What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin Conditioning
Euphorbia Cerifera Cera
Astringent
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Polyethylene
Abrasive
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Silica Dimethyl Silylate
EmollientOzokerite
Emulsion StabilisingCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingEthylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
Emollient
Sorbitan Sesquioleate
Emulsifying
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Humectant
Camellia Japonica Seed Oil
Emollient
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl P-Cresol
UV AbsorberCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Dimethicone
Emollient
Monascus Extract
Skin ConditioningTribehenin
Emollient
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Pyrus Malus Seed Oil
Emollient
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
CI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantMethyl Nicotinate
SoothingWater
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Oil
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Zingiber Officinale Root Oil
Masking
Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
BHT
Antioxidant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
CI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 42090
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
Masking
Polyglyceryl-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
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Polybutene
Microcrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingSynthetic Beeswax
Emulsion Stabilising
Synthetic Wax
Abrasive
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
Emulsifying
Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientGlyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate
Emollient
Triethyl Citrate
Masking
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Tribehenin
Emollient
Stevioside
MaskingEthylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Sorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Synthetic Fluorphlogopite
Disteardimonium Hectorite
StabilisingO-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Diisostearyl Malate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polybutene, Microcrystalline Wax, Synthetic Beeswax, Synthetic Wax, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Triethyl Citrate, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Theobroma Grandiflorum Seed Butter, Lactic Acid, Tribehenin, Stevioside, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Isostearate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Disteardimonium Hectorite, O-Cymen-5-Ol
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, also known as octyl palmitate, is created from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid.
In cosmetics, it plays many roles:
One thing worth noting: a controlled study found this ingredient applied under occlusion to acne-prone subjects increased microcomedones. Just keep in mind this was under occlusive conditions and don't reflect how most products are used day-to-day.
For most people, this is a well-tolerated and lightweight ingredient.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because it is a fatty acid ester.
Learn more about Ethylhexyl PalmitateThis ingredient is a synthetic ingredient with emollient and skin conditioner used to make skincare products feel more lightweight on the skin. It helps improve slip and spreadability without feeling greasy.
Because it is high molecular weight and lipophilic (oil loving), it remains on the surface of skin.
Hydrogenated 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 PolyisobuteneLactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective.
Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the âglueâ that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin.
Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they donât penetrate as deeply. This means theyâre less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin.
Like glycolic acid, it can:
Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate.
Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skinâs microbiome.
To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4.
Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time.
Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations.
When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the productâs pH.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidMicrocrystalline 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.
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil is from the seed of the Babassu palm plant. This plant is native to Brazil.
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil contains many fatty acids with the most being lauric acid.
Like other plant oils, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil is hydrating and can help soften skin.
It is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off damage from free-radical molecules.
One study found this oil might contain anti-inflammatory properties, but more research is needed.
Learn more about Orbignya Oleifera Seed OilPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is also known as pal-GHK. It is made up of 3 amino acids and palmitic acid, a fatty acid that helps it absorb into skin more easily.
This peptide is as a signal peptide, meaning it tells the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is the key protein that helps form the skin's structure and keep it plump, firm, and hydrated.
By boosting collagen production, this ingredient supports a stronger skin barrier and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
You'll most likely see this ingredient paired with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex. While results from in-house testing should be viewed cautiously, this peptide duo is among the most studied and widely used in modern skincare.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1This 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 TriisostearateSorbitan Isostearate is an emulsifer. It is created from isostearic acid and sorbitol.
As an emulsifier, it keeps the water and oil ingredients from separating. This keeps formulas stable and smooth.
In a 24 hour occlusive patch test on 56 subjects, 10% sorbitan isostearate was completely non-irritating. Most formulas use less than 10%.
Because it's a fatty acid ester, it may not be fungal acne safe since the Malassezia yeast can utilize it as a nutrient source.
Learn more about Sorbitan IsostearateTocopheryl 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 AcetateTribehenin comes from glycerin and behenic acid.
It is used as an emollient, or moisturizer. Emollients form a thin barrier on skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Tribehenin
