What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Paraffinum Liquidum
EmollientEthylhexyl Stearate
EmollientCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingPEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingPolyethylene
AbrasiveC13-15 Alkane
SolventOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingPEG-10 Isostearate
EmulsifyingTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Oil
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientEthyl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantSodium PCA
HumectantCitric Acid
BufferingLactic Acid
BufferingTartaric Acid
BufferingGlycolic Acid
BufferingMalic Acid
BufferingParaffinum Liquidum, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Polyethylene, C13-15 Alkane, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, PEG-10 Isostearate, Trihydroxystearin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Water, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ethyl Macadamiate, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Sodium PCA, Citric Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Glycolic Acid, Malic Acid
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Helianthus 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 OilPEG-10 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.
It is an emollient, emulsifier, and gentle cleanser. As an emollient, it helps trap moisture to keep skin soft and hydrated. Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating.
This ingredient is common in oil-based products. This is because it helps oil-ingredients be easily washed away without leaving a residue.
Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about PEG-20 Glyceryl TriisostearateTocopherol 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 Tocopherol