What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientOctyldodecanol
EmollientCetyl Ethylhexanoate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningSynthetic Wax
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-2 Isostearate/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingRicinus Communis Seed Oil
MaskingCeresin
Emulsion StabilisingEuphorbia Cerifera Wax
Macadamia Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters Behenate
EmollientSorbitan Olivate
EmulsifyingPrunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantSorbitan Sesquioleate
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
AntioxidantPolyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
EmulsifyingCI 77120
Cosmetic ColorantCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
MaskingCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77499
Cosmetic ColorantDehydroacetic Acid
PreservativeCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
MaskingRosin
Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil
MaskingWater
Skin ConditioningLimnanthes Alba Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningTocopherol
AntioxidantHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantButylene Glycol
HumectantVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
Astringent1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentVaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract
Skin ProtectingMorus Alba Root Extract
BleachingFragaria Vesca Fruit Extract
AstringentHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Octyldodecanol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Diisostearyl Malate, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Synthetic Wax, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate/Dimer Dilinoleate Copolymer, Microcrystalline Wax, Ricinus Communis Seed Oil, Ceresin, Euphorbia Cerifera Wax, Macadamia Seed Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters Behenate, Sorbitan Olivate, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, CI 77491, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, CI 77120, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, CI 15850, CI 77499, Dehydroacetic Acid, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Rosin, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Water, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Angustifolium Fruit Extract, Morus Alba Root Extract, Fragaria Vesca Fruit Extract
Hydrogenated Polyisobutene
EmollientBis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate
EmollientPhytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate
Skin ConditioningBis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
EmollientDiisostearyl Malate
EmollientMicrocrystalline Wax
Emulsion StabilisingPyrus Malus Seed Oil
EmollientSucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate
EmollientSynthetic Fluorphlogopite
Synthetic Wax
AbrasiveSilica Silylate
EmollientEthylene/Propylene Copolymer
AbrasivePolyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate
EmulsifyingCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15985
Cosmetic ColorantCI 15850
Cosmetic ColorantCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientGlyceryl Caprylate
EmollientPolyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate
EmulsifyingCI 45410
Cosmetic ColorantTocopherol
AntioxidantWater
Skin ConditioningButyrospermum Parkii Butter
Skin ConditioningHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantRosa Canina Fruit Oil
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningRubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
AstringentVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
AstringentHydrogenated Polyisobutene, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Diisostearyl Malate, Microcrystalline Wax, Pyrus Malus Seed Oil, Sucrose Tetrastearate Triacetate, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Synthetic Wax, Silica Silylate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, CI 77891, CI 15985, CI 15850, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, CI 45410, Tocopherol, Water, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse.Â
It is a:
- Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin
- Emollient, helping to soften skin
- Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas
- Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservativesÂ
Butylene 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 GlycolThis 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 ButterCi 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 15850Diisostearyl Malate is an emollient and most often used in lip products. It comes from isostearyl alcohol, a fatty acid, and malic acid, an AHA.
As an emollient, Diisostearyl Malate helps create a thin film on your skin to trap moisture in. This helps keep your skin soft and smooth.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is a plant oil derived from the seeds of a sunflower.
It is rich in fatty acids, primarily linoleic acid and oleic acid. This gives it emollient and skin conditioning properties.
The reason this ingredient is so effective is because it forms a thin film on the skin that reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) while supplying linoleic acid to the stratum corneum to improve barrier strength.
The high linoleic acid content is particularly noteworthy for acne-prone skin.
Research suggests that acne-prone skin tends to be deficient in linoleic acid in sebum. Topical application may help replenish this to support a healthier follicular environment and less comedone-promoting sebum.
One randomized study found sunflower seed oil preserved skin barrier integrity in adult volunteers with and without atopic dermatitis (outperforming olive oil).
This ingredient is well-studied, gentle, and an effective emollient suitable for most skin types.
On fungal acne: This ingredient may not be Fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) safe. This is because it contains fatty acids with carbon chain lengths in the C11-C24 range.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is hyaluronic acid (HA) that is broken down into lower molecular weight fragments.
It's a humectant that pulls and holds water in the skin to help with hydration, plumpness, and reduce transepidermal water loss.
Because hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid is smaller in size, it can slip past your outermost layer of skin more easily than full-sized HA.
Most formulations will combine all sizes to get the best of both worlds.
Typical usage levels range from 0.01-1%. Any percentage higher than 2% might become goopy and tacky.
Learn more about Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic AcidMicrocrystalline Wax is derived from petroleum through a de-oiling process, then highly refined and purified before use in cosmetics.
In skincare formulations, it is used to improve texture and create a smooth, even consistency. It also helps stabilize products by preventing ingredients from separating.
Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer Dilinoleate is an emollient ester.
As an emollient, it softens and hydrates your skin by locking moisture in. Its large, branched structure gives it a thick, cushiony feel without being greasy. This is why it shows up most often in lip balms, lipsticks, and other stick or balm formulas, where it adds gloss and helps hold waxes and pigments together.
The phytosterol portion is a nice extra. Phytosterols are plant-based lipids that are structurally similar to ones found naturally in skin, so they can help support the skin barrier.
Because this ingredient contains C16, C18, and C22 fatty chains, it may not be Malassezia/fungal acne safe. The Malassezia yeast potentially feeds on fatty acids in the C11-C24 range. If you're prone to flare-ups, you might want to patch-test or skip this one.
Learn more about Phytosteryl/Isostearyl/Cetyl/Stearyl/Behenyl Dimer DilinoleateThis ingredient is a form of glycerin with emulsifying and emollient properties.
As an emulsifier, this ingredient helps keep products together while adding a thick texture. The manufacturer states this ingredient has emollient properties. Emollients help keep the skin hydrated by trapping moisture in.
Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate is created by reacting diglycerin and isostearic acid. Due to the isostearic acid base, it may not be safe for Malassezia or fungal acne.
Learn more about Polyglyceryl-2 TriisostearateWe don't have a description for Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract yet.
Synthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.
It may also be used as an abrasive ingredient to exfoliate the skin.
Synthetic Wax may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Synthetic WaxTocopherol (also known as Vitamin E) is a common antioxidant used to help protect the skin from free-radicals and strengthen the skin barrier. It's also fat soluble - this means our skin is great at absorbing it.
Vitamin E also helps keep your natural skin lipids healthy. Your lipid skin barrier naturally consists of lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids. Vitamin E offers extra protection for your skin’s lipid barrier, keeping your skin healthy and nourished.
Another benefit is a bit of UV protection. Vitamin E helps reduce the damage caused by UVB rays. (It should not replace your sunscreen). Combining it with Vitamin C can decrease sunburned cells and hyperpigmentation after UV exposure.
You might have noticed Vitamin E + C often paired together. This is because it is great at stabilizing Vitamin C. Using the two together helps increase the effectiveness of both ingredients.
There are often claims that Vitamin E can reduce/prevent scarring, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Learn more about TocopherolVaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit Extract comes from the cranberry fruit. Vaccinium Macrocarpon is the North American species of cranberries native to eastern Canada.
As an astringent, cranberry extract helps tighten the pores by constricting the cells.
Cranberries contain Vitamin E and Vitamin C, both potent antioxidants. It also contains minerals such as manganese and copper.
Learn more about Vaccinium Macrocarpon Fruit ExtractWater. 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