What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientSqualane
EmollientPolymethyl Methacrylate
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingPEG-100 Stearate
Copernicia Cerifera Cera
EmollientPentaerythrityl Distearate
EmulsifyingPalmitic Acid
EmollientPolyacrylate-13
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPolyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate
Skin ConditioningPolyisobutene
Parfum
MaskingPropanediol
SolventGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientSodium Stearoyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Adenosine
Skin ConditioningPolysorbate 20
EmulsifyingSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingDextrin
AbsorbentTheobroma Cacao Extract
Skin ConditioningBeta-Glucan
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningHouttuynia Cordata Extract
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentPrunella Vulgaris Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningLonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningZanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTaraxacum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract
Skin ConditioningGanoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin ProtectingGlucose
HumectantMyristic Acid
CleansingArachidic Acid
CleansingTocopherol
AntioxidantSparassis Crispa Extract
Emulsion StabilisingWater, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Niacinamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Squalane, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, 1,2-Hexanediol, Stearic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Palmitic Acid, Polyacrylate-13, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Behenyl Alcohol, Caffeine, Cetearyl Glucoside, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Polyisobutene, Parfum, Propanediol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Isostearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao Extract, Beta-Glucan, Caprylyl Glycol, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Prunella Vulgaris Leaf Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum Extract, Glucose, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Tocopherol, Sparassis Crispa Extract
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientEthylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberButylene Glycol
HumectantCyclohexasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantPropylene Glycol
HumectantPolymethyl Methacrylate
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantDimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin ConditioningPhenyl Trimethicone
Skin ConditioningCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientSodium Chloride
MaskingTrimethylsiloxysilicate
EmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
EmollientTrihydroxystearin
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Magnesium Stearate
Cosmetic ColorantAluminum Hydroxide
EmollientStearic Acid
CleansingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Parfum
MaskingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin ConditioningHyaluronic Acid
HumectantDisodium EDTA
Caffeine
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
SmoothingDipropylene Glycol
HumectantBHT
AntioxidantGlycereth-26
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningAloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Laurate
EmulsifyingC12-14 Pareth-12
EmulsifyingPolyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingSodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate
Emulsion StabilisingC12-13 Pareth-9
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Butylene Glycol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Mica, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Sodium Chloride, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Trihydroxystearin, Phenoxyethanol, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Magnesium Stearate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Parfum, Caprylyl Methicone, Hyaluronic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Caffeine, Niacinamide, Dipropylene Glycol, BHT, Glycereth-26, 1,2-Hexanediol, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Sorbitan Laurate, C12-14 Pareth-12, Polyglyceryl-10 Diisostearate, Sodium Polynaphthalenesulfonate, C12-13 Pareth-9, Tocopherol, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, CI 77891, CI 77491, CI 77492
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 GlycolCaffeine is a naturally occurring plant compound found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, and guarana.
As an antioxidant, caffeine protects your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and envionrmnetal stressors.
Early research also shows that caffeine can help calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and support hair growth by stimulating microcirculation in the scalp.
You might have seen eye creams marketing caffeine as a depuffing ingredient. This is because it is a vasoconstrictor meaning it can temporarily constrict blood vessels, though clinical evidence for this specific use is still limited.
Most skincare products contain this ingredient at concentrations between 1-6%. It is able to penetrate skin easily regardless of skin type or thickness.
Just so you know, a very small number of case reports describe caffeine-induced allergy. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the majority of people.
Learn more about CaffeineCetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient ester. It comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to skin without being greasy or oily. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.
Cyclohexasiloxane is a type of silicone more commonly known as D6. It is an emollient and solvent.
Cyclohexasiloxane is used to evenly distribute ingredients throughout the product. When applied to the skin, Cyclohexasiloxane evaporates and leaves behind a silky feel.
As an emollient, it can help the skin feel soft and hydrated. It is also used to reduce frizz in hair products.
Learn more about CyclohexasiloxaneCyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxaneThis ingredient is a silicone elastomer that works as a texture enhancer, adds a silky slip, and also helps absorb excess oil.
Because it's a large macromolecule that's insoluble in water and chemically inert, it's not expected to penetrate or be absorbed into skin.
Human patch tests with a facial lotion containing 1% of this ingredient found no sensitization.
Learn more about Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone CrosspolymerDisodium EDTA is a chelating agent. It grabs onto and deactivates metal ions that sneak into your products from water, packaging, or air.
This ingredient mainly works behind the scenes and helps with:
On top of that, this ingredient can counteract the effects of hard water by binding to the minerals in it.
One thing worth knowing is that Disodium EDTA has been shown to be a mild penetration enhancer. It can help other ingredients absorb into skin more effectively which can be a double-edged sword (great for actives, but can also make the active too strong if you have sensitive skin).
Clinical patch testing showed no significant skin irritation at typical use concentrations and minimal dermal absorption.
You'll most likely see this ingredient near the end of an ingredient list. It's typically found in concentrations less than 1%.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin (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 GlycerinNiacinamide is a multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, reduces pores and dark spots, regulates oil, and improves signs of aging.
And the best part? It's gentle and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin.
You might have heard of "niacin flush", or the reddening of skin that causes itchiness. Niacinamide has not been found to cause this.
In very rare cases, some individuals may not be able to tolerate niacinamide at all or experience an allergic reaction to it.
If you are experiencing flaking, irritation, and dryness with this ingredient, be sure to double check all your products as this ingredient can be found in all categories of skincare.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
When you apply niacinamide to your skin, your body converts it into nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). NAD is an essential coenzyme that is already found in your cells as "fuel" and powers countless biological processes.
In your skin, NAD helps repair cell damage, produce new healthy cells, support collagen production, strengthen the skin barrier, and fight environmental stressors (like UV and pollution).
Our natural NAD levels start to decline with age, leading to slower skin repair, visible aging, and a weaker skin barrier. By providing your skin niacinamide, you're recharging your skin's NAD levels. This leads to stronger, healthier, and younger looking skin.
Another name for vitamin B3 is nicotinamide. This vitamin is water-soluble and our bodies don't store it. We obtain Vitamin B3 from either food or skincare. Meat, fish, wheat, yeast, and leafy greens contain vitamin B3.
The type of niacinamide used in skincare is synthetically created.
Learn more about NiacinamideParfum 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 ParfumThis ingredient is also known as PMMA. It is a polymer microsphere, composed of tiny, perfectly spherical particles formed from repeating units.
In cosmetics, PMMA is mainly used to give a soft or blurring effect. The transparent particles are able to scatter light and help reduce the appearance of fine-lines and imperfections.
PMMA is also able to enhance the texture of products by add a smooth feel.
Learn more about Polymethyl MethacrylateStearic Acid is a fatty acid that is already found in your skin. It's one of the free fatty acids that works alongside ceramides and cholesterols to maintain your barrier.
In cosmetics, it is a multitasker:
Safety-wise, the CIR Expert Panel has concluded it to be safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.
Free stearic acid is a C18 fatty acid that the Malassezia yeast can substrate, so this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTocopherol 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 Water