What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningKaolin
Abrasive
Glycerin
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Brassica Campestris Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Hypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
CI 77288
Cosmetic ColorantArachidyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ceteareth-20
CleansingSargassum Filipendula Extract
Skin ProtectingInulin
Skin Conditioning
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Sorbitol
Humectant
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
Perfuming
Carrageenan
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Arachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Yogurt
Skin ProtectingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
Buffering
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCharcoal Powder
Abrasive
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Santalum Album Extract
CleansingCucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract
AstringentPrunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium PCA
Humectant
Glucose
Humectant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Coffea Arabica Seed Extract
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract
Astringent
Passiflora Incarnata Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Grandis Fruit Extract
Astringent
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
Emollient
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Spirulina Maxima Extract
SmoothingVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Citrus Limon Peel Extract
EmollientMorinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentPunica Granatum Juice Extract
Skin ConditioningRose Extract
Skin ConditioningButter Extract
Emollient
Cananga Odorata Flower Extract
Perfuming
Garcinia Mangostana Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Chloride
MaskingSilybum Marianum Extract
Skin Conditioning
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Sodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Limonene
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Water, Kaolin, Glycerin, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, CI 77288, Arachidyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Sargassum Filipendula Extract, Inulin, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Sorbitol, Behenyl Alcohol, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Carrageenan, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Arachidyl Glucoside, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Xanthan Gum, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Yogurt, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Lactate, Tocopherol, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Charcoal Powder, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Santalum Album Extract, Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis Fruit Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract, Sodium PCA, Glucose, Lactic Acid, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Passiflora Incarnata Fruit Extract, Citrus Grandis Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Peel Extract, Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum Juice Extract, Rose Extract, Butter Extract, Cananga Odorata Flower Extract, Garcinia Mangostana Fruit Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Extract, Sodium Chloride, Silybum Marianum Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Limonene, Hydroxycitronellal
Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether
StabilisingPyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPullulan
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
EmollientCucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract
MaskingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Plankton Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
Antioxidant
Sea Salt
Abrasive
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Menthoxypropanediol
Masking
Stevioside
MaskingCarrageenan
Disodium EDTA
Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Lactate
Buffering
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
HumectantHydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Benzoate
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Potassium Laurate
EmulsifyingWater, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, PEG-240/Hdi Copolymer Bis-Decyltetradeceth-20 Ether, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Pullulan, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chrysanthemum Parthenium Extract, Algae Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Rosa Multiflora Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Plankton Extract, Tocopherol, Sea Salt, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Sodium PCA, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Divinyldimethicone/Dimethicone Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Menthoxypropanediol, Stevioside, Carrageenan, Disodium EDTA, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Potassium Laurate
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (tea extract) is one of the most well-researched plant extracts in skincare with an impressive resume.
Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Studies show green tea extract and its catechins (like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)) help your skin cells product energy more efficiently and reducing the number of free-radicals that can damage your skin from the inside.
In lab-grown skin models, this translated to younger, healthier, and stronger skin.
There's also good sun protection data; researchers saw less DNA damage and redness on human skin when green tea was applied before UVB exposure. And the more they applied, the better the protection.
Needless to say, this ingredient shouldn't replace your sunscreen. But it is a great supportive ingredient that you can already find in many sunscreens and antioxidant serums.
A 2009 study found a 2% green tea lotion was effective for mild-to-moderate acne thanks to its anti-inflammatory and mild antimicrobial activity.
The quality of the extract matters a lot here:
Good extracts contain 50-90% catechins while lower quality ones are mostly there for marketing. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have questions about the quality or source of their ingredients.
Human Repeated Insult Patch Testing showed no irritation or sensitization at use concentrations (0.86% in leave-on products and up to 30% as leaf water).
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractThis 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 TriglycerideCarrageenan comes from red seaweed or algae. It is made up of polysaccharides and a highly flexible compound. Red algae cell walls are rich in carrageenan.
In cosmetics, it helps to thicken the texture. Studies show carrageenan extracted from red algae possess antioxidant properties. Components found in carrageenan include: lipids, fatty acids, Vitamin E, proteins, and several amino acids.
Learn more about different types of algae.
Carrageenan is also commonly used in medicine and food. It is a vegan alternative to animal-based gelatin.
Learn more about CarrageenanCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract comes from the watermelon. Watermelon has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Watermelons are rich in antioxidants such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C and lycopene. It also contains sugars and amino acids, such as arginine and glutathione.
Lycopene is a potent antioxidant. Besides helping to protect your skin against free-radical molecules, it also helps soothe the skin. Lycopene gives watermelon the distinct red color.
Learn more about Citrullus Lanatus Fruit ExtractThis extract comes from cucumber. Cucumbers are mostly made up of water (95%), and the other 5% is composed of: vitamin C, caffeic acid, fatty acids, amino acids, and other minerals.
Cucumbers have anti-inflammatory, barrier repair, and hydrating properties.
They contain shikimate dehydrigenase, an enzyme shown to help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin.
The amino acids found in cucumbers help nourish our skin's natural acid mantle (it's an important part of our skin barrier). This slightly acidic film acts as a barrier to protect us from bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
Unless you have an allergy to cucumbers, this is generally a non-irritating ingredient.
Fun fact: Cucumis Sativus is native to South Asia and can now be found on every continent.
Learn more about Cucumis Sativus Fruit ExtractGlycerin (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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract yet.
Phenoxyethanol 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 SorbatePropanediol 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 PropanediolPyrus Malus Fruit Extract is extract from Apples. Apples are rich in Vitamin C, sugars, and antioxidants.
The sugar in Apples are humectants and help hydrate the skin. On top of that, apples also contain some acids, such as malic acid. These acids may have a mild exfoliating effect.
Last, the phytochemicals found in apples are strong antioxidants. These antioxidants help with anti-aging as they protect your skin cells against oxidative damage.
Learn more about Pyrus Malus Fruit ExtractSodium Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateSodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and sometimes used to adjust the pH of a product.
This ingredient is part of our skin's NMF, or natural moisturizing factor. Our NMF is essential for the hydration of our top skin layers and plasticity of skin. NMF also influences our skin's natural acid mantle and pH, which protects our skin from harmful bacteria.
High percentages of Sodium Lactate can have an exfoliating effect.
Fun fact: Sodium Lactate is produced from fermented sugar.
Learn more about Sodium LactateSodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCATocopherol 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 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. 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
