What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningGlyceryl Glucoside
HumectantVinyldimethicone
Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Olivate
Cetearyl Alcohol
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingHyaluronic Acid
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingHydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingPropanediol
SolventGlyceryl Stearate Citrate
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBisabolol
AntioxidantSodium Phytate
Cynanchum Atratum Extract
Skin ConditioningTremella Fuciformis Extract
HumectantAscorbyl Glucoside
AntioxidantMagnesium Chloride
Panthenol
Skin ConditioningCalcium Gluconate
HumectantPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-51 Amide
Skin ConditioningCyanocobalamin
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Glucoside, Vinyldimethicone, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Allantoin, Sorbitan Olivate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Tromethamine, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Propanediol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceramide NP, 1,2-Hexanediol, Phenoxyethanol, Bisabolol, Sodium Phytate, Cynanchum Atratum Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Extract, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Magnesium Chloride, Panthenol, Calcium Gluconate, Pyridoxine Hcl, Tocopherol, Yeast Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-51 Amide, Cyanocobalamin
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantDicaprylyl Ether
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantHydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningHydrogenated Polydecene
EmollientSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables
EmollientBoron Nitride
AbsorbentMadecassoside
AntioxidantAloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
EmollientAllantoin
Skin ConditioningArtemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningAstrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter
EmollientGlyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
HumectantTromethamine
BufferingEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantSodium Phytate
Ceramide NP
Skin ConditioningSodium Citrate
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingSea Water
HumectantPropanediol
SolventTocopherol
AntioxidantEmiliania Huxleyi Extract
Skin ConditioningWater, Glycerin, Dicaprylyl Ether, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Pentylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Saccharide Isomerate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Boron Nitride, Madecassoside, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Astrocaryum Murumuru Seed Butter, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Sodium Phytate, Ceramide NP, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Sea Water, Propanediol, Tocopherol, Emiliania Huxleyi Extract
Reviews
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.Â
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 preservativesÂ
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer is a synthetic polymer. It is used to thicken, emulsify, and improve the texture of products.
As an emulsifier, it helps stabilize oil-in-water emulsions to give products an elegant feel when applied.
It can also form a thin protective film on skin. One study found that a formula using this polymer helped slow down how quickly other ingredients (like DEET) were absorbed through skin.
A 2024 study of over 1,300 patients confirmed that sensitization to this ingredient is rare. It is also non-mutagenic and has a clean track record.
Learn more about Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerAllantoin is a soothing ingredient known for its protective and moisturizing properties; it's basically a quiet workhorse ingredient you can find in a huge range of cosmetics.
Though it can be derived from the comfrey plant, allantoin is produced synthetically for cosmetic products to ensure purity.
Research shows it can encourage your skin cells to turn over and renew by stimulating keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation.
It also has mild keratolytic properties to help loosen and shed dead skin cells without being harsh.
Studies also suggest allantoin can help calm inflammation by dialing down some of the chemical signals your skin sends out when it is irritated.
This ingredient is typically used in the 0.1-0.5% range, and the FDA recognizes it as a skin protectant in OTC products up to 2%.
Overall, allantoin is a wonderful addition to most routines; it is stable across a wide pH range (~4-8), works well with other ingredients, and is considered non-sensitizing/non-irritating.
Fun fact: Allantoin is naturally occurring in comfrey root, beets, chamomile, and wheat sprouts. Our bodies even produce it as a byproduct of uric acid metabolism.
Learn more about AllantoinButylene 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 GlycolCeramide NP (formerly known as Ceramide 3) is one of the skin's naturally occurring lipids.
Since ceramides are the major lipid components of the skin, they are crucial for maintaining skin barrier and hydration. Ceramide NP most closely mirrors the dominant kind in human skin amongst ceramide subtypes.
This ceramide works by slotting into gaps within the stratum corneum's lipid matrix to limit trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and shield the skin against external irritants.
A study with 312 patients found that using a ceramide-containing routine for 4 weeks reduced the severity of atopic dermatitis by over 61%.
Another clinical study in subjects aged 60 and older found that a ceramide body wash and moisturizer improved skin dryness and itchy skin in 15 days.
Overall, ceramides are considered non-irritating and safety tests have found little to no observable adverse effects from using this ingredient.
Ceramide NP is usually sourced from plants (like soybean or rice bran), or produced synthetically.
Learn more about Ceramide NPEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinPanthenol is a common ingredient that helps hydrate and soothe the skin. It is found naturally in our skin and hair.
There are two forms of panthenol: D and L.
D-panthenol is also known as dexpanthenol. Most cosmetics use dexpanthenol or a mixture of D and L-panthenol.
Panthenol is famous due to its ability to go deeper into the skin's layers. Using this ingredient has numerous pros (and no cons):
Like hyaluronic acid, panthenol is a humectant. Humectants are able to bind and hold large amounts of water to keep skin hydrated.
This ingredient works well for wound healing. It works by increasing tissue in the wound and helps close open wounds.
Once oxidized, panthenol converts to pantothenic acid. Panthothenic acid is found in all living cells.
This ingredient is also referred to as pro-vitamin B5.
Learn more about PanthenolPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s 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 PropanediolSodium Phytate is the synthetic salt form of phytic acid. Phytic acid is an antioxidant and can be found in plant seeds.
Sodium Phytate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metals from binding to water. This helps stabilize the ingredients and the product.
Tocopherol is a fat-soluble antioxidant known as Vitamin E.
You'll find this ingredient in the vast majority of skincare (for good reason). It works to neutralize free radicals, or unstable molecules generated by UV exposure, pollution, and other environmental stressors, before they can cause oxidative damage to your skin cells.
Topically applied tocopherol has been shown to protect against UV damage by ramping up the skin's own natural defense enzymes.
It also acts as a skin conditioning agent; some studies show that regular topical use can improve the skin's water-binding capacity over 2-4 weeks.
This ingredient is especially loved for being a team player. When combined with Vitamin C, the photoprotective effect of both ingredients roughly doubles and the combo also helps reduce UV-induced DNA damage.
This ingredient has some brightening potential but it's more of a prevention ingredient than spot-fader. Cell studies show it can slow down melanin production but it's worth noting that it's not the most powerful brightener out there.
In formulations, it also serves as a stabilizer that helps protect other oxidation-prone ingredients from degrading.
Concentrations usually range from 0.1-1% in most leave-on products.
Learn more about TocopherolTromethamine helps balance the pH and improve the texture of a product. It is synthetically created.
As an emulsifier, Tromethamine prevents oil and water ingredients from separating. This helps stabilize the product and elongate a product's shelf life. Tromethamine also makes a product thicker.
Tromethamine helps balance the pH level of a product. Normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5). The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome. Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Oral Tromethanmine is an anti-inflammatory drug but plays the role of masking, adding fragrance, and/or balancing pH in skincare.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
Learn more about TromethamineWater. 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