What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
AbrasiveCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCetyl Palmitate
EmollientSorbitan Palmitate
EmulsifyingBambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder
AbrasiveSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeSalix Alba Bark Extract
AstringentVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingMorus Alba Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingParfum
MaskingWater, Kaolin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Zinc Oxide, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Propanediol, Saccharide Isomerate, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Salix Alba Bark Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Parfum
Diglycerin
HumectantCalendula Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventCetearyl Olivate
Water
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingLactic Acid
BufferingLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningLeuconostoc Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialPhytic Acid
Saccharide Isomerate
HumectantKaolin
AbrasiveAlpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide
CleansingPassiflora Edulis Seed Oil
EmollientLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningChamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingBorago Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingMedicago Sativa Extract
TonicHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingDiglycerin, Calendula Officinalis Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice, Propanediol, Cetearyl Olivate, Water, Sorbitan Olivate, Lactic Acid, Lactobacillus Ferment, Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate, Phytic Acid, Saccharide Isomerate, Kaolin, Alpha-Glucan Oligosaccharide, Passiflora Edulis Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Borago Officinalis Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Medicago Sativa Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Citrate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Cetearyl 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
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Sorbitan Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may feed that yeast, so it may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl OlivateCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilKaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.
Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.
Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.
The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.
Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.
Learn more about KaolinPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolSaccharide Isomerate comes from sugars found in corn. It is a skin hydrator.
The structure of this ingredient can be altered to be more similar to the carbohydrates found in our skin. This ability to mimic our skin gives it hydrating properties.
Specifically, saccharide Isomerate is a humectant. Humectants draw moisture from the air to our skin.
Research shows Saccharide Isomerate to be an effective moisturizer.
Learn more about Saccharide IsomerateSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateSorbitan 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.
This ingredient is also known as part of Olivem 1000, with Cetearyl Olivate being the other part.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient helps preserve the natural microbiome of skin. Having a healthy microbiome helps keep our skin healthy and protects against harmful bacteria.
Please note, having a healthy microbiome is different from fungal acne; a healthy microbiome includes small amounts of yeast that normally live on your skin without causing problems.
Fungal acne happens when one type of yeast (Malassezia) grows out of control. This is usually because it's feeding on certain oils or fatty acids. Due to the olive oil base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan OlivateWater. 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