What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientStearyl Alcohol
EmollientBehentrimonium Chloride
PreservativeAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin ConditioningPanthenol
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantBiotin
AntiseborrhoeicAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantAscorbic Acid
AntioxidantPyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningHelichrysum Italicum Extract
AntiseborrhoeicLotus Corniculatus Flower Extract
MaskingTerminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
AntioxidantPhalaenopsis Amabilis Extract
HumectantAdansonia Digitata Seed Oil
EmollientCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningEuterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningPhenylalanine
MaskingHistidine
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantJojoba Esters
EmollientAlcohol
AntimicrobialIsopropyl Alcohol
SolventButylene Glycol
HumectantCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialAmodimethicone
Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride
Skin ConditioningSilicone Quaternium-18
EmollientStearalkonium Chloride
PreservativeTrideceth-3
EmulsifyingTrideceth-6
EmulsifyingTrideceth-12
EmulsifyingTrideceth-15
EmulsifyingPolyquaternium-7
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV AbsorberAcetic Acid
BufferingFumaric Acid
BufferingBHT
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialSorbic Acid
PreservativeBenzoic Acid
MaskingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeParfum
MaskingLinalool
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingGeraniol
PerfumingWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Behentrimonium Chloride, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Biotin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ascorbic Acid, Pyridoxine Hcl, Bambusa Vulgaris Extract, Helichrysum Italicum Extract, Lotus Corniculatus Flower Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Phalaenopsis Amabilis Extract, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Extract, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Phenylalanine, Histidine, Glycerin, Jojoba Esters, Alcohol, Isopropyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Cetrimonium Chloride, Amodimethicone, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, Silicone Quaternium-18, Stearalkonium Chloride, Trideceth-3, Trideceth-6, Trideceth-12, Trideceth-15, Polyquaternium-7, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Acetic Acid, Fumaric Acid, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol
Water
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientCetyl Alcohol
EmollientC15-19 Alkane
SolventStearyl Alcohol
EmollientStearamidopropyl Dimethylamine
EmulsifyingIsododecane
EmollientParfum
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeBehentrimonium Methosulfate
SurfactantC11-13 Isoparaffin
SolventSteareth-2
EmulsifyingSteareth-21
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Esters
EmollientCetrimonium Chloride
AntimicrobialChlorphenesin
AntimicrobialDimethiconol
EmollientIsohexadecane
EmollientHydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingDimethicone
EmollientSorbic Acid
PreservativeBenzophenone-4
UV AbsorberPanthenol
Skin ConditioningMacadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
EmollientDisodium EDTA
Butylene Glycol
HumectantCinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein
Skin ConditioningTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Jojoba Protein
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Rice Protein
Skin ConditioningStyrax Benzoin Resin Extract
MaskingCitric Acid
BufferingHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Vegetable Protein
Skin ConditioningPhospholipids
Skin ConditioningKaempferia Galanga Root Extract
Skin ConditioningLeontopodium Alpinum Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium Phosphate
BufferingPolysorbate 60
EmulsifyingPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeAscorbyl Palmitate
AntioxidantSodium Benzoate
MaskingCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantPotassium Benzoate
PreservativeLeuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
AntimicrobialSodium Phosphate
BufferingCitrulline
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantLitchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract
Skin ConditioningMoringa Oleifera Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningRetinyl Palmitate
Skin ConditioningTetrasodium EDTA
Benzyl Alcohol
PerfumingLimonene
PerfumingHexyl Cinnamal
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingWater, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, C15-19 Alkane, Stearyl Alcohol, Stearamidopropyl Dimethylamine, Isododecane, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Behentrimonium Methosulfate, C11-13 Isoparaffin, Steareth-2, Steareth-21, Glycerin, Cetyl Esters, Cetrimonium Chloride, Chlorphenesin, Dimethiconol, Isohexadecane, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Dimethicone, Sorbic Acid, Benzophenone-4, Panthenol, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Cinnamidopropyltrimonium Chloride, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Protein, Trisiloxane, Helianthus Annuus Seed Extract, Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein, Hydrolyzed Rice Protein, Styrax Benzoin Resin Extract, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Pg-Propyl Silanetriol, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Phospholipids, Kaempferia Galanga Root Extract, Leontopodium Alpinum Extract, Disodium Phosphate, Polysorbate 60, Potassium Sorbate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Sodium Benzoate, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Tocopherol, Potassium Benzoate, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Phosphate, Citrulline, Tocopheryl Acetate, Litchi Chinensis Pericarp Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol, Limonene, Hexyl Cinnamal, Linalool
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Ascorbyl Palmitate is a fat-soluble form of vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) made by combining it with palmitic acid.
It is able to blend easily into creams and oil-based formulas because it dissolves in oils rather than water.
As you may know, regular vitamin C is notorious for breaking down when exposed to sunlight and air. Ascorbyl Palmitate is more stable and degrades at a slower rate.
Research on whether it converts efficiently into active vitamin C once it's applied on your skin is still limited.
Some in-vitro studies suggest it may support collagen production, but it is not considered one of the stronger vitamin C derivatives, like:
Due to the palmitic acid base, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. Comedogenic studies have also shown this ingredient to have a rating of 2.
It's also worth keeping in mind that comedogenic and irritancy ratings are tested on individual ingredients, not finished formulas. The final product's formulation, concentration, and other ingredients all play a role in how something actually behaves on your skin.
Learn more about Ascorbyl PalmitateButylene 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 GlycolCetearyl alcohol is a waxy mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is an emollient and emulsifier.
Despite having "alcohol" in its name, it has nothing to do with drying solvent alcohols; the FDA also allows "alcohol-free" products to contain fatty alcohols like this ingredient.
It plays several roles in a formula:
Typical use levels for this ingredient sit around 1-10% and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has affirmed safety at concentrations up to 25% in leave-on products.
Multiple assessments have found it to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing to most people.
However, there have been some cases of allergic contact dermatitis in patients with chronically compromised skin barriers.
Cetearyl alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 2 and irritancy rating of 1. Both of these numbers come from the 1989 study that used rabbit ears; a "2" means mildly comedogenic and a "1" means low irritancy.
Here's the catch: rabbit skin is more sensitive than human skin and throws a lot of false positives. A 1996 reappraisal found that ingredients rated 1-2 in the rabbit ear tests are generally safe for humans.
Remember comedogenic ratings are unable to assess the entire formula of a product or how it will react on your skin. Just be sure to patch test if you are unsure about certain ingredients.
This ingredient is not fungal acne safe. Cetearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol with chain lengths that fall within the range that Malassezia can metabolize.
A 2019 study has also observed Malassezia growth in the presence of this ingredient, confirming it to be not-fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholThis ingredient is a preservative, antimicrobial, and emulsifier. It is often used in cosmetics for its ability to cleanse, condition, and reduce static.
Cetrimonium chloride is a quaternary ammonium salt, meaning it has a water-soluble structure.
Chlorphenesin is a synthetic preservative. It helps protect a product against bacteria in order to extend shelf life. In most cases, Chlorphenesin is paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol.
Chlorphenesin is a biocide. This means it is able to help fight the microorganisms on our skin. It is also able to fight odor-releasing bacteria.
Chlorphenesin is soluble in both water and glycerin.
Studies show Chlorphenesin is easily absorbed by our skin. You should speak with a skincare professional if you have concerns about using Chlorphenesin.
Learn more about ChlorphenesinEthylhexylglycerin 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 GlycerinHelianthus Annuus Seed Extract comes from sunflower seeds.
Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E. Studies show sunflowers contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids hydrate your skin. Emollients create a film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed ExtractLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term '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.
Learn more about LimoneneLinalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.
Like Limonene, this ingredient oxidizes when exposed to air. Oxidized linalool can cause allergies and skin sensitivity.
This ingredient has a scent that is floral, spicy tropical, and citrus-like.
Learn more about LinaloolPanthenol 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 PanthenolParfum 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 ParfumPhenoxyethanol 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.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateRetinyl palmitate is a form of retinoid. Retinoids are the superstar class of anti-aging ingredients that include tretinoin and retinol.
This particular ingredient has had a bumpy year with its rise and fall in popularity.
First, Retinyl palmitate is created from palmitic acid and retinol. It is a retinol ester and considered one of the weaker forms of retinoid.
This is because all retinoids have to be converted to Tretinoin, AKA retinoic acid. Retinyl Palmitate is pretty far down the line and has to go through multiple conversions before its effects are seen.
Due to this long and ineffective conversion line, the benefits of Retinyl Palmitate are debated.
Studies show Retinyl Palmitate to help:
Dermatologists say this ingredient is ineffective because it isn't used in high enough concentrations in cosmetics.
This ingredient used to be found in sunscreens to boost the efficacy of sunscreen filters.
The downfall of Retinyl Palmitate was due to released reports about the ingredient being correlated to sun damage and skin tumors.
While there is a study showing this ingredient to cause DNA damage when exposed to UV-A, there is no concrete proof of it being linked to skin cancer. It is safe to use when used correctly.
All retinoids increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun in the first few months of usage. Be especially careful with reapplying sunscreen when using any form of retinoid.
Currently, this ingredient is still allowed in cosmetics all over the world. In Canada, cosmetics must have a warning label stating the product to contain Retinyl Palmitate
Fun fact: This ingredient is often added to low-fat milk to increase the levels of Vitamin A.
Learn more about Retinyl PalmitateSorbic Acid is a preservative that stops your product from spoiling by stopping microbes from growing.
As a preservative, it's kind of a specialist: it has a broad spectrum of activity against yeast and molds but is weaker against bacteria. That's why it's often paired with another preservative to cover that gap.
This ingredient is also pretty picky about pH; it performs best at pH 6.5 or below.
At the right pH level, sorbic acid is "active" and can slip through the outer wall of a microbe. Once inside, it turns the cell's interior more acidic to shut down the microbe from the inside.
The EU caps this ingredient at 0.6% while the CIR has concluded it's safe at concentrations up to 1%. It's most often used around 0.05-0.2% in cosmetics.
Though this ingredient is considered low-sensitizing and well-tolerated, a very small number of people may have a contact allergy to it. Be sure to patch test if you have a history of allergies towards preservatives.
Learn more about Sorbic AcidStearyl Alcohol is a type of fatty alcohol from stearic acid. It is a white, waxy compound used to emulsify ingredients used as an emollient or to thicken a product.
Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Fatty alcohols are usually derived from natural fats and oils and therefore do not have the same drying or irritating effect as solvent (ethanol) alcohols.
The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe. It is a primary fatty alcohol with a chain length above 12 carbons. A study from 2019 show Malassezia can feed on fatty alcohols in this range, so it may trigger fungal acne in those prone to it.
Learn more about Stearyl AlcoholTocopherol 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 TocopherolTocopheryl 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 AcetateWater. 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