What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantBuddleja Davidii Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycereth-26
HumectantImperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativePentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantHippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningPotassium PCA
HumectantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePEG-8
HumectantCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPropanediol
SolventGlutathione
Parfum
MaskingNiacinamide
SmoothingDimethicone
EmollientDimethiconol
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningOpuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Polyacrylate
AbsorbentEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningSodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-Crosspolymer
Polysorbate 80
EmulsifyingThymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract
MaskingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantIsohexadecane
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDisodium EDTA
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Glycereth-26, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sorbitan Oleate, Potassium Sorbate, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Water, Potassium PCA, Phenoxyethanol, PEG-8, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propanediol, Glutathione, Parfum, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Adenosine, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Stem Extract, Sodium Polyacrylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, PEG-Crosspolymer, Polysorbate 80, Thymus Vulgaris Flower/Leaf Extract, Titanium Dioxide, Isohexadecane, Carbomer, Maltodextrin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Disodium EDTA, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Dipropylene Glycol
Cyclopentasiloxane
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningZinc Oxide
Cosmetic ColorantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
PEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningIsodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveMica
Cosmetic ColorantGlycerin
HumectantDisteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantCyclomethicone
EmollientMagnesium Sulfate
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientAluminum Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantPolymethyl Methacrylate
Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Methicone
EmollientStearoyl Inulin
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingParfum
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPropanediol
SolventMicrocrystalline Cellulose
AbsorbentDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Centella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPortulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin ConditioningCellulose Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Unshiu Peel Extract
MaskingOpuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningOrchid Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Japonica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeCyclopentasiloxane, Water, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Silica, Mica, Glycerin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Dipropylene Glycol, Cyclomethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Aluminum Stearate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Methicone, Stearoyl Inulin, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Propanediol, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone, CI 77492, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Centella Asiatica Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Cellulose Gum, CI 77491, Butylene Glycol, CI 77499, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Opuntia Coccinellifera Fruit Extract, Orchid Extract, Camellia Japonica Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
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 GlycolCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
What it does:
Dimethicone comes in different viscosities:
Depending on the viscosity, dimethicone has different properties.
Ingredients lists don't always show which type is used, so we recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the viscosity.
This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation because it does not get absorbed into skin. However, people with silicone allergies should be careful about using this ingredient.
Note: Dimethicone may contribute to pilling. This is because it is not oil or water soluble, so pilling may occur when layered with products. When mixed with heavy oils in a formula, the outcome is also quite greasy.
Learn more about DimethiconeThis ingredient is a silicone used to improve the texture of products and absorb oil. It does not get absorbed into the skin.
Like other silicones, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer helps condition the skin by creating a barrier. In this sense, it can act as an emollient and trap moisture in.
This ingredient is a type of elastomer.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created humectant, stabilizer, and solvent.
This ingredient helps:
Dipropylene glycol is technically an alcohol, but it belongs to the glycol family (often considered part of the ‘good’ alcohols). This means it is hydrating and gentle on skin unlike drying solvent alcohols like denatured alcohol.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Potassium 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 SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolTitanium dioxide is a mineral UV filter widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics.
It is one of only two UV filters officially classified as “mineral” 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 isn’t as strong as zinc oxide’s, 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 DioxideTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicone used to bind and stabilize ingredients.
As an emulsifier, it helps prevent ingredients from separating. This can help elongate the shelf life of products.
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is often used to coat mineral sunscreens ingredients to help give a better feel. It also helps reduce oxidative stress in sunscreens.
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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