What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingSilica
AbrasiveEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientLanolin Oil
EmollientPentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate
EmollientBeeswax
Emulsion StabilisingCopernicia Cerifera Wax
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningCamellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCarthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil
MaskingCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
MaskingHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningRosa Canina Seed Oil
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientTocopherol
AntioxidantTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientVanillin
MaskingLimonene
PerfumingLinalool
PerfumingIron Oxides
CI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantRicinus Communis Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Silica, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Octyldodecanol, Lanolin Oil, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Beeswax, Copernicia Cerifera Wax, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Microcrystalline Wax, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Vanillin, Limonene, Linalool, Iron Oxides, CI 77742, CI 45410, CI 77891, CI 15850, CI 73360
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingEuphorbia Cerifera Cera
AstringentPrunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
MaskingCopernicia Cerifera Cera
EmollientOryza Sativa Bran Extract
Skin ConditioningSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
EmollientJojoba Esters
EmollientHelianthus Annuus Seed Wax
Skin ConditioningTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Extract
EmollientVanillin
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningCamellia Oleifera Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningHydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides
EmollientMangifera Indica Seed Butter
Skin ConditioningOleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides
EmollientRosa Canina Seed Oil
EmollientRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter
EmollientVitis Vinifera Seed Oil
EmollientRubus Idaeus Seed Oil
EmollientAcacia Decurrens Flower Cera
EmollientPolyglycerin-3
HumectantTitanium Dioxide
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77492
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 19140
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantCI 73360
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77742
Cosmetic ColorantCI 45380
Cosmetic ColorantRicinus Communis Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Copernicia Cerifera Cera, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Jojoba Esters, Helianthus Annuus Seed Wax, Tocopheryl Acetate, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Vanillin, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Oleic/Linoleic/Linolenic Polyglycerides, Rosa Canina Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil, Acacia Decurrens Flower Cera, Polyglycerin-3, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, CI 15850, CI 19140, CI 45410, CI 73360, CI 77742, CI 45380
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
This ingredient is also known as shea butter. It is a plant-derived extract from the nuts of the Africa shea tree and one of the most well-studied emollients.
Because it has a high concentration of fatty acids (primarily oleic, stearic, and linoleic) it is able to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This helps seal in moisture and prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
In vitro research found an increase in skin hydration by 58% and a decrease in TEWL by 37.8% after 24 hours of applying this ingredient (pretty impressive for a single ingredient!).
Besides hydration, shea butter also contains triterpenes that have anti-inflammatory potential. In particule, lupeol cinnamate has shown the highest anti-inflammatory activity in vivo.
Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E which may contribute to antioxidant activity.
While Shea Butter has an SPF rating of about 3-4, it is not a sunscreen replacement.
This ingredient may not be fungal acne safe because its fatty acids fall within the C11-C24 range that the Malassezia yeast can metabolize.
Learn more about Butyrospermum Parkii ButterCamellia Oleifera Seed Oil comes from a green tea plant native to China. It is closely related to Camellia sinensis. Both plants have very similar properties. This plant also has similar properties to olive oil.
This ingredient is rich in oleic acid. This makes it an effective moisturizer. By creating a thin film on the skin, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil traps moisture within. This helps keep your skin smooth and hydrated.
The antioxidant and soothing properties of this ingredient come from Vitamin E and polyphenols.
The seed oil comes from the dried kernels of the plant.
Learn more about Camellia Oleifera Seed OilThis ingredient is a lightweight 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. Though it behaves like an oil, it is not technically one due to its chemical composition. It is very stable, resistant to oxidation, and unlikely to go rancid. In practice, that translates to a long shelf life and a consistently elegant skin feel.
While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this. Be sure to patch test if you have concerns.
Fractionated coconut oil and MCT Oil are both listed as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride according to INCI. This is because INCI names are based on the ingredient’s final chemical composition and not its marketing name or source.
Learn more about Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideCaprylyl 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 15850 is the pigment color red. It is an azo dye and created synthetically.
Azo dyes need to be thoroughly purified before use. This allows them to be more stable and longer-lasting.
This ingredient is common in foundations, lipsticks, and blushes. This color is described as brown/orangey red.
It has many secondary names such as Red 6 and Red 7. According to a manufacturer, Red 6 usually contains aluminum.
Learn more about CI 15850CI 45410 is a synthetic red-pigment and dye.
It often goes by both Red 28 or Red 27; manufacturers label both ingredients as CI 45410.
This dye is commonly found in makeup because it imparts a vivid color. Some types of this dye change color based on pH level and interaction with moisture:
Your skin has a natural pH of around 4.5 - 5.5.
According to the FDA, CI 45410 is not permitted for use in eye products.
Red 27 is a flourescein dye and commonly used as a fluorescent tracer in medicine.
Learn more about CI 45410Ci 73360 is a synthetic red-pink dye.
It is soluble in water and remains chemically stable across a range of pH levels typically used in cosmetics. This helps manufacturers maintain uniform color throughout a product’s shelf life.
Because this ingredient is a regulated cosmetic colorant, its purity, manufacturing standards, and allowed uses are defined by cosmetic regulations in major markets.
Learn more about CI 73360This ingredient is used to add a violet color to cosmetics.
It is created by reacting phosphoric acid, ammonium dihydrogen orthophosphate, and manganese dioxide.
Ethylhexylglycerin 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 EthylhexylglycerinHelianthus Annuus Extract comes from the common sunflower.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E. Studies show sunflowers contain antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
The fatty acids found in sunflowers 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 ExtractThough this ingredient might sound like a juicy fruit extract, it's actually the fat pressed from the mango seed kernel (or the pit). In skincare, it behaves more like shea butter and cocoa butter than like a plant active.
The fatty acid makeup of mango seed butter makes it special; it's typically rich in stearic acid and oleic acid, with small amounts of palmitic and linoleic acid. This combo helps it melt on skin, feel creamy, and leave behind a protective "seal" that slows down water loss.
It also contains a small amount of "extras" like tocopherols (vitamin E) and phytosterols, which are often used to support skin soothing.
Due to its fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Mangifera Indica Seed ButterOryza Sativa Bran Extract comes from the outer layer of a rice kernel. It is a byproduct of milling rice, or the operation to produce a whole grain rice product.
This ingredient has moisturizing properties due to its components of polysaccharides and omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains calcium, selenium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc.
Oryza Sativa Bran Extract contains numerous antioxidants such as ferulic acid. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material.
Learn more about Oryza Sativa Bran ExtractRicinus Communis Seed Oil is the INCI name for castor oil.
Castor Oil helps moisturize the skin. It is rich in a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid helps prevent moisture loss on the skin. This helps keep your skin soft and hydrated. Ricinoleic acid also has anti-inflammatory and pain reducing properties.
Besides hydrating the skin, castor oil is also used to hydrate hair. By keeping the hair shaft moisturized, breakage is decreased. More studies are needed to show castor oil's effective on stimulating hair growth.
Castor oil is created by cold-pressing castor seeds and then purifying the oil with heat. It was used in Ancient Egypt as fuel in lamps and to help treat eye irritation.
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 Ricinus Communis Seed OilRosa Canina Seed Oil comes from the seeds of the dog-rose plant. It is an emollient.
Emollients help hydrate your skin by trapping moisture in. They create a thin film on the skin to prevent moisture from escaping.
Rosa Canina Seed Oil contains phenolic compounds, carotenoids, Vitamin C, linoleic acid, and other fatty acids.
Due to the fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe.
Learn more about Rosa Canina Seed OilRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract comes from rosemary. Rosemary is native to the Mediterranean.
While Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil can be volatile due to its fragrant properties, the fragrance components are usually removed in the leaf extract.
Rosemary Leaf Extract contains many antioxidants such as rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid. Rosemarinic acid, a compound found in rosemary leaf, has been found to help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and acne.
Learn more about Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf ExtractJojoba oil is one of the most well-studied plant-derived ingredients in cosmetics. It is an emollient with a special structure.
Because it is made up of 97-98% wax esters, it closely mirrors the linear monoesters found in human sebum. This makes it skin compatible, non-greasy, and lightweight.
Unlike other plant oils, jojoba wax doesn't easily penetrate skin. It mostly works in the uppermost layers as an emollient. This just means it forms a light barrier on the skin to help retain moisture.
Formulations with jojoba esters up to 90% reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and increased barrier recovery by 81% (outperforming bisabolol at 47%).
Besides barrier support, the science also suggests jojoba to have anti-inflammatory effects and potential applications for skin infections, aging, and wound healing.
Fun fact: Indigenous cultures have used jojoba as a moisturizer and to help treat burns for centuries.
Due to its fatty acid content, Jojoba oil may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Simmondsia Chinensis Seed OilTheobroma Cacao Seed Butter comes from the Theobroma cacoa, or Cacao tree. Cacao trees are native to tropical landscapes.
Like other plant butters, Cacao seed butter is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin. By creating a barrier to trap moisture in, emollients help keep your skin hydrated.
Cacao seed butter contains antioxidants known as polyphenols. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules by stabilizing them. Unstable free-radicals may cause damage to your skin cells. Antioxidants may help with anti-aging.
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter can be bad for acne prone skin.
Learn more about Theobroma Cacao Seed ButterTocopherol 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 AcetateVanillin is the main compound of the vanilla bean. It is naturally occuring but can also be artificially created.
This ingredient exhibits antioxidant properties but is also a known skin-irritant.
Vanillism is the term of contact-dermatitis associated with the vanilla plant. The sap of the vanilla plant triggers skin irritation, swelling, and redness.
Learn more about VanillinVitis Vinifera Seed Oil comes from the grape vine. Grape seeds are a byproduct of creating grape juice or wine.
The components of grape seeds have many skin benefits. Research has found it to be antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. It also contains many potent antioxidants such as Vitamin E , Vitamin C, proanthocyanidins, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Proanthocyanidin has been shown to help even out skin tone.
Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. Grape seed extract may help reduce the signs of aging.
The antimicrobial properties of grape seed may help treat acne. However, more research is needed to support this claim.
Grape seed has also been found to help absorb UV rays. Grape seed extract should not replace your sunscreen.
The fatty acids of grape seed oil give it emollient properties. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by creating a film. This film traps moisture within, keeping your skin hydrated.
Learn more about Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil