What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantSqualane
EmollientPropylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
EmollientGlyceryl Stearate Se
EmulsifyingMethyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Hydrogenated Lecithin
EmulsifyingOctyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientNylon-12
Sucrose
HumectantHypnea Musciformis Extract
Skin ProtectingGelidiella Acerosa Extract
Skin ProtectingSigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPolygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
AntioxidantLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingVitis Vinifera Seed Extract
AntimicrobialRosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialHumulus Lupulus Extract
AntimicrobialCitrus Reticulata Peel Extract
Skin ConditioningPunica Granatum Fruit Juice
MaskingEthylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride
AntioxidantAcetyl Glucosamine
Skin ConditioningAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantLinolenic Acid
CleansingSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantDimethicone
EmollientCaffeine
Skin ConditioningLinoleic Acid
CleansingGlycerin
HumectantYeast Extract
Skin ConditioningPolyacrylamide
C13-14 Isoparaffin
EmollientPotassium Stearate
CleansingLaureth-7
EmulsifyingNordihydroguaiaretic Acid
AntioxidantCyclodextrin
AbsorbentP-Anisic Acid
MaskingParfum
MaskingDisodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Glyceryl Stearate Se, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Nylon-12, Sucrose, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Gelidiella Acerosa Extract, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Humulus Lupulus Extract, Citrus Reticulata Peel Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Juice, Ethylbisiminomethylguaiacol Manganese Chloride, Acetyl Glucosamine, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Linolenic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethicone, Caffeine, Linoleic Acid, Glycerin, Yeast Extract, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Potassium Stearate, Laureth-7, Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid, Cyclodextrin, P-Anisic Acid, Parfum, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol
Water
Skin ConditioningHomosalate
Skin ConditioningEthylhexyl Salicylate
UV AbsorberButyloctyl Salicylate
Skin ConditioningOctocrylene
UV AbsorberButyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
UV AbsorberNylon-12
Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate
EmollientBehenyl Alcohol
EmollientDimethicone
EmollientGlycerin
HumectantMyristyl Myristate
EmollientCetyl Esters
EmollientPolyethylene
AbrasiveButylene Glycol
HumectantGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
PEG-6
HumectantAmmonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer
Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract
Skin ConditioningThermus Thermophillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningSqualane
EmollientAnastatica Hierochuntica Extract
AstringentTriticum Vulgare Germ Extract
Skin ConditioningHordeum Vulgare Extract
EmollientBetula Alba Bark Extract
MaskingLaminaria Saccharina Extract
Skin ProtectingSalicornia Herbacea Extract
Skin ConditioningSaccharomyces Lysate Extract
HumectantAcetyl Hexapeptide-8
HumectantBiosaccharide Gum-4
Skin ConditioningCaffeine
Skin ConditioningDipotassium Glycyrrhizate
HumectantCholesterol
EmollientSodium PCA
HumectantSucrose
HumectantLinoleic Acid
CleansingTrehalose
HumectantAlgae Extract
EmollientTrisiloxane
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantPolyquaternium-51
Skin ConditioningLactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningDi-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate
EmollientSteareth-21
CleansingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantMyristyl Laurate
Parfum
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientMyristyl Alcohol
EmollientUrea
BufferingHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingSodium Dehydroacetate
PreservativeDisodium EDTA
BHT
AntioxidantPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeWater, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Nylon-12, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Behenyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Myristyl Myristate, Cetyl Esters, Polyethylene, Butylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, PEG-6, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Thermus Thermophillus Ferment, Squalane, Anastatica Hierochuntica Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Betula Alba Bark Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Saccharomyces Lysate Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Caffeine, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Cholesterol, Sodium PCA, Sucrose, Linoleic Acid, Trehalose, Algae Extract, Trisiloxane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyquaternium-51, Lactobacillus Ferment, Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate, Steareth-21, Tocopheryl Acetate, Myristyl Laurate, Parfum, Caprylyl Glycol, Myristyl Alcohol, Urea, Hexylene Glycol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Disodium EDTA, BHT, Phenoxyethanol
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, commonly known as Argireline or Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, is a popular peptide in skincare. Itâs often referred to as a âBotox-likeâ ingredient because it helps reduce muscle movement.
By relaxing these micro-movements, Argireline may help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. That said, itâs not as powerful as Botox, and research on its long-term effectiveness is still limited.
Beyond smoothing, Argireline may also support collagen production. Collagen is the protein that helps keep your skin firm, bouncy, and well-hydrated by strengthening the skin barrier.
So while Argireline isnât a miracle fix, it can be a helpful addition to a routine focused on both prevention and skin health.
Read more about other common types of peptides here:
Learn more about Acetyl Hexapeptide-8Butylene 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 GlycolCaffeine is most associated with coffee, tea, and cacao. In skincare, it helps with calming inflammation and is rich in antioxidants.
While caffeine is used to treat cellulite and and dark circles, further studies are needed to prove this. It has been believed to help with these skin conditions due to its ability to dilate blood vessels and increase blood flow.
Some studies are looking into caffeine's ability to protect against UV rays.
Learn more about CaffeineDimethicone is a type of synthetic silicone created from natural materials such as quartz.
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 DimethiconeDisodium EDTA plays a role in making products more stable by aiding other preservatives.
It is a chelating agent, meaning it neutralizes metal ions that may be found in a product.
Disodium EDTA is a salt of edetic acid and is found to be safe in cosmetic ingredients.
Learn more about Disodium EDTAGlycerin 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 GlycerinWe don't have a description for Laminaria Saccharina Extract yet.
Linoleic Acid is also known as Vitamin F. It is a fatty acid with emollient and skin conditioning properties. Our top layer of skin, or epidermis, contains high amounts of linoleic acid naturally.
Your body uses linoleic acid to build ceramides and prostaglandins. Ceramides keep your skin's barrier hydrated and strong while prosaglandins help control inflammation and healing. Needless to say, linoleic acid is crucial for having a strong skin barrier.
One study found applying linoleic acid rich sunflower oil to be more effective at repairing the skin barrier than oleic rich olive oil.
Linoleic acid is an essential fatty acid, meaning our bodies cannot create it on its own. We need to get linoleic acid through foods such as nuts and vegetable oils.
Acne-prone skin tends to have linoleic acid and high levels of oleic acid.
Linoleic acid can also help treat acne by softening sebum to prevent clogged pores. Another study found using 2.5% linoleic acid gel for 4 weeks showed a 25% reduction in small comedones.
This ingredient can also help lighten hyperpigmentation or sun spots by disrupting the melanin production process. It also helps your skin shed melanin pigment from your skin caused by UV exposure.
Due to its role in the production of the fatty acid prostaglandin, linoleic acid can also help reduce inflammation and support wound healing.
Linoleic acid is not always fungal-acne safe; it may trigger flare-ups in sensitive individuals.
Learn more about Linoleic AcidNylon-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-12We don't have a description for Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate yet.
Parfum 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 âFRAGRANCEâ or âPARFUMâ 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.
We don't have a description for Sigesbeckia Orientalis Extract yet.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateSqualane 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.
Because squalane boosts hydration in the skin, it also comes with plenty of benefits: it is an antioxidant and can help fight free radicals and skin damage. Squalane is also found to have a detoxifying effect when applied.
Squalane comes from squalene, which occurs naturally within the sebum of our skin. It is one of the oils our skin produces to keep itself hydrated. Squalane is the hydrogenated version of squalene and has a longer shelf life.
Research shows that squalane is non-irritating (even at 100% concentration).
In general, it's a fantastic ingredient. It does a great job at hydrating the skin, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The source of squalane may impact malassezia / fungal acne. This is because olive oil derived squalane can contain impurities such as fatty acids and plant waxes. Sugarcane derived squalane is recommended for anyone with malassezia concerns.
Is squalane vegan?
This depends on the source. Squalane can be derived from both plants and animals. Most squalane used in skincare comes from plants.
Please note: the source of squalane is only known if disclosed by the brand. We recommend reaching out to the brand if you have any questions about their squalane.
Read more about squalene with an "e".
Is squalane an oil?
Squalane is often called an oil, but itâs technically not; itâs a hydrocarbon, meaning itâs only made of carbon and hydrogen, unlike true oils which are triglycerides made of fatty acids and glycerol.
The term âoil-freeâ isnât regulated, so companies can define it however they want. Some exclude all oils, while others just avoid mineral oil or comedogenic oils.
While some people avoid oils thinking they cause breakouts, the right kind of oil (or oil-like ingredient like squalane) can actually help balance and hydrate your skin. Itâs worth testing out simple oils or squalane to see what works best for your skin.
Learn more about SqualaneSucrose is a natural sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It is the main constituent of white sugar.
In skincare, sucrose is a humectant and can be a mild exfoliant.
Sucrose is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water. This makes it an effective humectant and helps hydrate the skin.
Studies show sugars may worsen acne-prone skin due to it disrupting the skin's natural biome. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
In some products such as body scrubs, sucrose is used as an gentle exfoliant.
The term 'sucrose' comes from the french word for sugar, 'sucre'.
Learn more about SucroseWater. 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 Water