What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientMethyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientPolyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Parfum
MaskingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPanthenol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientTromethamine
BufferingStearic Acid
CleansingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCamellia Sinensis Seed Oil
HumectantWater, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Methyl Trimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Dimethiconol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Parfum, Glyceryl Stearate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tromethamine, Stearic Acid, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Seed Oil
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientMethylpropanediol
SolventBetaine
HumectantHydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin)
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
Emollient1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingDimethicone
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientDioscorea Japonica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningParfum
MaskingCalendula Officinalis Flower Oil
MaskingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlycosyl Trehalose
Emulsion StabilisingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantRaffinose
Skin ConditioningAdenosine
Skin ConditioningLecithin
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingBorago Officinalis Seed Oil
EmollientOenothera Biennis Oil
EmollientSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningDipropylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Palmitoyl Proline
Skin ConditioningFicus Carica Fruit Extract
HumectantCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingPseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingHydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Skin ConditioningAlchemilla Vulgaris Extract
AstringentBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin ConditioningCentaurea Cyanus Flower Water
Skin ConditioningHelichrysum Italicum Flower Water
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientMacadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningElaeis Guineensis Oil
EmollientBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSchizosaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantCollagen Extract
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventAlcohol
AntimicrobialAnastatica Hierochuntica Extract
AstringentTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantArgania Spinosa Kernel Extract
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningTromethamine
BufferingMaltodextrin
AbsorbentAcrylates Copolymer
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingHydroxydecyl Ubiquinone
AntioxidantTocopherol
AntioxidantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientLactic Acid
BufferingEpilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingLepidium Meyenii Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharide Hydrolysate
HumectantHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningAsparagus Officinalis Stem Extract
Skin ConditioningCetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingOryza Sativa Extract
AbsorbentMelissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPrimula Veris Extract
Skin ConditioningMalva Sylvestris Extract
AstringentAchillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingVeronica Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
CleansingRutin
AntioxidantRhododendron Ferrugineum Extract
MaskingLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialNymphaea Alba Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Alcohol
PerfumingAscorbic Acid Polypeptide
AntioxidantDipotassium Phosphate
BufferingHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingPlankton Extract
Skin ConditioningCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingAcetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin ConditioningCopper Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningVp/Polycarbamyl Polyglycol Ester
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantHydrolyzed Sesame Protein Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningCalcium Gluconate
HumectantPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeSaussurea Involucrata Extract
HumectantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
MaskingDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeArginine Ferulate
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Hexapeptide-12
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningDisodium Phosphate
BufferingAcetic Acid
BufferingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingPhaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract
EmollientRetinol
Skin ConditioningSodium Lactate
BufferingMagnesium PCA
HumectantLysine
Skin ConditioningLeucine
Skin ConditioningMethionine
Skin ConditioningValine
MaskingSerine
MaskingSucrose
HumectantCysteine
AntioxidantProline
Skin ConditioningHistidine
HumectantCalcium Chloride
AstringentTaurine
BufferingTryptophan
MaskingAsparagine
MaskingFormic Acid
Preservative1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Citrate
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Chloride
Citrulline
Skin ConditioningAmmonia
BufferingOrnithine
Skin ConditioningUric Acid
BufferingTyrosine
MaskingThreonine
Phenylalanine
MaskingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingAlanine
MaskingArginine
MaskingUrea
BufferingIsoleucine
Skin ConditioningMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningAspartic Acid
MaskingGlycine
BufferingGlucosamine Hcl
Glutamic Acid
HumectantGlutamine
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningBenzyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Methylpropanediol, Betaine, Hydrogenated Poly(C6-14 Olefin), Glycerin, Cyclohexasiloxane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Squalane, Dioscorea Japonica Root Extract, Parfum, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycosyl Trehalose, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Butylene Glycol, Raffinose, Adenosine, Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Oenothera Biennis Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyquaternium-51, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Ficus Carica Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Ceramide NP, Folic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water, Helichrysum Italicum Flower Water, Cholesterol, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Elaeis Guineensis Oil, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Schizosaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Collagen Extract, Propanediol, Alcohol, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Argania Spinosa Kernel Extract, Phytosphingosine, Tromethamine, Maltodextrin, Acrylates Copolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Hydroxydecyl Ubiquinone, Tocopherol, Caprylyl Glycol, Lactic Acid, Epilobium Angustifolium Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Sorbitan Laurate, Lepidium Meyenii Root Extract, Saccharide Hydrolysate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Asparagus Officinalis Stem Extract, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Oryza Sativa Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Primula Veris Extract, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Rutin, Rhododendron Ferrugineum Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Benzyl Alcohol, Ascorbic Acid Polypeptide, Dipotassium Phosphate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Plankton Extract, Carbomer, Acetyl Dipeptide-1 Cetyl Ester, Ceramide AP, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Copper Tripeptide-1, Vp/Polycarbamyl Polyglycol Ester, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Hydrolyzed Sesame Protein Pg-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Gluconolactone, Calcium Gluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Saussurea Involucrata Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Sodium Benzoate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Arginine Ferulate, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Acetyl Tripeptide-1, Disodium Phosphate, Acetic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Phaseolus Lunatus Seed Extract, Retinol, Sodium Lactate, Magnesium PCA, Lysine, Leucine, Methionine, Valine, Serine, Sucrose, Cysteine, Proline, Histidine, Calcium Chloride, Taurine, Tryptophan, Asparagine, Formic Acid, 1-Methylhydantoin-2-Imide, Magnesium Citrate, Magnesium Chloride, Citrulline, Ammonia, Ornithine, Uric Acid, Tyrosine, Threonine, Phenylalanine, Potassium Hydroxide, Alanine, Arginine, Urea, Isoleucine, Maris Sal, Aspartic Acid, Glycine, Glucosamine Hcl, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Ceramide EOP, Benzyl Benzoate
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.
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 preservatives
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCyclopentasiloxane, or D5, is a silicone used to improve texture of products and trap moisture.
D5 is considered lightweight and volatile. Volatile means it evaporates quickly after application. Once evaporated, D5 leaves a thin barrier that helps keep skin hydrated.
It is also an emollient. Emollients help soften the skin and prevent water loss. Silicones create a silky texture in products. D5 helps other ingredients become more spreadable.
Studies show D5 is safe to use in skincare products. We recommend speaking with a skincare professional if you have concerns.
Learn more about CyclopentasiloxaneDimethicone 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 DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinHydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin (a group of phospholipids). Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between hydrogen and another element.
This ingredient is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps soften skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Panthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolParfum 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 ParfumPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.
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 PropanediolTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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 Water