What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningUndecane
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Tridecane
Perfuming
C10-18 Triglycerides
Emollient
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Octyldodecyl Myristate
EmollientImperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningCyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Ceteareth-20
CleansingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Nylon-12
PEG-75 Stearate
Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Bisabolol
Antioxidant
Hea/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Skin Conditioning
Dimethyl Isosorbide
SolventMaltodextrin
Absorbent
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Beta-Glucan
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Tetrahydropiperine
Skin ConditioningTriticum Vulgare Germ Oil
Emollient
Isomalt
HumectantLecithin
Emollient
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingDextran
Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin Protecting
Decyl Glucoside
Cleansing
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Ceteareth-25
CleansingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSucrose Dilaurate
Emollient
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Sodium Citrate
BufferingCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Iris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Silica
Abrasive
Thioctic Acid
Antioxidant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
Skin Conditioning
Creatine
Skin ConditioningSqualane
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Cleansing
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Cholesterol
Emollient
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Pisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningBehenic Acid
Cleansing
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCitric Acid
Buffering
Oryza Sativa Extract
Absorbent
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin Conditioning
Ethyl Ferulate
Antioxidant
Polyglyceryl-5 Trioleate
Emollient
Tetrapeptide-21
Skin Conditioning
Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride
Antioxidant
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract
Skin ConditioningPhospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide Eos
Skin Conditioning
Lupinus Albus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Caprooyl Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Caprooyl Sphingosine
Skin ConditioningGeranylgeranylisopropanol
Skin ConditioningLactic Acid
Buffering
Baicalin
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Rumex Occidentalis Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Biotin
AntiseborrhoeicHesperidin Methyl Chalcone
Antioxidant
Zinc PCA
Humectant
Steareth-20
CleansingAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Disodium Uridine Phosphate
Skin ConditioningAhnfeltia Concinna Extract
Skin ConditioningChlorella Vulgaris/Lupinus Albus Protein Ferment
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingNasturtium Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
AntiseborrhoeicPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Superoxide Dismutase
Antioxidant
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Antimicrobial
Dipeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Dextran Sulfate
Gel Forming
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingAcetyl Octapeptide-3
Humectant
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8
Skin Conditioning
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Preservative
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Linalool
Perfuming
Benzyl Salicylate
Perfuming
Citronellol
Perfuming
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Undecane, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Tridecane, C10-18 Triglycerides, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Nylon-12, PEG-75 Stearate, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Bisabolol, Hea/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Maltodextrin, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Sodium Carbomer, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Beta-Glucan, Disodium EDTA, Polysorbate 80, Tetrahydropiperine, Triticum Vulgare Germ Oil, Isomalt, Lecithin, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Dextran, Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3, Decyl Glucoside, Adenosine, Ceteareth-25, Carbomer, Sucrose Dilaurate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sodium Citrate, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Silica, Thioctic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Creatine, Squalane, Propanediol, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Ceramide NP, Cholesterol, Ceramide AP, Tocopherol, Phytosphingosine, Pisum Sativum Extract, Behenic Acid, Ubiquinone, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Citric Acid, Oryza Sativa Extract, Polysorbate 20, Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract, Ceramide Ns, Ethyl Ferulate, Polyglyceryl-5 Trioleate, Tetrapeptide-21, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Sodium Lactate, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Phospholipids, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide Eos, Lupinus Albus Seed Extract, Alcohol Denat., Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Geranylgeranylisopropanol, Lactic Acid, Baicalin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinol, Rumex Occidentalis Extract, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein, Niacinamide, Biotin, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Zinc PCA, Steareth-20, Ascorbic Acid, Disodium Uridine Phosphate, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris/Lupinus Albus Protein Ferment, Glycine Soja Protein, Nasturtium Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Superoxide Dismutase, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Dipeptide-2, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Hexylene Glycol, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzoic Acid, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, CI 77891, CI 77491
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Glycerin
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Cetearyl Glucoside
Emulsifying
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Sorbitan Palmitate
Emulsifying
Sorbitan Oleate
Emulsifying
Diheptyl Succinate
EmollientCapryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
Skin ConditioningPseudozyma Epicola/Nitrosomonas Europaea/Oil Ferment Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
Masking
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Enterococcus Faecium/Saururus Chinensis Extract Ferment Filtrate
EmollientAspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningParfum
Masking
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetyl Palmitate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Sorbitan Oleate, Diheptyl Succinate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Pseudozyma Epicola/Nitrosomonas Europaea/Oil Ferment Filtrate, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Enterococcus Faecium/Saururus Chinensis Extract Ferment Filtrate, Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Parfum
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 a lightweight 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. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. 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. Be sure to 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.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol. Fatty Alcohols are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Its main roles are:
Though it has "alcohol" in the name, it is not related to denatured alcohol or ethyl alcohol.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
Learn more about Cetyl AlcoholEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (or glycerol) is a compound naturally found in your skin. It's a powerhouse humectant that pulls water into the stratum corneum.
Topically, glycerin does several things at once:
Your skin makes glycerin on its own (mostly from sebaceous oil breakdown) and shuttles it to your outermost layer of skin, or your epidermis, via aquaporin-3.
Aquaporin-3 is a transporter that is essential for normal skin hydration, elasticity, and repair. Interestingly, mice lacking in AQP3 have dry and less elastic skin that can be fully corrected with glycerin.
This ingredient is non-irritating, plays well with almost every ingredient, and works across all skin types. Typical use is anywhere between 3-10% but can go up to 79% in some leave-on products.
Just know very high concentrations (>40%) can feel tacky in low humidity.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract is an extract of the roots of Licorice. It has been found to have several benefits such as skin hydrating, conditioning, and soothing.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Learn more about Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root ExtractHelianthus 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 OilParfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or '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 by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopheryl 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 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
