La Mer The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream Versus Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

Dimethicone is a silicone used for making products smooth and silky. It also has the added benefit of sealing in hydration. The amount of dimethicone found in beauty products is considered safe and non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores.

Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer (let's call it AAVC for short) is a synthetically created polymer. It's used as a film-forming agent and used to thicken the consistency of products.

Citrus Aurantifolia Peel Extract is a fragrance.

Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate is created from stearic acid.

Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil is the oil extracted from the seeds of the meadowfoam plant. This oil is non-fragrant and is an emollient. As an emollient, meadowfoam seed oil helps soften and hydrate the skin.

Sesame oil comes from sesame seeds. Sesame oil is rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E.

We don't have a description for Medicago Sativa Seed Powder.

Helianthus Annuus Seedcake is an exfoliant and isn't fungal acne safe.

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal comes from the Sweet Almond tree. This sweet almond seed meal is the residue from expressing almond oil.

This oil is derived from the leaves of Eucalyptus Globulus, a type of Eucalyptus tree native to Australia.

This is the synthetic salt of gluconic acid, a form of PHA and mild exfoliant.

We don't have a description for Copper Gluconate.

We don't have a description for Calcium Gluconate.

We don't have a description for Magnesium Gluconate.

We don't have a description for Zinc Gluconate.

Tocopheryl Succinate is an antioxidant.

Niacin is the other form of B3, with the other being niacinamide. The two have similar skin benefits: reducing inflammation, strengthening the skin barrier, and fading dark spots.

We don't have a description for Sesamum Indicum Seed Powder.

Hypnea Musciformis Extract comes from the red algae called Hypnea musciformis. Hypnea Musciformis is commonly found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

We don't have a description for Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 is a peptide. A common name for this peptide is Argireline.

Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol. It is a hydrating and moisturizing agent created from the reduction process of glucose.

Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 isn't fungal acne safe and is a peptide.

We don't have a description for Gelidiella Acerosa Extract.

Chondrus Crispus Extract comes from a red algae native to the northern Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America.

Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.

Sucrose is a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It is the main constituent of white sugar.

Laminaria Digitata Extract comes from the dark brown seaweed, Laminaria Digitata. It is a potent antioxidant, which also provides soothing and hydrating benefits.

PEG-8 is a synthetic polymer used as a humectant and solvent.

Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.

Squalane is an emollient that helps the skin hold onto moisture. It's an oily liquid that occurs naturally in certain types of fish and plant oils.

Trehalose is a disaccharide made of two glucose molecules (glucose is sugar!). Trehalose is used to help moisturize skin. It also has antioxidant properties.

Saccharide Isomerate comes from sugars found in corn. It is a skin hydrator.

Oleth-10 comes from oleyl alcohol. It is an emulsifier that helps reduce surface tension of dirt and pollutants to be washed away.

Tocopheryl 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.

Caffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and anti-aging.

We don't have a description for Glyceryl Polymethacrylate.

Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.

Hydrogenated Lecithin is created from the hydrogenation of lecithin. Hydrogenation is a chemical reaction between molecule hydrogen and another element.

Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.

Disodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.

BHT is a synthetic antioxidant. As an antioxidant, it helps your body fight off free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells.

Linalool is a fragrance and helps add scent to products. It's derived from common plants such as cinnamon, mint, citrus, and lavender.

Hydroxycitronellal is a fragrance created from citronellal. The smell of hydroxycitronellal is often described as "citrus-like" or "melon-like".

Citronellol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is often derived from plants such as roses. In fact, it can be found in many essential oils including geranium, lavender, neroli, and more. The scent of Citronellol is often described as "fresh, grassy, and citrus-like".

Geraniol is used to add fragrance/parfum to a product. It is the main component of citronellol. It is a monoterpenoid and an alcohol.

Limonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Phenoxyethanol 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.