What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Glycerin
Humectant
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Polysorbate 60
Emulsifying
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientMethyl Glucose Sesquistearate
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Squalane
Emollient
Glyceryl Caprylate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Polyacrylamide
C13-14 Isoparaffin
Emollient
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCaramel
Cosmetic ColorantTromethamine
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingDisodium EDTA
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Emollient
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Retinol
Skin Conditioning
Brassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning
CI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCholesterol
Emollient
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 60, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Stearic Acid, Squalane, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Niacinamide, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Adenosine, Carbomer, Caramel, Tromethamine, Xanthan Gum, Laureth-7, Disodium EDTA, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Ceramide NP, CI 19140, Cholesterol
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.Ā
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 preservativesĀ
This ingredient is a lightweight emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.
It helps thicken a product's formula and makes it easier to spread by dissolving clumping compounds.
Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredientās final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideHydrogenated Lecithin is a more stable version of lecithin.
It's made by taking lecithin (a phospholipid commonly found in soybeans and egg yolks) and hydrogenating it. This just means the unsaturated fatty acids are turned into saturated ones so they don't go bad as easily.
This ingredient is an emollient, emulsifier, and penetration enhancer. As an emollient, it helps soften and hydrate skin by trapping moisture within. As an emulsifier, it prevents oil and water ingredients from separating.
Hydrogenated Lecithin can form tiny spherical structures made of phospholipid bilayers called liposomes. These liposomes are able to capture compounds inside their structure and deliver them through the skin barrier.
Because phospholipids are a natural component of our cell membranes, this ingredient is inherently compatible with skin.
A 2021 study found lecithin-based surfactants were less harsh and more tolerable comared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Learn more about Hydrogenated LecithinPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Ā
Itās 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 PropanediolRetinol is a gold-standard ingredient for anti-aging. It is a form of Vitamin A and belongs to the class of retinoids that also includes tretinoin.
Why is retinol famous?
It has the most scientific studies backing up its skin benefits out of all the non-prescription ingredients.
Retinol is proven to:
This is why retinol is effective at removing wrinkles, fading dark spots, treating acne, and reducing the appearance of pores.
Studies show retinol is less effective when exposed to UV. Be sure to look for appropriate packaging to keep your retinol potent (similar to Vitamin C).
Using retinol or any retinoids will increase sun-sensitivity in the first few months. Though studies show retinoids increase your skin's natural SPF with continuous use, it is best to always wear sunscreen and sun-protection.
We recommend speaking with a medical professional about using this ingredient during pregnancy.
Retinol may cause irritation in some people, so be sure to patch test. Experts recommend 'ramping up' retinol use: start using this ingredient once a week and work up to using it daily.
Read about Tretinoin
Learn more about RetinolWater. 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
