What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingOctyldodecanol
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientCocos Nucifera Oil
MaskingCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingMeadowfoam Delta-Lactone
Skin ConditioningEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingParaffin
PerfumingJojoba Esters
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasivePrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningTribehenin
EmollientSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
MaskingCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningMonascus Extract
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingButylene Glycol
HumectantAlteromonas Ferment Filtrate
HumectantHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Octyldodecanol, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Microcrystalline Wax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Ceresin, Meadowfoam Delta-Lactone, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Ozokerite, Paraffin, Jojoba Esters, Polyethylene, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Trihydroxystearin, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Tocopherol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Ceramide NP, Monascus Extract, Water, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Alteromonas Ferment Filtrate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bacillus Ferment, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP
Diisostearyl Malate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingMeadowfoam Delta-Lactone
Skin ConditioningEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingParaffin
PerfumingJojoba Esters
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasivePrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeWater
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantButylene Glycol
HumectantTheobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Persica Fruit Extract
AbrasivePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDiisostearyl Malate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Microcrystalline Wax, Ceresin, Meadowfoam Delta-Lactone, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Ozokerite, Paraffin, Jojoba Esters, Polyethylene, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Trihydroxystearin, Parfum, Titanium Dioxide, Dehydroacetic Acid, Water, Tocopherol, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, CI 42090, Butylene Glycol, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Prunus Persica Fruit Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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 GlycolThis ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCeresin is a wax derived from ozokerite. It is an alternative to beeswax.
The most common process of creating ceresin is by using heat and sulfuric acid.
Dehydroacetic Acid is fungicide and bactericide. It is used as a preservative in cosmetics. Preservatives help elongate the shelf life of a product.
Dehydroacetic Acid is not soluble in water.
Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
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 OilJojoba Esters is a wax created from Jojoba oil. It is an emollient and film-forming ingredient. In bead form, it is an exfoliator.
This ingredient has high oxidative stability, meaning it doesn't break down when exposed to oxygen.
Its similarity to our skin's natural oils makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soften and soothe our skin by creating a barrier on top. This barrier helps trap moisture in, keeping skin hydrated.
It is created using either the hydrogenation or transesterification processes on jojoba oil.
Learn more about Jojoba EstersWe don't have a description for Meadowfoam Delta-Lactone yet.
Microcrystalline Wax is derived from petroleum through a de-oiling process, then highly refined and purified before use in cosmetics.
In skincare formulations, it is used to improve texture and create a smooth, even consistency. It also helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating.
Octyldodecanol is a fatty alcohol sourced from plant oils like coconut or palm (or made synthetically).
It is:
You'll likely see this in many BHA products because this is the go-to solvent for salicylic acid.
This ingredient is typically used at levels between 2-20%.
Regarding fungal acne:
In 2019, this ingredient was tested against multiple Malassezia species (the yeast that causes fungal acne) and showed no growth.
Ozokerite is a naturally occuring mineral wax. In cosmetics, ozokerite is used as a texture enhancer.
Ceresin wax is derived from this ingredient.
The melting point of ozokerite is 58-100 C.
Ozokerite is found all over the world including Scotland, the US, and India.
Learn more about OzokeriteParaffin is a solid created from petroleum. The term 'paraffin' can also refer to either
petroleum jelly or mineral oil.
It has natural occlusive properties which can worsen oily skin. Due to its petrolatum base, this ingredient is not fungal-acne safe.
Polyethylene is a synthetic ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It is a polymer.
It is also typically used within product formulations to help bind solid ingredients together and thicken oil-based ingredients. When added to balms and emulsions, it helps increase the melting point temperature.
This ingredient is a form of glycerin with emulsifying and emollient properties.
As an emulsifier, this ingredient helps keep products together while adding a thick texture. The manufacturer states this ingredient has emollient properties. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is created by reacting diglycerin and isostearic acid. Due to the isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateThis ingredient is also known as sweet almond oil. It is a lightweight, cold-pressed oil from the ripe seeds of the sweet almond tree.
Sweet almond oil is rich in skin-nourishing fatty acids such as oleic acid (55-86%) and linolenic acid (7-35%).
As an emollient, it softens and hydrates skin by forming a thin barrier that locks in moisture.
Clinical studies have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The CIR Expert Panel has evaluated the available safety data and concluded it is safe for topical use.
Because of the oleic acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis OilRicinus Communis Seed Oil is the INCI name for castor oil.
Castor Oil helps moisturize the skin. It is rich in a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid helps prevent moisture loss on the skin. This helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. Ricinoleic acid also has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties.
Besides hydrating the skin, castor oil is also used to hydrate hair. By keeping the hair shaft moisturized, breakage is decreased. More studies are needed to show castor oil's effective on stimulating hair growth.
Castor oil is created by cold-pressing castor seeds and then purifying the oil with heat. It was used in Ancient Egypt as fuel in lamps and to help treat eye irritation.
The term '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.
Learn more about Ricinus Communis Seed OilSorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.
Specifically, this ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier, meaning it helps water dissolve into oil.
Some studies suggest this ingredient may cause irritation in some people. If you are unsure, it is best to patch test.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Sorbitan SesquioleateTocopherol 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 TocopherolThis ingredient comes from Hydroxystearic Acid, a fatty acid, and glycerin. It is used to thicken oils.
Due to its fatty acid content, it is a natural emollient.
Creating trihydroxystearin involves using a chemical reaction between hydrogen and castor oil.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about TrihydroxystearinWater. 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 WaterEuphorbia Cerifera wax comes from a shrub in Northern Mexico. It is used to stabilize formulations and has emollient properties.
Emollients form a thin layer on top of skin to prevent water from evaporating, keeping skin and lips hydrated.
According to a manufacturer, this wax can range from a yellow/brown color to translucent.
Learn more about Euphorbia Cerifera Wax