What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCandelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
EmulsifyingJojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters
Skin ConditioningBrassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer
Skin ConditioningSilica
AbrasiveGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Emulsion StabilisingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters
Skin ConditioningSodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingMica
Cosmetic ColorantHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningSqualene
EmollientCaprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
EmollientXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Phytate
Phytosteryl Macadamiate
Skin ConditioningPersea Gratissima Fruit Extract
EmollientCrithmum Maritimum Extract
Skin ConditioningPhytosterols
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantSodium Citrate
BufferingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Persea Gratissima Oil, Propanediol, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters, Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer, Silica, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Behenyl Alcohol, Caffeine, Moringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Mica, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Squalene, Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Phytate, Phytosteryl Macadamiate, Persea Gratissima Fruit Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Phytosterols, Tocopherol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Sodium Citrate, CI 77891, CI 77491
Water
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingMyristyl Nicotinate
Skin ConditioningC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Propanediol
SolventMyristyl Myristate
EmollientIsocetyl Stearate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningEthylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingStearyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientBis-Stearyl Dimethicone
EmollientBacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
HumectantOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningCoffea Arabica Seed Extract
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientAesculus Hippocastanum Extract
AntioxidantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingDunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantBisabolol
MaskingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientLecithin
EmollientPanthenol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningFructose
HumectantTocopherol
AntioxidantGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 80
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningAcrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolysilicone-11
Isohexadecane
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Pantolactone
HumectantPolymethyl Methacrylate
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Resveratrol
AntioxidantSorbitan Oleate
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPoloxamer 338
EmulsifyingAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingSilica
AbrasiveMica
Cosmetic ColorantTin Oxide
AbrasivePhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCitric Acid
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Myristyl Nicotinate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Propanediol, Myristyl Myristate, Isocetyl Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Ethylene/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Stearyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone, Bacillus/Sea Salt Ferment Filtrate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Bisabolol, Adenosine, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Lecithin, Panthenol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Fructose, Tocopherol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Behenyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 80, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Polysilicone-11, Isohexadecane, Disodium EDTA, Pantolactone, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Resveratrol, Sorbitan Oleate, Xanthan Gum, Poloxamer 338, Aminomethyl Propanol, Silica, Mica, Tin Oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, CI 77891
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
Behenyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol (these are different from the drying, solvent alcohols).
Fatty Alcohols have hydrating properties and are most often used as an emollient or to thicken a product. They are usually derived from natural fats and oils; behenyl alcohol is derived from the fats of vegetable oils.
Emollients help keep your skin soft and hydrated by creating a film that traps moisture in.
In 2000, Behenyl Alcohol was approved by the US as medicine to reduce the duration of cold sores.
Learn more about Behenyl AlcoholCaffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.
While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.
Learn more about CaffeineThis 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 TriglycerideCi 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 77891Citric 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 AcidGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPropanediol 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 PropanediolSilica, also known as silicon dioxide, is a naturally occurring mineral. It is used as a fine, spherical, and porous powder in cosmetics.
Though it has exfoliant properties, the function of silica varies depending on the product.
The unique structure of silica enhances the spreadability and adds smoothness, making it a great texture enhancer.
It is also used as an active carrier, emulsifier, and mattifier due to its ability to absorb excess oil.
In some products, tiny microneedles called spicules are made from silica or hydrolyzed sponge. When you rub them in, they lightly polish away dead skin layers and enhance the penetration of active ingredients.
Learn more about SilicaTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolWater. 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