What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningIsohexadecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPropanediol
SolventErythritol
HumectantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingRosa Rugosa Flower Water
MaskingDimethicone
EmollientSaccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
HumectantMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantPEG-100 Stearate
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingVp/Va Copolymer
Aluminum Hydroxide
EmollientCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningCyclodextrin
AbsorbentBisabolol
AntioxidantCalendula Officinalis Flower Extract
MaskingMica
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingLotus Corniculatus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningPEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
EmulsifyingCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantAlumina
AbrasiveTriethoxycaprylylsilane
CI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantParfum
MaskingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Glycerin
HumectantOctyldodecanol
EmollientHydrogenated Lecithin
Emulsifying1,5-Pentanediol
SolventPolyglyceryl-10 Dioleate
EmulsifyingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Acetylated Hyaluronate
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer
HumectantCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCeramide As
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ns
Skin ConditioningCeramide Ng
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningWater, Isohexadecane, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Erythritol, CI 77891, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Rosa Rugosa Flower Water, Dimethicone, Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Crosspolymer, Vp/Va Copolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, CI 77492, Tocopheryl Acetate, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Caffeine, Cyclodextrin, Bisabolol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Mica, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Lotus Corniculatus Seed Extract, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, CI 77491, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, CI 77499, Parfum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glycerin, Octyldodecanol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, 1,5-Pentanediol, Polyglyceryl-10 Dioleate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Ceramide NP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Phospholipids, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceramide AP, Ceramide As, Ceramide Ns, Ceramide Ng, Ceramide EOP
Water
Skin ConditioningCyclopentasiloxane
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Silica
AbrasivePEG-10 Dimethicone
Skin ConditioningNeopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate
EmollientIsododecane
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantSodium Chloride
MaskingCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
EmulsifyingDimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPolymethyl Methacrylate
Niacinamide
SmoothingParfum
MaskingTriethoxycaprylylsilane
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
MaskingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHesperidin Methyl Chalcone
AntioxidantHedychium Coronarium Root Extract
MaskingCentella Asiatica Extract
CleansingHamamelis Virginiana Water
AstringentGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Disodium EDTA
Ascorbic Acid
AntioxidantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolyquaternium-5
Biosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingResveratrol
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Lauryl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Isododecane, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Chloride, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Niacinamide, Parfum, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Polyquaternium-5, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Resveratrol, Ethylhexylglycerin, 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 GlycolCaprylhydroxamic Acid is a chelating agent that helps cosmetics stay fresh, stable, and consistent over time.
Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted reactions and effects from using the product. It also helps prevent the growth of unwanted microbes in products that contain water.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid is often used with natural antimicrobial products as an alternative to preservatives.
Learn more about Caprylhydroxamic AcidCi 77491 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a red/pink hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created Ci 77491 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77491CI 77492 is also hydrated iron III oxide. It's sole purpose is to give a yellow hue to products.
Iron III oxides are classified as inorganic chemicals for coloring.
Synthetically created CI 77492 is considered safer than those naturally found. This is because the synthetically created version may contain less impurities. Iron oxides are generally non-toxic and non-allergenic.
Learn more about CI 77492Ci 77891 is a white pigment from Titanium dioxide. It is naturally found in minerals such as rutile and ilmenite.
It's main function is to add a white color to cosmetics. It can also be mixed with other colors to create different shades.
Ci 77891 is commonly found in sunscreens due to its ability to block UV rays.
Learn more about CI 77891Dimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz. It is also known as polydimethylsiloxane.
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 DimethiconeEthylhexylglycerin is created from glycerin. It is a multitasker ingredient that:
The CIR Expert Panel found minimal skin absorption or sensitization of any kind in a safety assessment. Though this ingredient is considered well-tolerated, a small number of cases of allergic dermatitis have been published since 2002. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure.
Industry-reported use ranges from 8% in rinse-off products and 2% in leave-on formulations.
Learn more about EthylhexylglycerinGlycerin (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 GlycerinHydrogenated 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 LecithinThis ingredient is created by putting sodium hyaluronate through hydrolysis.
You might know this as 'mini' or 'ultra low-molecular weight' hyaluronic acid. The small molecule size means it is able to travel deeper in the skin.
According to studies, low molecular-weight hyaluronic acid can:
One study from 2011 found ultra-low weight HA to show pro-inflammatory properties. Another study from 2022 found it to downregulate UV-B induced inflammation.
Hydrolysis is a process of changing a molecule using water or enzymes.
This ingredient is water-soluble.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Sodium HyaluronateParfum 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 ParfumSodium 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 AcetateTriethoxycaprylylsilane is a silicon-based surface modifier that makes sunscreens feel silky and makeup stay put.
Its main job is to coat mineral particles like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and color pigments in a thin, oily layer so they spread smoothly, don't clump, and stick to skin better.
This ingredient is typically used at low levels (up to 2.5% in eyeshadow and 1% in lipstick).
Learn more about TriethoxycaprylylsilaneWater. 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