What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Dimethicone
Emollient
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
Emollient
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin Conditioning
Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate
Emulsion StabilisingHydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientSucrose Stearate
EmollientStearic Acid
Cleansing
Palmitic Acid
Emollient
Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid
BufferingSodium Polyacrylate
Absorbent
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Nylon-12
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSecale Cereale Seed Extract
Abrasive
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Chlorphenesin
Antimicrobial
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium Hydroxide
BufferingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantHydrolyzed Linseed Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethiconol
Emollient
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantMyristic Acid
Cleansing
Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate
Antioxidant
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Adenosine
Skin Conditioning
Glycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingSodium Cocoyl Glutamate
Cleansing
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTin Oxide
Abrasive
Acer Saccharum Extract
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Alcohol Denat., Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Sucrose Stearate, Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Sodium Polyacrylate, Phenoxyethanol, Nylon-12, Pentylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Secale Cereale Seed Extract, Caffeine, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, CI 77891, Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract, Dimethiconol, Tocopherol, Mica, Myristic Acid, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ascorbyl Glucoside, Adenosine, Glycine Soja Protein, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tin Oxide, Acer Saccharum Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid
Algae Extract
EmollientWater
Skin ConditioningDimethicone
Emollient
Isododecane
EmollientGlycerin
Humectant
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride
EmollientVinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Maris Sal
Skin ConditioningYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningHelichrysum Arenarium Extract
AntiseborrhoeicSesamum Indicum Seed Oil
Emollient
Medicago Sativa Seed Powder
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seedcake
Abrasive
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal
Abrasive
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Sodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningCopper Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Calcium Gluconate
HumectantMagnesium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningZinc Gluconate
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Succinate
Antioxidant
Niacin
SmoothingSesamum Indicum Seed Powder
Skin ConditioningAsparagopsis Armata Extract
Skin ProtectingLaminaria Digitata Extract
Skin Protecting
Saccharum Officinarum Extract
MoisturisingPhytosphingosine
Skin Conditioning
Ecklonia Cava Extract
Skin ConditioningCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Fagopyrum Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningBrassica Campestris Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Emulsifying
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract
Cleansing
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract
Emollient
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Althaea Officinalis Root Extract
Skin Conditioning
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin Conditioning
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Saccharomyces Lysate Extract
Humectant
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil
Skin Conditioning
Dipeptide-2
Skin Conditioning
Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate
Emollient
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Skin Conditioning
Caffeine
Skin Conditioning
Tetraacetylphytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningLactis Proteinum
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin Conditioning
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingSorbitol
Humectant
Hordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientGlycine Soja Protein
EmulsifyingCholesterol
Emollient
Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Skin ConditioningIsononyl Isononanoate
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprate
EmollientCetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Caprylyl Glycol
Emollient
Sucrose
Humectant
Polysilicone-11
Dimethicone Crosspolymer
Emulsion Stabilising
Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3
Skin Conditioning
Silica
Abrasive
Nylon-12
Trimethylsiloxysilicate
Emollient
Steareth-20
CleansingCalcium Chloride
AstringentHesperidin Methyl Chalcone
Antioxidant
PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone
Emulsifying
Alumina
Abrasive
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil
Emollient
Alcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Propanediol
Solvent
Parfum
Masking
BHT
Antioxidant
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Antimicrobial
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Mica
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantAlgae Extract, Water, Dimethicone, Isododecane, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Trisiloxane, Caprylic/Capric/Myristic/Stearic Triglyceride, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Maris Sal, Yeast Extract, Helichrysum Arenarium Extract, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Medicago Sativa Seed Powder, Helianthus Annuus Seedcake, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Sodium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Zinc Gluconate, Tocopheryl Succinate, Niacin, Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder, Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Phytosphingosine, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Polygonum Fagopyrum Seed Extract, Brassica Campestris Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Dipeptide-2, Glyceryl Triacetyl Ricinoleate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Caffeine, Tetraacetylphytosphingosine, Lactis Proteinum, Acetyl Glucosamine, Triethylhexanoin, Sorbitol, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Glycine Soja Protein, Cholesterol, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Isononyl Isononanoate, Propylene Glycol Dicaprate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Sucrose, Polysilicone-11, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone Crosspolymer-3, Silica, Nylon-12, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Steareth-20, Calcium Chloride, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Alumina, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Alcohol Denat., Propanediol, Parfum, BHT, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Sodium Benzoate, Mica, CI 77891
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
The "denat" part just means "denatured"; common denaturants include Denatonium Benzoate, t-butyl alcohol, and Diethyl Phthalate. This step makes the alcohol undrinkable (and lets brand skip taxes related to beverage alcohol).
This ingredient gets a bad rep because it is irritating and drying due to its astringent property. Astringents draw out natural oils in tissue to constrict pores and dry out your skin.
However, alcohol denat. is not all that bad.
Due to its low molecular weight, alcohol denat. tends to evaporate quickly. One study on pig skin found half of applied alcohol evaporated in 10 seconds and less than 3% stayed on skin.
This also helps other ingredients become better absorbed upon application.
Studies are conflicted about whether this ingredient causes skin dehydration. One study from 2005 found adding emollients to propanol-based sanitizer decreased skin dryness and irritation. Another study found irritation only occurs if your skin is already damaged.
Small amounts of alcohol are generally tolerated by oily skin or people who live in humid environments.
The rule of thumb is this ingredient will probably not affect your skin much if it is near the end of an ingredients list.
One thing to note:
People with ALDH2 (aldehyde dehydrogenase 2) deficiency may experience skin irritation from continued alcohol use. About 8% of the world's population have this deficiency.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has determined denatured alcohols to be safe for use in concentrations between 0.05% and 12% (depending on which denaturant is used).
Also...
This ingredient has antimicrobial and solvent properties.
The antimicrobial property helps preserve products and increase their shelf life. As a solvent, it helps dissolve other ingredients.
Look for formulas that contain glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or panthenol if you want to offset any drying effect.
This ingredient will trip away your skin's natural oils/lipids that help it lock in moisture. This can worsen dryness, trigger eczema flare-ups, and aggravate rosacea.
Be sure to patch test any product with this ingredient if you have dry or sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea.
Learn more about Alcohol Denat.Caffeine is a naturally occurring plant compound found in coffee beans, tea leaves, cocoa pods, and guarana.
As an antioxidant, caffeine protects your skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure and envionrmnetal stressors.
Early research also shows that caffeine can help calm redness, soothe irritated skin, and support hair growth by stimulating microcirculation in the scalp.
You might have seen eye creams marketing caffeine as a depuffing ingredient. This is because it is a vasoconstrictor meaning it can temporarily constrict blood vessels, though clinical evidence for this specific use is still limited.
Most skincare products contain this ingredient at concentrations between 1-6%. It is able to penetrate skin easily regardless of skin type or thickness.
Just so you know, a very small number of case reports describe caffeine-induced allergy. This ingredient is generally well-tolerated, non-irritating, and non-sensitizing for the majority of people.
Learn more about CaffeineCaprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created.
Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin.
Because it is not a free-fatty acid or alcohol, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on).
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolCi 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 DimethiconeGlycerin (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 GlycerinGlycine Soja Protein comes from the soybean. It is an emulsifer and helps to condition skin. Emulsifiers prevent ingredients from separating, such as water and oils.
Learn more about Glycine Soja Oil.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is a synthetic polymer. Polymers are compounds with high molecular weight. Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is an emollient and texture enhancer.
In one study, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene showed better skin hydration levels than Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. As an emollient, it helps keep your skin soft and hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene is often used as a mineral oil replacement.
Learn more about Hydrogenated PolyisobuteneMica is a naturally occurring mineral used to add shimmer and color in cosmetics. It can also help improve the texture of a product or give it an opaque, white/silver color.
Serecite is the name for very fine but ragged grains of mica.
This ingredient is often coated with metal oxides like titanium dioxide. Trace amounts of heavy metals may be found in mica, but these metals are not harmful in our personal products.
Mica has been used since prehistoric times throughout the world. Ancient Egyptian, Indian, Greek, Roman, Aztec, and Chinese civilizations have used mica.
Learn more about MicaNylon-12 is a polymer. It is derived from 12-aminododecanoic acid, an omega-amino fatty acid
According to a manufacturer, it is a talc substitute. Like talc, nylon-12 gives products a satin feel. The manufacturer also claims this ingredients does not block pores and has moderate oil absorption.
This ingredient may not be reef-safe.
Learn more about Nylon-12Phenoxyethanol 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 SorbateThis ingredient is also called sugarcane extract. It is a moisturizing humectant and has skin soothing properties.
Similar to hyaluronic acid, sugarcane can attract moisture to your skin.
Glycolic acid is a derivative of sugarcane. While glycolic acid is an AHA with exfoliating properties, sugarcane is not an AHA.
A study from 2021 found the compounds in sugarcane extract to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity. The study also suggests these compounds can inhibit skin ageing enzymes and promote collagen synthesis.
Learn more about Saccharum Officinarum ExtractSodium 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 BenzoateWater. 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
