What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Dimethicone
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Glycerin
Humectant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Emollient
Sodium Chloride
Masking
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
Buffering
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
CI 14720
Cosmetic ColorantCI 18965
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Glycerin, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum, CI 14720, CI 18965
Water
Skin ConditioningAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Isononyl Isononanoate
EmollientCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Plankton Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Hydroxide
BufferingDimethicone
Emollient
Sodium Citrate
BufferingPPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Ethylhexyl Cocoate
Emollient
Sodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Phytate
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Water, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Plankton Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Hydroxide, Dimethicone, Sodium Citrate, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Xanthan Gum, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Sodium Polyacrylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Phytate, Polysorbate 20, Alcohol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is a stable form of Vitamin C. It is created by combining glucose from starch.
When applied to skin, Ascorbyl Glucoside turns into Ascorbic Acid.
Ascorbyl Glucoside is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals, or molecules that may damage skin cells.
It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
Read more about other types of Vitamin C:
Learn more about Ascorbyl GlucosideThis ingredient is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidDimethicone 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 DimethiconePhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
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 PropanediolWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan Gum
