What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningLonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Perfuming
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlycerin
Humectant
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Sorbitan Palmitate
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pullulan
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyisobutene
Caprylyl Glucoside
CleansingPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Erythritol
Humectant
Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Masking
Water, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sorbitan Oleate, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Pullulan, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, Caprylyl Glucoside, Panthenol, Erythritol, Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil
Water
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone
Emollient
Myristyl Nicotinate
Skin ConditioningTrimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Extract
Emollient
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialNannochloropsis Oculata Extract
HumectantAcmella Oleracea Extract
Skin ProtectingOryza Sativa Germ Extract
EmollientAcetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Pentapeptide-76 Amide
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCeteareth-20
CleansingSorghum Bicolor Stalk Juice
Skin ConditioningSclareolide
Masking
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Polyisobutene
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Emulsion StabilisingHydrated Silica
Abrasive
Ethylhexyl Isononanoate
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Pullulan
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
CleansingSorbitan Laurate
Emulsifying
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
PEG-40 Stearate
Emulsifying
Parfum
Masking
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Limonene
Perfuming
Water, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Glycerin, Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone, Myristyl Nicotinate, Trimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Isononyl Isononanoate, Behenyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Adenosine, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Oryza Sativa Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Nannochloropsis Oculata Extract, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Oryza Sativa Germ Extract, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Glycine Soja Oil, Pentapeptide-76 Amide, Butylene Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Ceteareth-20, Sorghum Bicolor Stalk Juice, Sclareolide, Pentylene Glycol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Polyisobutene, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate, Hydrated Silica, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pullulan, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Beta-Glucan, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbitan Oleate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Sorbitan Laurate, Tocopherol, PEG-40 Stearate, Parfum, Aminomethyl Propanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Limonene
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (aka MCT Oil) is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping to prevent moisture loss.
Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. One perk of this ingredient is that it is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid.
In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Just patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
This ingredient is treated as the gold standard fungal acne safe oil. Even though it is coconut derived, the problematic lauric acid is stripped out.
This leaves just caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid. These chain lengths actually trend antifungal; a 2020 study found caprylic acid was enough to disrupt Malassezia furfur cell membrane, with a caprylic acid derivative damaging membrane structures at concentrations as low as 0.2%.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
A 2019 study has also observed Malassezia growth in the presence of this ingredient, confirming it to be not-fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCitric 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 (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinOryza Sativa Bran Extract comes from the outer layer of a rice kernel. It is a byproduct of milling rice, or the operation to produce a whole grain rice product.
This ingredient has moisturizing properties due to its components of polysaccharides and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains calcium, selenium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract contains numerous antioxidants such as ferulic acid. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa Bran ExtractPolyisobutene 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 PolyisobutenePotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePullulan is a low viscosity polysaccharide (a long chain carbohydrate) with binding and film forming properties when dissolved in water. It is used to create a "silicone-like" or silky feel in cosmetics without adding viscosity.
According to a manufacturer, this ingredient's ability to easily dissolves makes it a great carrier for active ingredients.
Due to it being edible and tasteless, you'll likely find this ingredient in breath freshener strips. This ingredient is produced from the starch of the fungus, Aureobasidium pullulans.
Pullulan is stable over a broad-range of pH.
Learn more about PullulanThis is a botanical extract from the rosemary plant (the same one you cook with). In skincare, it mostly works as a skin conditioning agent.
Its activity comes from a handful of polyphenols, carnosic acid, carnosol, and rosmarinic acid. Almost 90% of the antioxidant activity of this ingredient can be attributed to canosol and carnosic acid.
These compounds protect your skin two ways:
1) They fight off free radicals, or the unstable molecules from things like sun and pollution that age and damage skin.
2) They help calm inflammation by switching off the chemical signals that tell skin to get red and irritated.
Lab studies also suggest that rosmarinic acid may help protect collagen and slow sugar-related damage to it.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has concluded rosemary-derived ingredients to be safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing.
Rosemary can occasionally cause allergic contact dermatitis (due to carnosol), so be sure to patch test if you have reactive or fragrance-sensitive skin.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractThis 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 a PEG-free emulsifier made by esterifying sorbitol with oleic acid.
You'll likely see it paired with Polysorbate 80 to create the right emulsification balance.
Typical use levels in formulas range from 2-10%.
The CIR Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe as a cosmetic ingredient.
Since this ingredient is an ester of oleic acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. Oleic acid is a fatty acid that falls into the C11-24 range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Sorbitan OleateWater. 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
