What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantTrimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientPentaerythrityl Distearate
EmulsifyingCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingBis-Stearyl Dimethicone
EmollientPropanediol
SolventButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningHexyldecanol
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningMel
EmollientTetrapeptide-14
Skin ConditioningCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningBoswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialGlycine Soja Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningEctoin
Skin ConditioningCetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingCucumis Sativus Seed Oil
EmollientHydroxyectoin
BufferingHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientAdenosine
Skin ConditioningTasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
AntioxidantSorbitan Isostearate
EmulsifyingStearic Acid
CleansingBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingAspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningAminomethyl Propanol
BufferingHydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid
Skin Conditioning1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningPEG-40 Stearate
EmulsifyingHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingButylene Glycol
Humectant4-T-Butylcyclohexanol
MaskingIsohexadecane
EmollientPolysilicone-11
Ceteareth-20
CleansingSodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingTrisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
BufferingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeSodium Benzoate
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Trimethylolpropane Tricaprylate/Tricaprate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Pentaerythrityl Distearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone, Propanediol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Pentylene Glycol, Hexyldecanol, Glyceryl Stearate, Dimethicone, Ceramide NP, Mel, Tetrapeptide-14, Ceramide EOP, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Phytosphingosine, Ceramide AP, Cholesterol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycine Soja Seed Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Ectoin, Cetylhydroxyproline Palmitamide, Bisabolol, Cucumis Sativus Seed Oil, Hydroxyectoin, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Adenosine, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Stearic Acid, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Tocopherol, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Aminomethyl Propanol, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, PEG-40 Stearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Butylene Glycol, 4-T-Butylcyclohexanol, Isohexadecane, Polysilicone-11, Ceteareth-20, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 60, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Carbomer, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantEthylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate
EmollientC10-18 Triglycerides
EmollientCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingCoconut Alkanes
EmollientPropanediol
SolventArachidyl Alcohol
EmollientButylene Glycol
HumectantPotassium Cetyl Phosphate
EmulsifyingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialHoney Extract
HumectantAspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningBoswellia Serrata Extract
Skin ConditioningTetrapeptide-14
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Tripeptide-8
Skin ConditioningTasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract
AntioxidantZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingChlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningBisabolol
MaskingCentella Asiatica Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Naringeninchalcone
Skin ConditioningStearic Acid
CleansingPalmitic Acid
EmollientCoco-Caprylate/Caprate
EmollientArachidyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLactic Acid
BufferingDisodium EDTA
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientDextran
Aminomethyl Propanol
BufferingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Benzoate
MaskingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate, C10-18 Triglycerides, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coconut Alkanes, Propanediol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Honey Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Tetrapeptide-14, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Bisabolol, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Tetrasodium Tetracarboxymethyl Naringeninchalcone, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Arachidyl Glucoside, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Dextran, Aminomethyl Propanol, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol
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
Aminomethyl Propanol is used to adjust the pH of products. It is also used as a base to create other organic compounds. Having a balanced pH is important for protecting your skin.
Aminomethyl propanol is safe to use in cosmetics up to 1%. It is soluble in water.
This ingredient is also known as Rooibos. It is a caffeine-free plant rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenols.
Bisabolol is famous for its skin soothing properties. It does this by blocking inflammatory signals, helping to reduce your body's reaction to irritation.
This ingredient also interferes with the process of hyperpigmentation. This can help with reducing dark spots and uneven tone.
Bisabolol is an antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. By fighting these free-radicals, Bisabolol may slow down signs of aging.
Studies have shown Bisabolol to have antimicrobial properties and may be a fungicide. These properties help preserve a product's shelf life.
All these properties makes bisabolol a great skin barrier helper ingredient.
Bisabolol also helps the absorption of other ingredients.
Note: Synthetic Bisabolol has been shown to be less effective.
Learn more about BisabololBoswellia Serrata Extract is the extract of the whole plant, Boswellia serrata, Burseraceae.
AKA Indian Frankincense Extract
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 GlycolCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCaprylhydroxamic Acid is a chelating agent.
Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted reactions and effects from using the product.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid is often used with natural antimicrobial products as an alternative to preservatives.
Learn more about Caprylhydroxamic AcidThis ingredient is an 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.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidCoco-Caprylate/Caprate is created from fatty coconut alcohol, caprylic acid, and capric acid.
It is a lightweight emollient. Emollients create a thin barrier on the skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin hydrated and soft.
Once applied, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is absorbed quickly and leaves a silky feel.
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Coco-Caprylate/CaprateGlycerin 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 GlycerinPhenoxyethanol 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.
Propanediol 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 Benzoate is a preservative. It's used in both cosmetic and food products to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. It is typically produced synthetically.
Both the US FDA and EU Health Committee have approved the use of sodium benzoate. In the US, levels of 0.1% (of the total product) are allowed.
Sodium benzoate works as a preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria inside of cells. It prevents the cell from fermenting a type of sugar using an enzyme called phosphofructokinase.
It is the salt of benzoic acid. Foods containing sodium benzoate include soda, salad dressings, condiments, fruit juices, wines, and snack foods.
Studies for using ascorbic acid and sodium benzoate in cosmetics are lacking, especially in skincare routines with multiple steps.
We always recommend speaking with a professional, such as a dermatologist, if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Sodium BenzoateStearic Acid is a fatty acid. It is an emollient, emulsifier, and texture enhancer.
As an emollient, stearic acid helps soften skin. It aids the skin's protective barrier by preventing water loss. It also provides a gentle cleansing effect without stripping away natural oils.
Stearic acid may also be used to enhance the texture of products. It can add volume and stabilize ingredients such as water and oil. This can help water and oil ingredients from separating.
Sources of stearic acid include animal or vegetable fats/oils such as coconut or shea. It can be naturally found in butter, cocoa butter, shea butter, vegetable fats, and animal tallow.
This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Stearic AcidTasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract is an antioxidant.
Tetrapeptide-14 is a peptide.
Water. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumZingiber Officinale is more commonly known as ginger.
Ginger root has antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and antimicrobial properties.
The antioxidant properties help protect your body from free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells. As a result, ginger may help slow down signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.
Studies show ginger inhibits the enzyme that breaks down collagen. It also helps with:
This ingredient has no negative side-effects and is safe to use unless one has a specific allergy to it.
Ginger originates from Southeast Asia but has spread throughout the world. It is now a common spice used in many cultures.
Learn more about Zingiber Officinale Root Extract