their honeycomb.
Because it forms a protective layer on your skin, it can help lock in moisture and reduce water loss. It is also widely used as a thickener and emulsifier in lip balms and lotions. Research suggests beeswax containing moisturizers can support skin barrier integrity.
In comedogenic testing, Beeswax scored a 0-2, which is on the low end. Whether or not a product clogs your pores really comes down to the formula as a whole (not any single ingredient on its own).
Cera Alba is the white, bleached form of this ingredient.
Just so you know, beeswax is not vegan since it is animal-derived. It cannot be removed with water, but can be taken off with an oil cleanser.
People with a known Propolis allergy also report to have reactions from beeswax.
Beeswax's wax esters are derived primarily from palmitic and oleic acid (C16 and C18:1). Both of these fall within the C11-C24 feeding window.
The Malassezia yeast can potentially cleave these esters and release usable fatty acids, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. However, not everyone will react to this ingredient.
Learn more about BeeswaxThis ingredient is a high-molecular weight synthetic polymer. It is used to modify the viscosity of a formula, improve slip, and create a more "cushiony" texture.
Due to its large molecular size, this ingredient is not absorbed into the skin.
This is a synthetic polymer used to thicken formulas, improve texture, and enhance spreadability.
Due to its large molecule size, this ingredient does not penetrate the skin and is considered well-tolerated.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneThis ingredient is also known as olive oil. It has been used in skincare for centuries and science largely backs up its reputation as a nourishing emollient.
The main components of olive oil are oleic acid (55-83%), linoleic acid (3.5-20%), and palmitic acid (7-20%). Oleic acid promotes skin regeneration and helps regulate inflammatory responses.
Squalene is also naturally present in olive oil and exhibits moisturizing and antioxidant properties.
The polyphenols in olive oil also show anti-aging promise; one clinical study found a measurable improvement in skin appearance after 30 days of topical serum use.
Just be aware that applying olive oil directly to skin can weaken the barrier and cause redness. One study with volunteers found even people without sensitive skin experienced a significant reduction in stratum corneum integrity and induced mild erythema.
It's best to use this ingredient as part of a carefully crafted formula (instead of putting it on skin directly from the bottle).
Because it has a 2-3 on the comedogenic scale, it is a moderate risk for acne-prone skin. However, the overall formulation of a product matters more than a few ingredients with comedogenic ratings.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because of the oleic and palmitic acid content. These fall within the C11-24 fatty acid range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize to grow.
Overall, olive oil is a well-studied and nourishing skincare ingredient.
Learn more about Olea Europaea Fruit OilPetrolatum is more commonly known as petroleum jelly. It is created by mixing waxes and mineral oils.
This ingredient is effective at reducing water loss by 99%. This is because it is an occlusive. Occlusives create a hydrophobic barrier on the skin to prevent evaporation. This property makes it great for hydrating dry skin.
Pro tip: Use occlusives, such as this ingredient, on damp skin for the best results.
The quality or origin of petrolatum is only known when disclosed by the brand. Most cosmetic petrolatum has gone through several purification stages.
Another benefit of occlusives is it protects your skin against infection or allergies.
Petrolatum is fungal acne safe. It is a hydrocarbon with no fatty acid structure, so Malassezia cannot metabolize it. In-vitro studies support negligible growth stimulation as well.
It's also worth noting that petrolatum has a comedogenic rating of 0. In updated rabbit ear testing (and in human testing), petrolatum was found to be not comedogenic. This means it didn’t promote comedone formation in standard models.
Learn more about PetrolatumTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl Acetate