What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
AstringentTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolyethylene
AbrasiveButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningSilica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Ascorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantCamellia Japonica Seed Oil
EmollientArgania Spinosa Kernel Oil
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientOrbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientBenzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingEthylhexyl Palmitate
EmollientButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeDimethicone
EmollientMonascus Extract
Skin ConditioningTribehenin
EmollientLactic Acid
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingPyrus Malus Seed Oil
EmollientSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Nicotinate
SoothingWater
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Oil
MaskingCapsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningBHT
Antioxidant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Diisostearyl Malate, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyethylene, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Ozokerite, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Microcrystalline Wax, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, CI 77891, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Dimethicone, Monascus Extract, Tribehenin, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid, Pyrus Malus Seed Oil, Sorbitan Isostearate, CI 77492, Methyl Nicotinate, Water, Glycine Soja Oil, Butylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Oil, Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract, BHT, 1,2-Hexanediol, CI 15850, CI 45410, CI 42090, Parfum
Petrolatum
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPolyisobutene
Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientButylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
EmollientEclipta Prostrata Extract
Skin ConditioningBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
AntioxidantHoney Extract
HumectantMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningBixa Orellana Seed Oil
EmollientRoyal Jelly Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantMoringa Oleifera Seed Oil
EmollientPropolis Extract
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantSaccharomyces Ferment
Skin ConditioningHoney
HumectantPetrolatum, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Diisostearyl Malate, Polyisobutene, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Microcrystalline Wax, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycine Soja Oil, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Beeswax, Water, Butylene Glycol, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Honey Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Bixa Orellana Seed Oil, Royal Jelly Extract, Glycerin, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Propolis Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Tocopherol, Saccharomyces Ferment, Honey
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
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 a high-molecular weight synthetic polymer. It is used to modify the viscosity of a formula, improve slip, and create a more "cushiony" texture.
Due to its large molecular size, this ingredient is not absorbed into the skin.
This 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 ButterDiisostearyl 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.
This is a synthetic polymer used to thicken formulas, improve texture, and enhance spreadability.
Due to its large molecule size, this ingredient does not penetrate the skin and is considered well-tolerated.
Glycine Soja Oil is a plant-derived oil from soybean seeds. Like other oils, it is rich in essential fatty acids (mostly linoleic and oleic) that support skin hydration and barrier function.
The fatty acids are able to integrate into the lipid matrix of the stratum corneum to help soften skin and reduce water loss.
On top of that, soybean oil is rich in vitamins like vitamin E, a potent antioxidant.
Research on soybean's active components also point to anti-inflammatory, collagen-stimulating, antioxidant activity, and protection against UV-induced oxidative damage.
Most of this research applies to the broader soybean plant and not just the oil fraction alone.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe due to the oleic acid content.
Learn more about Glycine Soja OilHelianthus 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 OilHydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneMicrocrystalline 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.
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (long name, huh?) is a synthetic antioxidant.
It is used to help stabilize other antioxidants or prevent the color from changing in a product.
As an antioxidant, it helps fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Thus, antioxidants may reduce the signs of aging.
This ingredient is oil-soluble.
Learn more about Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl HydroxyhydrocinnamateThis is a plant-derived ester that functions as a skin conditioner. It's basically a two linoleic acid molecules combined with fatty alcohols.
In practice, it works as a rich emollient that helps reduce moisture loss and give skin a soft appearance.
The phytosterol part of this ingredient brings an added structural bonus: phytosterols are structurally similar to cholesterol so they can fit right into the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to help reinforce the skin barrier.
Due to its molecular structure, this ingredient delivers a cushiony and glossy feeling without being excessively greasy.
It did not produce skin irritation or sensitization in clinical studies, and this ingredient is deemed safe to use in cosmetics at current practices.
Because this ingredient contains C16, C18, and C22 fatty chains, it may not be Malassezia/fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast potentially feeds on fatty acids in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer DilinoleateSorbitan 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 due to the oleic acid. In vitro studies have shown that Oleic Acid is one of the fatty acids that induce rapid Malassezia growth in lab settings.
Learn more about Sorbitan SesquioleateWater. 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