What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Isohexadecane
EmollientPropanediol
Solvent
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-20 Stearate
Emulsifying
Niacinamide
Smoothing
PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin
HumectantHydroxyproline
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Soy Protein
Humectant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
PEG-100 Stearate
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Glycine
Buffering
Octyldodecanol
Emollient
Polyacrylamide
Silica Silylate
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingMica
Cosmetic Colorant
Laureth-7
EmulsifyingPanax Ginseng Root Extract
Emollient
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Proline
Skin ConditioningAlanine
MaskingCapryloyl Salicylic Acid
Exfoliating
Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Myristic Acid
Cleansing
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Lactate
BufferingHydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine
Skin Conditioning
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantTin Oxide
Abrasive
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Water, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-20 Stearate, Niacinamide, PEG/PPG/Polybutylene Glycol-8/5/3 Glycerin, Hydroxyproline, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Stearic Acid, PEG-100 Stearate, Palmitic Acid, Glycine, Octyldodecanol, Polyacrylamide, Silica Silylate, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Caffeine, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Pentylene Glycol, CI 77891, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Mica, Laureth-7, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Proline, Alanine, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Myristic Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ceramide NP, Adenosine, Sodium Lactate, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, CI 77491, Tin Oxide, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Squalane
Emollient
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Nylon-12
PEG-8/Smdi Copolymer
Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningSteareth-21
CleansingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingPolysorbate 40
Emulsifying
Salix Nigra Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Bisabolol
Masking
Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein
Skin ConditioningGlycosaminoglycans
EmollientGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Alteromonas Ferment Extract
Skin Conditioning
Ceramide NP
Skin Conditioning
Fucus Serratus Extract
Skin ProtectingAhnfeltia Concinna Extract
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingAscophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningCreatine
Skin ConditioningCarica Papaya Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning
Iris Florentina Root Extract
MaskingAlbizia Julibrissin Bark Extract
MaskingCitric Acid
Buffering
Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract
Humectant
Ubiquinone
Antioxidant
Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Wheat Protein
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
Humectant
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Rumex Occidentalis Extract
Skin ConditioningBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicCeramide EOP
Skin Conditioning
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Lecithin
Emollient
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8
Skin Conditioning
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Acetyl Octapeptide-3
Humectant
Darutoside
Skin ConditioningTripeptide-10 Citrulline
Skin Conditioning
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline
Skin Conditioning
Phytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Lactate
BufferingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Sorbitol
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Polysilicone-11
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCyclohexasiloxane
Emollient
Sclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingCaprylyl Glycol
Emollient
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Sodium Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSteareth-2
EmulsifyingSodium Metabisulfite
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Cyclodextrin
AbsorbentCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingDimethylmethoxy Chromanol
Antioxidant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Superoxide Dismutase
Antioxidant
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningBenzoic Acid
Masking
Sodium Citrate
BufferingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingIodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Preservative
Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride
Antioxidant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Sodium Dextran Sulfate
Gel Forming
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingDehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Sodium Sulfite
Preservative
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
MaskingDextran
Triethanolamine
BufferingWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Nylon-12, PEG-8/Smdi Copolymer, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Steareth-21, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Polysorbate 40, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein, Glycosaminoglycans, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Alteromonas Ferment Extract, Ceramide NP, Fucus Serratus Extract, Ahnfeltia Concinna Extract, Ceramide AP, Glycine Soja Protein, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Creatine, Carica Papaya Fruit Extract, Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract, Citric Acid, Pseudoalteromonas Ferment Extract, Ubiquinone, Cynara Scolymus Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Rumex Occidentalis Extract, Biotin, Ceramide EOP, Retinol, Lecithin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Ascorbic Acid, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Darutoside, Tripeptide-10 Citrulline, Tocopherol, Tripeptide-1, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Phytosphingosine, Sodium Lactate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sorbitol, Dimethicone, Polysilicone-11, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Sclerotium Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sodium Carbomer, Steareth-2, Sodium Metabisulfite, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Cyclodextrin, Carbomer, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Xanthan Gum, Cholesterol, Sodium Benzoate, Superoxide Dismutase, Decyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 20, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Hexylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Dextran Sulfate, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Sulfite, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Dextran, Triethanolamine
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 and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Ceramide NP is a type of ceramide.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Dimethicone 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 DimethiconeGlycerin 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 GlycerinHydrolyzed Soy Protein is a vegan protein made to mimic hydrolyzed collagen. It is created from soy, or glycine soja.
This ingredient is a humectant, meaning it helps hydrate the skin by binding to water. According to a manufacturer, it is also a great hair conditioner.
Read more about hydrolyzed collagen here.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Soy ProteinPalmitoyl 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. It’s 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-7Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 is also known as pal-GHK. It is made up of 3 amino acids and palmitic acid, a fatty acid that helps it absorb into skin more easily.
This peptide is as a signal peptide, meaning it tells the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen is the key protein that helps form the skin's structure and keep it plump, firm, and hydrated.
By boosting collagen production, this ingredient supports a stronger skin barrier and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
You'll most likely see this ingredient paired with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 in the well-known Matrixyl 3000 complex. While results from in-house testing should be viewed cautiously, this peptide duo is among the most studied and widely used in modern skincare.
Due to its palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be safe for Malassezia folliculitis.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1Phenoxyethanol 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.
Polysorbate 20 is made by combining ethoxylation of sorbitan, ethylene oxide, and lauric acid. It is a mild cleansing agent, surfactant, and emulsifier.
As a surfactant, it helps collect dirt and oils for washing. Emulsifiers prevent oils and water from separating.
Polysorbate 20 also adds scent to a product. Since it is made using sorbitol, it has a sweet scent. Sorbitol can also be found in fruits such as apples and peaches.
The lauric acid used to create Polysorbate 20 is often derived from coconuts.
Polysorbate 20 may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Polysorbate 20Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSodium 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 LactateTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
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. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about Water
