What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientEthylhexyl Isononanoate
EmollientHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientCaprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
Stearyl Behenate
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Humectant
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Skin Conditioning
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Polyethylene
Abrasive
PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Phenyl Methicone
Emollient
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Skin Conditioning
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Masking
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Polyquaternium-51
Skin Conditioning
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Emollient
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPEG-150 Distearate
Emulsifying
Ceramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Glycosphingolipids
EmollientGlyceryl Polymethacrylate
Meadowfoam Estolide
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Isostearate
Emulsifying
Squalane
Emollient
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Steareth-20
CleansingN-Hydroxysuccinimide
Skin ConditioningChrysin
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Aleuritic Acid
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningGlycoproteins
Skin Conditioning
Betaine
Humectant
Hydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning
Colloidal Oatmeal
Absorbent
Retinyl Retinoate
Skin Conditioning
Polylactic Acid
Abrasive
Canola Oil
Emollient
Cholesteryl Nonanoate
EmollientAscorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water
MaskingCurcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Antimicrobial
Eruca Sativa Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate
Emulsifying
Ceteareth-20
CleansingHydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea
Emollient
Glycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil
Antioxidant
Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin Conditioning
Santalum Album Oil
Masking
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil
Masking
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Cetearyl Glucoside
Emulsifying
Glucose
Humectant
Stearyl Stearate
Emollient
Tromethamine
BufferingCitric Acid
Buffering
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Antimicrobial
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Dipropylene Glycol
HumectantLavandula Angustifolia Oil
Masking
Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil
Masking
Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil
Masking
Pelargonium Graveolens Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Water, Butylene Glycol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ethylhexyl Isononanoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Stearyl Behenate, Dimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Polyethylene, PEG/PPG-20/15 Dimethicone, Phenyl Methicone, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polyquaternium-51, Niacinamide, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, PEG-150 Distearate, Ceramide AP, Glycosphingolipids, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Meadowfoam Estolide, Sorbitan Isostearate, Squalane, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Polysorbate 20, Steareth-20, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Polysorbate 60, Aleuritic Acid, Yeast Extract, Glycoproteins, Betaine, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Ceramide NP, Allantoin, Colloidal Oatmeal, Retinyl Retinoate, Polylactic Acid, Canola Oil, Cholesteryl Nonanoate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Water, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Eruca Sativa Leaf Extract, Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate, Ceteareth-20, Hydroxypropyl Bispalmitamide Mea, Glycine Soja Sterols, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Santalum Album Oil, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Oil, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glucose, Stearyl Stearate, Tromethamine, Citric Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Dipropylene Glycol, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil, Cymbopogon Citratus Leaf Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caramel, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Limonene, Linalool
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Bacillus Ferment
Skin Conditioning
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Propanediol
Solvent
Cyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
Emollient
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Maltodextrin
Absorbent
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Myristyl Myristate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Dipentaerythrityl Pentaisononanoate
EmollientLactobacillus
Skin ConditioningBifida Ferment Lysate
Skin Conditioning
Plankton Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Arginine Ferulate
Skin ConditioningGlycolic Acid
Buffering
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin Protecting
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Pistacia Lentiscus Gum
MaskingHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningLactose
HumectantMilk Protein
Skin ConditioningSwertia Chirata Extract
HumectantElettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract
Perfuming
Yogurt Extract
Skin ConditioningHedychium Spicatum Extract
Skin ConditioningJasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
Masking
Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningPlumeria Rubra Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningEugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract
AstringentGardenia Taitensis Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningVanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Hibiscus Abelmoschus Seed Extract
Masking
Sophora Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ProtectingCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract
Skin Conditioning
Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract
Emulsion Stabilising
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingLavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Masking
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil
Perfuming
Sodium Phytate
Lecithin
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingMethyldihydrojasmonate
MaskingEthylene Brassylate
MaskingMethyl Undecylenate
Perfuming
Ethyl Undecylenate
Perfuming
Phenylisohexanol
MaskingPolystyrene
Sodium Ascorbate
Antioxidant
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emulsifying
Behenyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Polysorbate 80
Emulsifying
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Lactate
Buffering
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Tetrasodium EDTA
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingTin Oxide
Abrasive
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Limonene
Perfuming
Linalool
Perfuming
Hydroxycitronellal
Perfuming
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Bacillus Ferment, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Propanediol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Maltodextrin, Cetyl Alcohol, Myristyl Myristate, PEG-100 Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, Dipentaerythrityl Pentaisononanoate, Lactobacillus, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Plankton Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine Ferulate, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Pistacia Lentiscus Gum, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Lactose, Milk Protein, Swertia Chirata Extract, Elettaria Cardamomum Seed Extract, Yogurt Extract, Hedychium Spicatum Extract, Jasminum Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract, Plumeria Rubra Flower Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus Flower Extract, Gardenia Taitensis Flower Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Abelmoschus Seed Extract, Sophora Japonica Flower Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Pyrus Malus Fruit Extract, Lens Esculenta Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil, Sodium Phytate, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Methyldihydrojasmonate, Ethylene Brassylate, Methyl Undecylenate, Ethyl Undecylenate, Phenylisohexanol, Polystyrene, Sodium Ascorbate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Behenyl Alcohol, Dipentaerythrityl Hexahydroxystearate/Hexastearate/Hexarosinate, Isohexadecane, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Polysorbate 80, Alcohol, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Sodium Benzoate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Phenethyl Alcohol, Tin Oxide, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, Linalool, Hydroxycitronellal, Mica, CI 77891
Reviews
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 GlycolThis ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCamellia 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 ExtractCaprylyl 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 GlycolCyclopentasiloxane, 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 CyclopentasiloxaneGlycerin (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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is made by reacting glycerin with stearic acid (typically sourced from plant oils like palm or coconut). It's an emulsifier, emollient, and mild occlusive.
Emulsifiers help ingredients like oil and water stay mixed so your formula stays nicely blended and uniform in texture.
This ingredient is typically used in concentrations between 1-10%. Studies have found it to be non-sensitizing, non-phototoxic, and non-photoallergenic.
A close cousin of this ingredient is Glyceryl Stearate SE ("self-emulsifying"). This just has a small amount of sodium or potassium stearate added so it can emulsify without a co-emulsifier.
Since this ingredient is an ester of a C18 fatty acid, it may not be fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast can potentially metabolize within the C11-C24 range.
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolPeg-100 Stearate is an emollient and emulsifier. As an emollient, it helps keep skin soft by trapping moisture in. On the other hand, emulsifiers help prevent oil and water from separating in a product.
PEGS are a hydrophilic polyether compound . There are 100 ethylene oxide monomers in Peg-100 Stearate. Peg-100 Stearate is polyethylene glycol ester of stearic acid.
Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate is an emollient that helps make your skin smooth and hydrated. It specializes in creating a non-oily and "wet" feeling on skin.
This ingredient comes from isostearic acid, a saturated fatty acid. It is a synthetic ingredient.
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 SorbateSodium Hyaluronate is the salt form of hyaluronic acid. It is a long sugar chain that is naturally found in your skin, joints, and connective tissue that maintains hydration and elasticity.
In skincare, it works as a humectant. It pulls water from the environment and deeper layers of skin and binds it to the surface.
Interestingly, the size of the molecule affects its behavior:
Some clinical evidence links low molecular weight versions to improved wrinkle depth, elasticity, anti-inflammatory effects, and barrier repair.
Many serums use a blend of both weights so you can get surface hydration plus longer-lasting and deeper effects.
You'll typically see concentrations between 0.1-2% for this ingredient.
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateWater. 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
