What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
C13-15 Alkane
SolventPEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Emollient
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientPolysorbate 85
Emulsifying
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Ribes Nigrum Fruit Extract
Astringent
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract
AstringentMalpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Powder
Antioxidant
Trihydroxystearin
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Zea Mays Germ Oil
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, C13-15 Alkane, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Synthetic Wax, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Polysorbate 85, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Ribes Nigrum Fruit Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Powder, Trihydroxystearin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Zea Mays Germ Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Water, Butylene Glycol
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
Emollient
PEG-10 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Onsen-Sui
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Parfum
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantAspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningAngelica Archangelica Root Extract
Masking
Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningMalpighia Glabra Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPolydiethyleneglycol Adipate/Ipdi Copolymer
Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Biota Orientalis Leaf Extract
HumectantPropanediol
Solvent
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningDextrin
AbsorbentGardenia Florida Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Vine Extract
Skin ConditioningResveratrol
Antioxidant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Oenothera Biennis Oil
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningScutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Astringent
Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Citric Acid
Buffering
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialAnthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
Masking
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Althaea Rosea Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Zea Mays Oil
Emulsifying
Beta-Carotene
Skin ConditioningAcrylates/Methoxy PEG-15 Methacrylate Copolymer
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
Masking
Panax Ginseng Berry Extract
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Squalane
Emollient
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Royal Jelly Extract
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, PEG-10 Isostearate, Synthetic Wax, Onsen-Sui, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Water, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Angelica Archangelica Root Extract, Malpighia Emarginata Fruit Extract, Malpighia Glabra Fruit Extract, Polydiethyleneglycol Adipate/Ipdi Copolymer, Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Biota Orientalis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Flower Extract, Dextrin, Gardenia Florida Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Root Extract, Vitis Vinifera Vine Extract, Resveratrol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Glycerin, Centella Asiatica Extract, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Citric Acid, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Zea Mays Oil, Beta-Carotene, Acrylates/Methoxy PEG-15 Methacrylate Copolymer, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Squalane, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Tocopherol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives
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 TriglycerideHelianthus 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 OilLithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract comes from the roots of the Lithospermumerythrorhizon plant, or the purple gromwell plant.
Studies show this root extract has anti-inflammatory properties and protects against oxidative stress. It also displayed UV absorption capability and protection against UV-B damage. However, it should not replace your sunscreen.
The dried roots of this plant are used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine due to its antiviral properties.
Learn more about Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root ExtractThis ingredient is also known as acerola or barbados cherry. It is rich in antioxidants and polysaccharides, giving it skin protecting and hydrating properties.
PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate is a synthetic, oil-loving helper ingredient that does two jobs:
This ingredient is made by joining three building blocks: PEG, Isostearic Acid and glycerin. The PEG gives it the oil-and-water blending power.
This ingredient has been found safe for use in cosmetics and broader PEG family testing shows minimal irritation/sensitization. The molecule's large size also means it isn't expected to penetrate skin to any meaningful degree.
Fungal acne note: This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe due to isostearic acid (C18). Isostearic acid falls into the C11-24 range that Malassezia can feed on.
Learn more about PEG-20 Glyceryl TriisostearateSynthetic Wax is a manufactured hydrocarbon wax. In formulas, it works as an occlusive emollient that helps reduce water loss and improves the spreadability of products.
Research comparing synthetic wax to traditional mineral-derived products found that formulas containing it perform as well for skin hydration.
It is considered non-comedogenic and vegan-friendly.
This ingredient has a well-established safety record by the CIR Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety.
Synthetic Waxes are straight/branched-chain hydrocarbons with no ester bond or fatty acids. That means there is nothing for the Malassezia yeast to feed on.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTocopheryl 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
