What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Cyclotetrasiloxane
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Isododecane
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Hexyl Laurate
Emollient
Cyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Ozokerite
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin Conditioning
Petrolatum
Emollient
Sodium Chloride
MaskingCaprylyl Methicone
Skin Conditioning
Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
Emulsifying
Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Polysilicone-11
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Disodium EDTA
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Squalane
Emollient
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Sea Water
HumectantPunica Granatum Seed Oil
Emollient
Persea Gratissima Oil
Skin Conditioning
Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil
Emollient
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Mangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin Conditioning
Coffea Arabica Seed Extract
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
Masking
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Masking
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil
Emollient
Arbutin
Antioxidant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water
Masking
Lactobacillus
Skin ConditioningIllite
Abrasive
Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice
Skin Conditioning
Perfluorohexane
SolventHibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCaviar Extract
Skin ConditioningSnail Secretion Filtrate
Skin Conditioning
Olea Europaea Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cholesteryl Chloride
Skin ConditioningCholesteryl Isostearate
EmollientCholesteryl Nonanoate
EmollientAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Arnica Montana Flower Extract
Masking
Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract
AstringentAnanas Sativus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningActinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract
EmollientPueraria Lobata Root Extract
HumectantPerfluorodecalin
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycine Soja Sprout Extract
EmollientDiospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Skin Protecting
Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract
Masking
Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningPentafluoropropane
MaskingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Achillea Millefolium Extract
CleansingSteareth-20
CleansingMarrubium Vulgare Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Gentiana Lutea Root Extract
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Absinthium Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Veronica Officinalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPrimula Veris Extract
Skin ConditioningMentha Piperita Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMelissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningMalva Sylvestris Extract
AstringentHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Colloidal Oatmeal
Absorbent
Hydrolyzed Silk
Humectant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Algae Extract
EmollientAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
N-Hydroxysuccinimide
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Thiamine Hcl
MaskingRiboflavin
Cosmetic ColorantRetinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Pantothenic Acid
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Oligopeptide
Cleansing
Niacin
SmoothingFolic Acid
Skin ConditioningChrysin
Skin ConditioningCarnitine Hcl
HumectantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicAscorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Antimicrobial
CI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantMica
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclotetrasiloxane, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hexyl Laurate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Ozokerite, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Petrolatum, Sodium Chloride, Caprylyl Methicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-11, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Olivate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Propylene Glycol, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Ubiquinone, Squalane, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Sea Water, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Orbignya Oleifera Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Coffea Arabica Seed Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Citrus Grandis Peel Oil, Caffeine, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Arbutin, Adenosine, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Lactobacillus, Illite, Betula Platyphylla Japonica Juice, Perfluorohexane, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Caviar Extract, Snail Secretion Filtrate, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chrysanthemum Indicum Flower Extract, Cholesteryl Chloride, Cholesteryl Isostearate, Cholesteryl Nonanoate, Alcohol, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Perfluorodecalin, Morus Alba Fruit Extract, Magnolia Kobus Bark Extract, Glycine Soja Sprout Extract, Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract, Cinnamomum Cassia Bark Extract, Artemisia Princeps Leaf Extract, Pentafluoropropane, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Steareth-20, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Gentiana Lutea Root Extract, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Primula Veris Extract, Mentha Piperita Leaf Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Malva Sylvestris Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Colloidal Oatmeal, Hydrolyzed Silk, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Algae Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Tocopherol, Thiamine Hcl, Riboflavin, Retinyl Palmitate, Pantothenic Acid, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Niacin, Folic Acid, Chrysin, Carnitine Hcl, Biotin, Ascorbic Acid, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, CI 77891, Mica
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Rosa Centifolia Flower Water
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
Solvent
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Squalene
Emollient
Tetrapeptide-17
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-10
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-19
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide
Cleansing
Tripeptide-10 Citrulline
Skin Conditioning
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3
Skin Protecting
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Humectant
Acetyl Hexapeptide-30
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Pentapeptide-18
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Skin Conditioning
Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Hexapeptide-20
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Arginine
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Retinyl Palmitate
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
Humectant
Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine
Skin ConditioningHydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingIsopropyl Myristate
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Gluconolactone
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLecithin
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDextran
Triethanolamine
BufferingPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Diazolidinyl Urea
Preservative
Methylparaben
Preservative
Propylparaben
Preservative
Isobutylparaben
Antimicrobial
Ethylparaben
Preservative
Butylparaben
Masking
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
CI 17200
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Propanediol, Alcohol Denat., Squalene, Tetrapeptide-17, Palmitoyl Dipeptide-10, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-19, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, Tripeptide-1, Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-30, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-20, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Isopropyl Myristate, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Gluconolactone, Xanthan Gum, Lecithin, Carbomer, Dextran, Triethanolamine, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, CI 17200
Alternatives
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
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 GlycolCaprylyl 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 GlycolGlycerin (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 GlycerinPalmitoyl Oligopeptide is a form of peptide. It is created by blending peptides with palmitic acid. Peptides are building blocks for protein.
Due to the palmitic acid base, it may not be malassezia folliculitis safe.
This ingredients tells our body to create more collagen. Collagen is a protein that makes connective tissue. Boosting collagen production leads to a healthier skin barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier means having firm and hydrated skin.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl OligopeptidePalmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (formerly Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3) is a lab-made peptide with anti-inflammatory and skin-repairing benefits. It's made up of four amino acids (glycine, glutamine, proline, and arginine) and palmitic acid (which helps it penetrate skin more effectively).
This ingredient helps reduce inflammation by limiting the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a chemical that triggers inflammatory responses, particularly after UV exposure.
Less inflammation = slower collagen breakdown and a longer-lasting, youthful appearance.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 also stimulates collagen production and supports a healthier skin barrier.
Over time, this can improve skin firmness, hydration, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Itβs commonly paired with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex for enhanced anti-aging effects.
This ingredient has been shown to be effective and safe in cosmetic use and you'll typically find it in small amounts (less than 0.01%).
Due to its palmitic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7Phenoxyethanol 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 SorbatePropylene Glycol is a synthetic, colorless, odorless liquid that has been a staple in cosmetics for decades. It is a skin conditioning agent, humectant, and solvent.
As a humectant, it draw water to the skin to reduce flaking and restore suppleness. It's also a solvent that helps dissolve other actives and keeps formulas stable across temperature changes.
The CIR Expert Panel has confirmed this ingredient to be nontoxic and clinical studies show no sensitization at cosmetic use concentrations.
True allergic reactions are quite rare: a 15-year retrospective study of 6,751 patients found only 0.31% had a positive reaction (and less than half were considered clinically relevant).
It seemed that when sensitization does occur, it's most commonly linked to topical medication (like corticosteroids) and not cosmetics. Allergic contact dermatitis also appears largely limited to individuals with underlying skin conditions.
Overall, propylene glycol is a well-studied ingredient that most people can tolerate without issue.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolRetinyl palmitate is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the superstar class of anti-aging ingredients that include tretinoin and retinol.
This particular ingredient has had a bumpy year with its rise and fall in popularity.
First, Retinyl palmitate is created from palmitic acid and retinol. It is a retinol ester and considered one of the weaker forms of retinoid.
This is because all retinoids have to be converted to Tretinoin, AKA retinoic acid. Retinyl Palmitate is pretty far down the line and has to go through multiple conversions before its effects are seen.
Due to this long and ineffective conversion line, the benefits of Retinyl Palmitate are debated.
Studies show Retinyl Palmitate to help:
Dermatologists say this ingredient is ineffective because it isn't used in high enough concentrations in cosmetics.
This ingredient used to be found in sunscreens to boost the efficacy of sunscreen filters.
The downfall of Retinyl Palmitate was due to released reports about the ingredient being correlated to sun damage and skin tumors.
While there is a study showing this ingredient to cause DNA damage when exposed to UV-A, there is no concrete proof of it being linked to skin cancer. It is safe to use when used correctly.
All retinoids increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun in the first few months of usage. Be especially careful with reapplying sunscreen when using any form of retinoid.
Currently, this ingredient is still allowed in cosmetics all over the world. In Canada, cosmetics must have a warning label stating the product to contain Retinyl Palmitate
Fun fact: This ingredient is often added to low-fat milk to increase the levels of Vitamin A.
Learn more about Retinyl PalmitateSodium 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 BenzoateWater. 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
