What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientSorbeth-30 Tetraoleate
EmulsifyingIsododecane
EmollientSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveHippophae Rhamnoides Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Limon Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Grandis Peel Oil
MaskingCitrus Reticulata Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Tangerina Extract
TonicCalluna Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningGlutathione
Allantoin
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
ExfoliatingGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
MaskingSuccinic Acid
BufferingGlycolic Acid
BufferingGlycerin
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingMadecassoside
AntioxidantFerulic Acid
AntimicrobialLactic Acid
BufferingRutin
AntioxidantLimonene
PerfumingEthylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Isododecane, Synthetic Wax, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Pinus Sylvestris Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract, Citrus Tangerina Extract, Calluna Vulgaris Extract, Trihydroxystearin, Tocopherol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Water, Ascorbic Acid, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Glutathione, Allantoin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone, Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Panthenol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Madecassoside, Ferulic Acid, Lactic Acid, Rutin, Limonene
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientPEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPEG-10 Isostearate
EmulsifyingSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveOryza Sativa Bran Oil
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientSqualane
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingAllantoin
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialButylene Glycol
HumectantTocopherol
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Extract
AntiseborrhoeicBifida Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantLactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningLactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
BleachingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentLavandula Angustifolia Extract
Skin ConditioningRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialMonarda Didyma Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
MaskingJasminum Officinale Extract
MaskingProtease
ExfoliatingEthylhexyl Palmitate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Synthetic Wax, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Squalane, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water, Niacinamide, Allantoin, Panthenol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Bifida Ferment Filtrate, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Monarda Didyma Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Jasminum Officinale Extract, Protease
Reviews
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
Allantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene 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 GlycolEthylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolSynthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
It has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTocopherol 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