What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
HumectantPersea Gratissima Oil
Skin ConditioningPropanediol
SolventOctyldodecyl Myristate
EmollientBetaine
HumectantCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPolymethylsilsesquioxane
Canola Oil
EmollientHydrogenated Vegetable Oil
EmollientNiacinamide
SmoothingSqualane
EmollientAvena Sativa Kernel Oil
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Vitis-Idaea Fruit Extract
AntioxidantVaccinium Vitis-Idaea Seed Oil
AntioxidantRubus Chamaemorus Fruit Extract
AntioxidantCalluna Vulgaris Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningPhenoxyethanol
PreservativeCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantMica
Cosmetic ColorantSodium Acrylates Copolymer
Glyceryl Stearate
EmollientPEG-100 Stearate
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSilica
AbrasiveLecithin
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
BufferingAdenosine
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid
HumectantXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningGluconolactone
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientSodium Benzoate
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingN-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialCalcium Gluconate
HumectantCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCI 77491
Cosmetic ColorantCI 77891
Cosmetic ColorantWater, Glycerin, Persea Gratissima Oil, Propanediol, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Betaine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Canola Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Niacinamide, Squalane, Avena Sativa Kernel Oil, Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Vitis-Idaea Seed Oil, Rubus Chamaemorus Fruit Extract, Calluna Vulgaris Flower Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Mica, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Silica, Lecithin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Pentylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Adenosine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Ceramide NP, Gluconolactone, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate, Potassium Sorbate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Calcium Gluconate, Ceramide EOP, CI 77491, CI 77891
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
HumectantXylitol
HumectantGlycerin
HumectantCetyl Alcohol
EmollientDecyl Cocoate
EmollientCetearyl Alcohol
EmollientPropanediol
SolventVaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Juice
Skin ConditioningCanola Oil
EmollientShea Butter Ethyl Esters
EmollientPentylene Glycol
Skin ConditioningBetaine
HumectantAvena Sativa Kernel Extract
AbrasiveInulin
Skin ConditioningAvena Sativa Kernel Oil
Skin ConditioningVaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil
Skin ConditioningCeramide NP
Skin ConditioningCeramide AP
Skin ConditioningPhytosphingosine
Skin ConditioningCholesterol
EmollientCeramide EOP
Skin ConditioningCetearyl Glucoside
EmulsifyingTocopherol
AntioxidantSaccharide Isomerate
HumectantBrassica Campestris Sterols
EmollientEthylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningHydroxyacetophenone
AntioxidantHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil
EmollientSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningSclerotium Gum
Emulsion StabilisingPhenoxyethanol
PreservativePolyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin ConditioningBiosaccharide Gum-1
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
HumectantTriethyl Citrate
MaskingPolyglyceryl-6 Behenate
Emulsion StabilisingCitric Acid
BufferingSodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Carrageenan
Emulsion StabilisingBehenic Acid
CleansingGlyceryl Stearate
EmollientSodium Levulinate
Skin ConditioningPotassium Sorbate
PreservativeMaris Sal
Skin ConditioningSodium Cetearyl Sulfate
CleansingRosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialWater, Butylene Glycol, Xylitol, Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Decyl Cocoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Juice, Canola Oil, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Pentylene Glycol, Betaine, Avena Sativa Kernel Extract, Inulin, Avena Sativa Kernel Oil, Vaccinium Myrtillus Seed Oil, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Phytosphingosine, Cholesterol, Ceramide EOP, Cetearyl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Saccharide Isomerate, Brassica Campestris Sterols, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Sodium Gluconate, Sclerotium Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Hyaluronate, Triethyl Citrate, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Carrageenan, Behenic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Sodium Levulinate, Potassium Sorbate, Maris Sal, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Avena Sativa Kernel Oil is the oil from colloidal oatmeal.
Besides being a healthy breakfast, oats have many benefits in skincare too.
Colloidal Oatmeal helps sooth, hydrate, and protect the skin. The starches in colloidal oatmeal are able to bind water, keeping the skin hydrated.
Avena Sativa Kernel Oil is also an antioxidant. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radical molecules. These molecules may damage skin cells.
Overall,Avena Sativa Kernel Oil is great at providing the skin with moisture. It also protects the skin as an antioxidant.
Learn more about Avena Sativa Kernel OilBetaine is a common humectant (a substance that promotes retention of moisture). It's known to be gentle on the skin and can help balance hydration.
This ingredient is best for improving hydration and soothing irritated skin. Studies also show it helps even out skin tone.
Fun fact: Betaine is naturally created in the skin and body. The kind found within cosmetic products can be either plant-derived or synthetic.
Another name for betaine is trimethylglycine.
Learn more about BetaineCanola Oil is Rapeseed oil with low amounts of erucic acid. It is an emollient and helps hydrate the skin. Emollients help hydrate and soften your skin by trapping moisture.
The comedogenic rating of canola oil is 4.
Canola oil contains Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and fatty acids such as linoleic acid.
Learn more about Canola OilCeramide AP is formally known as Ceramide 6.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. Having a strong skin barrier leads to more firm and hydrated skin.
They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide NP
Ceramide EOP
Ceramide EOP is formally known as Ceramide 1 and Ceramide 1 A.
EOP stands for a linked Ester fatty acid, a linked Omega hydroxy fatty acid, and the Phytosphingosine base.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin. They bind dead skin cells together to create a barrier. The ceramides in our skin have the ability to hold water to keep our skin hydrated.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A strong skin barrier helps with:
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Learn more about Ceramide EOPCeramide NP is a type of ceramide and formally known as ceramide 3.
Ceramides are intercellular lipids naturally found in our skin that bonds dead skin cells together to create a barrier. They are known for their ability to hold water and thus are a great ingredient for dry skin.
Ceramides are an important building block for our skin barrier. A stronger barrier helps the skin look more firm and hydrated. By bolstering the skin ceramides act as a barrier against irritating ingredients. This can help with inflammation as well.
If you would like to eat ceramides, sweet potatoes contain a small amount.
Read more about other common types of ceramides here:
Ceramide AP
Ceramide EOP
Cetearyl alcohol is a mixture of two fatty alcohols: cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol. It is mainly used as an emulsifier. Emulsifiers help prevent the separation of oils and products. Due to its composition, it can also be used to thicken a product or help create foam.
Cetearyl alcohol is an emollient. Emollients help soothe and hydrate the skin by trapping moisture.
Studies show Cetearyl alcohol is non-toxic and non-irritating. The FDA allows products labeled "alcohol-free" to have fatty alcohols.
This ingredient is usually derived from plant oils such as palm, vegetable, or coconut oils. There is debate on whether this ingredient will cause acne.
Due to the fatty acid base, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis safe.
Learn more about Cetearyl AlcoholCetearyl Glucoside is a surfactant and emulsifier. It can be produced from synthetic of natural sources of cetearyl alcohol and glucose.
Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating, such as oils and waters. It can also be used to enhance the texture of products.
As a surfactant, Cetearyl Glucoside helps during the cleansing process. By gathering all the dirt and oils, it allows these molecules to be washed away easily.
Learn more about Cetearyl GlucosideCholesterol is a class of organic molecules called lipids. It helps hydrate your skin and is essential to having a healthy skin barrier.
Our skin naturally contains cholesterol in the outermost layer. Besides cholesterol, it also contains ceramides and fatty acids. Cholesterol makes up about 1/4 of your skin's outer layer and barrier. Your skin barrier is responsible for keeping allergens and microbes out. Having a healthy skin barrier is also responsible for keeping your skin firm and plump.
Our bodies use cholestrol to create vitamin D, steroid hormones, and more.
Learn more about CholesterolCitric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath.
However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products.
Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH.
In skincare formulas, citric acid can:
While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants.
Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidEthylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Glycerin 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 GlycerinGlyceryl Stearate is a mix of glycerin and stearic acid.
It is used to stabilize the mixing of water and oil ingredients. By preventing these ingredients from separating, it can help elongate shelf life. It can also help thicken the product's texture.
As an emollient, it helps soften skin and supports barrier-replenishing ingredients.
In cosmetics, Glyceryl Stearate is often made from vegetable oils or synthetically produced.
This ingredient may not be fungal-acne safe
Fun fact: The human body also creates Glyceryl Stearate naturally.
Learn more about Glyceryl StearateHelianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.
Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.
These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.
Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.
Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.
Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.
Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed OilPentylene glycol is typically used within a product to thicken it. It also adds a smooth, soft, and moisturizing feel to the product. It is naturally found in plants such as sugar beets.
The hydrophilic trait of Pentylene Glycol makes it a humectant. As a humectant, Pentylene Glycol helps draw moisture from the air to your skin. This can help keep your skin hydrated.
This property also makes Pentylene Glycol a great texture enhancer. It can also help thicken or stabilize a product.
Pentylene Glycol also acts as a mild preservative and helps to keep a product microbe-free.
Some people may experience mild eye and skin irritation from Pentylene Glycol. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.
Pentylene Glycol has a low molecular weight and is part of the 1,2-glycol family.
Learn more about Pentylene GlycolPhenoxyethanol 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.
Phytosphingosine is a phospholipid naturally found in our skin as a building block for ceramides.. It helps moisturize, soothe, and protect skin.
Phytosphingosine contributes to your skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF). The NMF is responsible for hydration, a strong barrier, and plasticity. Our NMF decreases with age. Increasing NMF leads to more healthy and hydrated skin.
Studies show products formulated with NMF ingredients help strengthen our skin's barrier. Having a healthy skin barrier reduces irritation and increases hydration. Our skin barrier is responsible for having plump and firm skin. It also helps protect our skin against infection, allergies, and inflammation.
Fun fact: Phytosphingosine is abundant in plants and fungi.
More ingredients that help boost collagen in skin:
Learn more about PhytosphingosinePotassium 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 SorbatePropanediol is an all-star ingredient. It softens, hydrates, and smooths the skin.Â
It’s often used to:
Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use. It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.
Learn more about PropanediolRosmarinus 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 ExtractTocopherol (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 TocopherolWater. 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