What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Squalane
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Mel
EmollientAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Cellulose
Absorbent
Arachidyl Alcohol
Emollient
Royal Jelly
Fructose
Humectant
C10-18 Triglycerides
Emollient
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Stearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingBehenyl Alcohol
Emollient
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
EmollientAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
Abrasive
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Zingiber Zerumbet Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Propylene Carbonate
SolventSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Sodium Citrate
BufferingParfum
Masking
Aesculus Hippocastanum Extract
Antioxidant
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Malva Sylvestris Extract
AstringentSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialBiosaccharide Gum-2
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Tin Oxide
Abrasive
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Caramel
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Propanediol, Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Mel, Alcohol, Cellulose, Arachidyl Alcohol, Royal Jelly, Fructose, C10-18 Triglycerides, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Sodium Polyacrylate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Behenyl Alcohol, CI 77891, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Arachidyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Zingiber Zerumbet Extract, Chlorphenesin, Propylene Carbonate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Citrate, Parfum, Aesculus Hippocastanum Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Biosaccharide Gum-2, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Tin Oxide, Potassium Sorbate, Caramel, Sodium Hydroxide
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Swertia Chirata Extract
HumectantNarcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract
Astringent
Laminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract
Antioxidant
Inonotus Obliquus Extract
Skin ConditioningCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
Humectant
Hypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingAsparagopsis Armata Extract
Skin ProtectingAlgae Extract
EmollientPorphyridium Cruentum Extract
Skin ConditioningAscophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningLaminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Skin Conditioning
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Euphrasia Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Gelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
Artemia Extract
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientTrehalose
Humectant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Acetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Lauryl PCA
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Whey Protein
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Antioxidant
Gold
Cosmetic ColorantHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningDecarboxy Carnosine Hcl
Skin ConditioningPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientPearl Powder
Ergothioneine
Antioxidant
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Glucose
Humectant
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingFaex Extract
Skin ConditioningSucrose
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Cellulose
Absorbent
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Alumina
Abrasive
Nylon-12
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentSilica
Abrasive
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Lecithin
Emollient
Magnesium Sulfate
BHT
Antioxidant
Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride
Antioxidant
Sodium Sulfite
Preservative
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Polysilicone-11, Swertia Chirata Extract, Narcissus Tazetta Bulb Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Cordyceps Sinensis Extract, Inonotus Obliquus Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Algae Extract, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Euphrasia Officinalis Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Artemia Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Isononyl Isononanoate, Trehalose, Sorbitol, Acetyl Glucosamine, Caprylyl Glycol, Caffeine, Lauryl PCA, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Whey Protein, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Gold, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Decarboxy Carnosine Hcl, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Pearl Powder, Ergothioneine, Linoleic Acid, Glucose, Glycine Soja Protein, Faex Extract, Sucrose, Citric Acid, Hexylene Glycol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cellulose, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Alumina, Nylon-12, Cyclodextrin, Silica, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Lecithin, Magnesium Sulfate, BHT, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Metabisulfite, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Mica, CI 77891, CI 77491
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCaprylic/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 TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCellulose is the main component of plant cell walls. It is used as an emulsifier, absorbent, and texture enhancer.
This ingredient has many functions:
Fun fact: Cellulose is the most abundant form of organic polymer on Earth.
Learn more about CelluloseCi 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Citric 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 GlycerinPotassium 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 SorbateSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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
