What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingCera Alba
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPolyhydroxystearic Acid
EmulsifyingEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
AstringentMica
Cosmetic ColorantOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningJojoba Esters
EmollientRosa Canina Seed Oil
EmollientSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Cera
EmollientOlea Europaea Fruit Oil
MaskingPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientVanillin
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTocopherol
AntioxidantAcacia Decurrens Flower Cera
EmollientPolyglycerin-3
HumectantSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantCI 16035
Cosmetic ColorantRicinus Communis Seed Oil, Cera Alba, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Mica, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Jojoba Esters, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Cera, Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Vanillin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Tocopherol, Acacia Decurrens Flower Cera, Polyglycerin-3, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, CI 15850, CI 73360, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 77891, CI 77742, CI 16035
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Wax
AbrasiveGlycerin
HumectantPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingStearalkonium Hectorite
Gel FormingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPyrus Malus Seed Oil
EmollientDiglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate
EmollientOctyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientCandida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment
AntimicrobialAroma
Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate
EmollientEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasivePropylene Carbonate
SolventVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
EmulsifyingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHyaluronic Acid
HumectantHydrogenated Castor Oil
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingWater
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantWithania Somnifera Root Extract
Skin ConditioningVanillin
MaskingBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Dimer Dilinoleate, Synthetic Wax, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Microcrystalline Wax, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Pyrus Malus Seed Oil, Diglyceryl Sebacate/Isopalmitate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment, Aroma, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Propylene Carbonate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Water, Butylene Glycol, Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Vanillin, Benzyl Benzoate, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 15850
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 ButterThis 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 TriglycerideCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCi 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850Ci 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77499 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It is created from mixing red and black iron oxides. This helps give shades of darkness to a product.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Helianthus 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 OilRicinus Communis Seed Oil is the INCI name for castor oil.
Castor Oil helps moisturize the skin. It is rich in a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid helps prevent moisture loss on the skin. This helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. Ricinoleic acid also has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties.
Besides hydrating the skin, castor oil is also used to hydrate hair. By keeping the hair shaft moisturized, breakage is decreased. More studies are needed to show castor oil's effective on stimulating hair growth.
Castor oil is created by cold-pressing castor seeds and then purifying the oil with heat. It was used in Ancient Egypt as fuel in lamps and to help treat eye irritation.
The term '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.
Learn more about Ricinus Communis Seed OilTocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTocopheryl 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 AcetateVanillin is the main compound of the vanilla bean. It is naturally occuring but can also be artificially created.
This ingredient exhibits antioxidant properties but is also a known skin-irritant.
Vanillism is the term of contact-dermatitis associated with the vanilla plant. The sap of the vanilla plant triggers skin irritation, swelling, and redness.
Learn more about Vanillin