What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPrunus Mume Flower Water
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientBetaine
HumectantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantNiacinamide
SmoothingGlycerin
HumectantPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialPropanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-3 Stearate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingCanola Oil
EmollientLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientZinc Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPolyisobutene
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Flower Water
MaskingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingButylene Glycol
HumectantDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningRosa Damascena Flower Water
MaskingCymbopogon Nardus Oil
MaskingSodium Phytate
Sorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
AbrasiveVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingHydrolyzed Corn Starch
HumectantBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningSucrose
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantGlutathione
Prunus Persica Flower Extract
MoisturisingWater, Prunus Mume Flower Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Betaine, Titanium Dioxide, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Panthenol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Canola Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Zinc Stearate, Polyisobutene, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Jasminum Officinale Flower Water, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Butylene Glycol, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Cymbopogon Nardus Oil, Sodium Phytate, Sorbitan Oleate, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Beta-Glucan, Sucrose, Tocopherol, Glutathione, Prunus Persica Flower Extract
Oryza Sativa Bran Water 70%
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantNiacinamide
SmoothingMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic Colorant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingWater
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningPolyisobutene
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthium Strumarium Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningMorinda Citrifolia Extract
AstringentGinkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Humifusa Stem Extract
AntioxidantAkebia Quinata Extract
Skin ConditioningHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Allantoin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Trideceth-6
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Water 70%, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Methyl Trimethicone, Isohexadecane, Titanium Dioxide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Water, Phenyl Trimethicone, Polyisobutene, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Xanthium Strumarium Fruit Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa Seed Extract, Opuntia Humifusa Stem Extract, Akebia Quinata Extract, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Oleate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Allantoin, Citric Acid, Adenosine, Aluminum Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Trideceth-6, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
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 GlycolCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is an alkyl glucoside. This just means it is creating by reacting alcohol and sugar. It is a cleansing and foaming ingredient.
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside helps remove the dirt, oil, and other pollutants from your skin.
Citric 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 AcidGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Polydecene is an emollient. It creates a non-occlusive film on the skin that offers extra protection for your skin barrier.
The texture of Hydrogenated Polydecene ranges from light and silky to rich.
Hydrogenated Polydecene is the end compound of controlled hydrogenation of Polydecene.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolydeceneNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamidePolyisobutene is a synthetic polymer made from isobutene.
It is a film-forming agent and helps bind ingredients together.
Polyisobutene is not absorbed by the skin.
Learn more about PolyisobuteneThis long ingredient is a copolymer of sodium acrylate and sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers.
It is used to help stabilize other ingredients and create a thicker gel-like texture.
Emulsifiers prevent oils and waters from separating.
Learn more about Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerSorbitan Oleate is created from compounds in oleic acid and sorbitol.
It is used to stabilize a product by preventing ingredients from separating. Emulsifiers help keep ingredients together, such as oils and water.
According to a manufacturer, the ingredient Sorbitan Monooleate shares an INCI name with this one.
Sorbitan Oleate may not be fungal acne safe. It can also worsen oily skin.
Learn more about Sorbitan OleateTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as āmineralā by regulatory agencies, the other being zinc oxide.
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum protection mostly in the UVB and UVAII range, with some protection in the UVAI range.
While its UVA protection isnāt as strong as zinc oxideās, the difference is minor.
A common myth is that mineral UV filters reflect UV light. However, modern research shows titanium dioxide absorbs UV radiation like chemical filters (~95% absorption & 5% reflection).
Thanks to its non-irritating nature, titanium dioxide is suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, or redness-prone skin. It is unlikely to cause "eye sting" like other sunscreen ingredients.
A major drawback of this ingredient is its white cast and thick texture. This is why mineral sunscreens often leave a white cast and are less cosmetically elegant than chemical/hybrid sunscreens.
To improve white cast and spreadability, micronized or nano-sized titanium dioxide is often used.
There are ongoing concerns surrounding nano-titanium oxide's impact on marine ecosystems.
There is no conclusive evidence that any form of titanium oxide (or any other sunscreen ingredients) will cause harm to marine ecosystems or coral reefs. The science is still developing but many consumers are keeping a close eye on this issue.
Please note, many destinations have reef-safety sunscreen rules. For instance, the U.S. Virgin Islands advises all visitors to use non-nano mineral sunscreens.
Nano mineral sunscreens once raised safety concerns about absorption into skin.
Extensive research has shown that they do not penetrate healthy or damaged skin; they remain safely on the surface and the top layer of dead skin (stratum corneum).
You'll likely find titanium dioxide bundled with alumina, silica, or dimethicone. These ingredients help make titanium dioxide highly photostable; this prevents it from interacting with other formula components under UV light.
Learn more about Titanium DioxideWater. 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